Newswise — Stem lodging is a major challenge in agricultural production, especially in crops such as peppers with heavy above-ground biomass. Lodging reduces the strength and stability of the stem, which greatly affects the yield and quality of the crop. Research has shown that cell wall components—cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin—are essential for structural support. However, the genetic mechanisms behind stem lodging in Solanaceae family remains unknown, emphasizing the urgent need for deeper exploration of the genes that control stem vigor and lodging resistance.
Scientists from Hunan Agricultural University have identified a gene associated with stem vigor in Capsicum annuum, as reported (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae169) in Research in Horticulture on June 20, 2024. The study focused on CaSLR1, a MYB family transcription factor identified through genetic analysis of a pepper susceptible mutant. The findings show that CaSLR1 plays an important role in regulating cell wall biosynthesis, thereby enhancing stem strength and reducing lodging. The function of the gene has been verified in both pepper and tomato, showing its wider relevance in promoting stem stability.
Research identified CaSLR1 by analyzing a stem lodging-resistant pepper mutant, showing that this MYB transcription factor is essential for secondary cell wall formation. silence CaSLR1 lead to a significant decrease in cell wall thickness and stem strength, with similar results observed in tomatoes when the homologous gene SlMYB61 was interrupted. Further analysis revealed that CaNAC6a gene involved in cell wall formation, is positively regulated CaSLR1 expression Experimental validation confirmed that CaNAC6 binding to CaSLR1 promoter, emphasizing the importance of the CaNAC6-CaSLR1 module in maintaining stem integrity. This research advances our understanding of stem development and offers new targets for breeding resilient crops.
said Dr. Xuexiao Zou, a lead researcher in the study, “This discovery reveals a critical genetic factor in the battle against stem lodging in peppers. By understanding how CaSLR1 controlling cell wall biosynthesis, we can develop precise breeding strategies to strengthen stems and boost crop yields. Our findings not only improve knowledge of plant genetics but also hold significant promise for sustainable agriculture.
The discovery of CaSLR1The role of paper in enhancing stem strength opens new opportunities for breeding programs aimed at improving lodging resistance in peppers and tomatoes. By targeting this gene, breeders can develop varieties that minimize stem damage, reduce yield losses and boost overall productivity. Furthermore, insights into the genetic pathways that regulate stem vigor may inform strategies for enhancing resilience in other crops, contributing to more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. in response to environmental challenges.
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References
DOI
10.1093/hr/uhae169
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae169
Funding information
This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32172584), the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (2021JJ30339), the Hunan Provincial Innovation Foundation for Postgraduate (CX20200655), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32002040) .
About Research in Horticulture
Research in Horticulture is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number two in the Horticulture category of Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2023. The journal is dedicated to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments , correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major plant and horticultural disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origin and domestication of crops.
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