Scientists Develop Gene Editing Method to Reduce Corn Plant Height

Researchers from the Biotechnology Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), in collaboration with Anhui Agricultural University and South China Agricultural University, have developed a gene-editing technique to reduce corn plant height, enabling the creation of compact, high-density varieties resistant to lodging.

In a paper published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, the research team focused on modifying the Brachytic2 (Br2) gene through targeted gene editing. They designed a knockout vector for the Br2 gene and identified seven transgenic lines with distinct mutations in corn inbred varieties. The experiments showed that all hybrid offspring derived from crosses with elite inbred lines produced dwarf progeny. The team developed a haploid inducer-mediated genome editing system, enabling the conversion of edited haploid plants into stable double-haploid lines within two generations. Three elite inbred lines treated with the system showed significant reductions in plant height.

Wang Baobao, the corresponding author of the study and a researcher at the CAAS said this method allows rapid and precise modification of plant height across different genetic backgrounds and provides critical technical support for breeding corn varieties optimized for dense planting and enhanced lodging resistance.

For more details, read this article or download the open-access paper in the Plant Biotechnology Journal.