Scientists from Pennsylvania State University have identified new genes in corn that could increase crop yields and biofuel potential.
The researchers discovered two previously-unknown “psychedelic” maize genes that promote carbohydrate export from leaves. The genes are nicknamed as such because they cause yellow and green streaks in the plant’s leaves.
The genes work together to help move carbon from leaves to other parts of the plant.
For the plant, that ultimately results in the allocation of carbohydrates that are essential for growth.
For industry, that means researchers could manipulate the genes to increase crop yields and the amount of biofuel that can be derived from each plant.
The “psychedelic” streaks are indicative of gene mutation. Once researchers identified the genes responsible for the striped appearance, they determined which biological pathway was involved, discovering along the way two new genes that work together to impact the way carbohydrates move through the plant.
In addition to better yields or more biomass, gene manipulation could also produce plants better able to withstand environmental stresses.
“This study shows that there is still a lot to learn about genes that control carbohydrate distribution in plants,” Penn State biology researcher David Braun said in a statement. “By learning how these genes work, I hope we’ll be able to improve plant growth and crop yield to solve some of the serious challenges concerning sustainable food and fuel production.”
Researcher Thomas Slewinski co-authored the study (.pdf). Their work was published in the May 2010 issue of Genetics.
Photo: Inhabitat
