Characterization and Fine Mapping of SFL1, a Gene Controlling Screw Flag Leaf in Rice

What is it about?

The study identified and characterized a mutant with screw flag leaf 1 (sfl1) that showed the screw flag leaf and panicle-at-bottom phenotype at the reproductive stage, accompanied by a dramatically reduced plant height, flag leaf length and width, panicle length, and grain width 1. Genetic analysis suggested that the mutant traits were completely controlled by a single recessive gene. The SFL1 gene was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 10 within a region of 49.7 kb between InDel markers B7P26 and B7P31. Cloning and sequencing results revealed that there was only one base substitution in the second exon of candidate gene Os10g0416200. The SFL1 locus encodes the 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase 20 protein (KCS20) 1. These results provide an important basis for the functional analysis of the SFL1 gene in rice leaf and panicle development, as well as the exploration of further mechanisms controlling the screw flag leaf trait for application in rice breeding.

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Photo by Miriam Espacio on Unsplash

Photo by Miriam Espacio on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of leaf morphology in rice, which is an important agronomic trait that greatly affects the total grain yield. By identifying and characterizing a mutant with screw flag leaf 1 (sfl1) and mapping the SFL1 gene, the study provides an important basis for the functional analysis of the SFL1 gene in rice leaf and panicle development. This information could be useful for future research aimed at improving rice production through the exploration of further mechanisms controlling screw flag leaf traits for application in rice breeding.