Abstract
Phosphorus (P) deficiency is an important challenge the world faces while having to increase crop yields. It is therefore necessary to select maize (Zea may L.) genotypes with high phosphorus use efficiency (PUE). Here, we extensively analyzed the biomass, grain yield, and PUE-related traits of 359 maize inbred lines grown under both low-P and normal-P conditions. A significant decrease in grain yield per plant and biomass, an increase in PUE under low-P condition, as well as significant correlations between the two treatments were observed. In a genome-wide association study, 49, 53, and 48 candidate genes were identified for eleven traits under low-P, normal-P conditions, and in low-P tolerance index (phenotype under low-P divided by phenotype under normal-P condition) datasets, respectively. Several gene ontology pathways were enriched for the genes identified under low-P condition. In addition, seven key genes related to phosphate transporter or stress response were molecularly characterized. Further analyses uncovered the favorable haplotype for several core genes, which is less prevalent in modern lines but often enriched in a specific subpopulation. Collectively, our research provides progress in the genetic dissection and molecular characterization of PUE in maize.
Highlights
P utilization efficiency (PUtE) had an increase, especially shoot P utilization efficiency (ShPUtE) which increased by 55.0%; the remaining traits showed a significant decrease when comparing low-P to normal-P conditions
phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) is an important and complex trait, which can be defined by grain yield per available P in soil and is affected by many genetic factors
PUE consists of two molecular processes, Pi uptake from soil to root and shoot called P uptake efficiency (PUpE), and internal Pi utilization named P utilization efficiency (PUtE)
Summary
Maize is a multi-purpose crop, being an important staple food, feed, and industrial raw material. It is very important to ensure stable maize production. Phosphorus (P) is a major element necessary for plant growth and development. P deficiency is an important abiotic stress that limits crop yield [1,2]. Cropland in many regions is in a state of P deficiency, especially in developing countries [3]. Farmers solve the problem of soil P deficiency by applying chemical fertilizers.
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