In:
Theoretical and Applied Genetics, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 134, No. 6 ( 2021-06), p. 1663-1675
Abstract:
Carbon isotope discrimination is a promising trait for indirect screening for improved water use efficiency of C 4 crops . Abstract In the context of a changing climate, drought is one of the major factors limiting plant growth and yield. Hence, breeding efforts are directed toward improving water use efficiency (WUE) as a key factor in climate resilience and sustainability of crop production. As WUE is a complex trait and its evaluation is rather resource consuming, proxy traits, which are easier to screen and reliably reflect variation in WUE, are needed. In C 3 crops, a trait established to be indicative for WUE is the carbon isotopic composition (δ 13 C) of plant material, which reflects the preferential assimilation of the lighter carbon isotope 12 C over 13 C during photosynthesis. In C 4 crops, carbon fixation is more complex and δ 13 C thus depends on many more factors than in C 3 crops. Recent physiological and genetic studies indicate a correlation between δ 13 C and WUE also in C 4 crops, as well as a colocalization of quantitative trait loci for the two traits. Moreover, significant intraspecific variation as well as a medium to high heritability of δ 13 C has been shown in some of the main C 4 crops, such as maize, sorghum and sugarcane, indicating its potential for indirect selection and breeding. Further research on physiological, genetic and environmental components influencing δ 13 C is needed to support its application in improving WUE and making C 4 crops resilient to climate change.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0040-5752
,
1432-2242
DOI:
10.1007/s00122-020-03761-3
Language:
English
Publisher:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1478966-8
SSG:
12
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