The Key Role of Glutamate Dehydrogenase 2 (GDH2) in the Control of Kernel Production in Maize (Zea mays L.)

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Abstract
The agronomic potential of glutamate dehydrogenase 2 (GDH2) in maize kernel production was investigated by examining the impact of a mutation on the corresponding gene. Mu-insertion homozygous and heterozygous mutant lines lacking GDH2 activity were isolated and characterized at the biochemical, physiological and agronomic levels. In comparison to the wild type and to the homozygous ghd2 mutants, the heterozygous gdh2 mutant plants were characterized by a decrease in the root amino acid content, whereas in the leaves an increase of a number of phenolic compounds was observed. On average, a 30 to 40% increase in kernel yield was obtained only in the heterozygous gdh2 mutant lines when plants were grown in the field over two years. The importance of GDH2 in the control of plant productivity is discussed in relation to the physiological impact of the mutation on amino acid content, with primary carbon metabolism mostly occurring in the roots and secondary metabolism occurring in the leaves.
Funding Information
  • Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique et de l’Environnement (INRAE) (Genoplante ZmS3P1)
  • Plant Biotechnology Industry program for BIOGEMMA-LIMAGRAIN (Genoplante ZmS3P1)

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