Genetic control of photoprotection and photosystem II operating efficiency in plants

Journal Article · 21 May 2023 · New Phytologist

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18980 · OSTI ID:1974636

Sahay, Seema  ^[1]; Grzybowski, Marcin  ^[2]; Schnable, James C.  ^[3]; Głowacka, Katarzyna  ^[4]

---

1. Department of Biochemistry Beadle Center, University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA, Center for Plant Science Innovation University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA
2. Center for Plant Science Innovation University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68583 USA, Department of Plant Molecular Ecophysiology, Faculty of Biology Institute of Plant Experimental Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warsaw 02‐096 Warsaw Poland
3. Center for Plant Science Innovation University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68583 USA
4. Department of Biochemistry Beadle Center, University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA, Center for Plant Science Innovation University of Nebraska‐Lincoln Lincoln NE 68588 USA, Institute of Plant Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences 60‐479 Poznań Poland

Summary Photoprotection against excess light via nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) is indispensable for plant survival. However, slow NPQ relaxation under low light conditions can decrease yield of field‐grown crops up to 40%. Using semi‐high‐throughput assay, we quantified the kinetics of NPQ and photosystem II operating efficiency (ΦPSII) in a replicated field trial of more than 700 maize ( Zea mays ) genotypes across 2 yr. Parametrized kinetics data were used to conduct genome‐wide association studies. For six candidate genes involved in NPQ and ΦPSII kinetics in maize the loss of function alleles of orthologous genes in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ) were characterized: two thioredoxin genes, and genes encoding a transporter in the chloroplast envelope, an initiator of chloroplast movement, a putative regulator of cell elongation and stomatal patterning, and a protein involved in plant energy homeostasis. Since maize and Arabidopsis are distantly related, we propose that genes involved in photoprotection and PSII function are conserved across vascular plants. The genes and naturally occurring functional alleles identified here considerably expand the toolbox to achieving a sustainable increase in crop productivity.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: National Science Foundation (NSF); US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA); USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0020355
• OSTI ID: 1974636
• Journal Information: New Phytologist, Journal Name: New Phytologist Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 239; ISSN 0028-646X
• Publisher: Wiley-BlackwellCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English