Molecular control of grass inflorescence development
Date
2014
Authors
Zhang, D.
Yuan, Z.
Editors
Merchant, S.S.
Advisors
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Annual Review of Plant Biology, 2014; 65(1):553-578
Statement of Responsibility
Dabing Zhang and Zheng Yuan
Conference Name
Abstract
The grass family is one of the largest families in angiosperms and has evolved a characteristic inflorescence morphology, with complex branches and specialized spikelets. The origin and development of the highly divergent inflorescence architecture in grasses have recently received much attention. Increasing evidence has revealed that numerous factors, such as transcription factors and plant hormones, play key roles in determining reproductive meristem fate and inflorescence patterning in grasses. Moreover, some molecular switches that have been implicated in specifying inflorescence shapes contribute significantly to grain yields in cereals. Here, we review key genetic and molecular switches recently identified from two model grass species, rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays), that regulate inflorescence morphology specification, including meristem identity, meristem size and maintenance, initiation and outgrowth of axillary meristems, and organogenesis. Furthermore, we summarize emerging networks of genes and pathways in grass inflorescence morphogenesis and emphasize their evolutionary divergence in comparison with the model eudicot Arabidopsis thaliana. We also discuss the agricultural application of genes controlling grass inflorescence development.
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First published online as a Review in Advance on January 27, 2014
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Copyright © 2014 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.