Maize Kernel Development

This is an authoritative book that acts as a guide to understanding maize kernel development. Written by a team of experts, it covers topics spanning pre- and post-fertilization events, embryo and endosperm development, grain filling and maturation, and factors influencing crop yield. It explores the significance of maize and other cereal grains, existing hypotheses and research, and important gaps in our knowledge and how we might fill them. This is a valuable resource for researchers of maize and other cereals, and anyone working on basic or applied science in the fields of seed development, plant genetics, and crop physiology.

Corn: Chemistry and Technology, Third Edition, provides a broad perspective on corn from expert agronomists, food scientists and geneticists. This encyclopedic storehouse of comprehensive information on all aspects of the world’s largest crop (in metric tons) includes extensive coverage of recent development in genetic modification for the generation of new hybrids and genotypes. New chapters highlight the importance of corn as a raw material for the production of fuel bioethanol and the emerging topic of phytochemicals or nutraceutical compounds associated to different types of corns and their effect on human health, especially in the prevention of chronic diseases and cancer. Written by international experts on corn, and edited by a highly respected academics, this new edition will remain the industry standard on the topic. Presents new chapters that deal with specialty corns, the production of first generation bioethanol, and the important relationship of corn phytochemicals or nutraceuticals with human health Provides contributions from a new editor and a number of new contributors who bring a fresh take on this highly successful volume Includes vastly increased content relating to recent developments in genetic modification for the generation of new hybrids and genotypes Contains encyclopedic coverage of grain chemistry and nutritional quality of this extensively farmed product Covers the production and handling of corn, with both food and non-food applications

The maize kernel is at the heart of research efforts geared to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing its development and the accumulation of oil and starch in its two major compartments, embryo and endosperm. Here, we present the molecular and phenotypic characterisation of two maize kernel mutants, the embryo-specific PPR8522 and the miniature PPR2263 mutant. Despite dissimilar phenotypes both mutations concerned genes coding for pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins predicted to act in organellar RNA processing. The gene responsible for the embryo-lethal phenotype of PPR8522 was identified by transposon tagging and confirmed by fine mapping. PPR8522 contains 10 PPR motifs, is targeted to plastids and required for the transcription of nearly all plastid-encoded genes. Mutant embryos deviate as early as the 3-cell stage from normal development but can be rescued in vitro in certain genetic backgrounds. Rescued mutant plantlets have an albino lethal phenotype due to a substantial cellular desorganisation of their plastids including a total lack of thylakoid stacks. The mutation responsible for the miniature kernel phenotype of PPR2263 was identified by a novel cDNA transposon display technique. The cloning was confirmed by transgenic complementation via Agrobacterium-mediated maize transformation. PPR2263 contains 10 PPR motifs, a mitochondrial-targeting sequence and a DYW domain, suggesting a role in organellar RNA editing. Mutant plants hardly ever reach sexual maturity and are characterised by slow growth.

In this authoritative guide, expert investigators provide cutting-edge chapters dealing with modern plant systems biology approaches. This work provides the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results.

Improve the quantity and quality of maize crops in any environment! While isolated examples of the physiological bases for genetic improvement of maize yield can be found in several papers (most of which are cited in this book), there has not, until now, been a single volume that delivers and clarifies all of the available information in this field! Today, Physiological Bases for Maize Improvement offers scientists and crop growers a thorough and concise guide to recent literature and developments about increasing the crop efficiency of corn. In Physiological Bases for Maize Improvement, international experts in the field discuss and analyze methods of effectively improving crop breeding and producing better and larger yields of corn. Physiological Bases for Maize Improvement delivers clear, thorough discussions of: improving maize grain yield potential in a cool environment improving maize grain yield potential in the tropics processes affecting maize grain yield potential in temperate conditions maize improvement for drought-limited conditions apical dominance, herbivory resistance, and competitive ability the use of simulation models for crop improvement . . . and much more! With this book, you will find ways to improve maize crops in a variety of countries and climates and understand the importance of kernel numbers and kernel growth to the overall yield. Containing current research and case studies, Physiological Bases for Maize Improvement provides you with vital strategies that will improve the quality and quantity of corn and increase plant functionality and fitness.