Genetic and molecular basis of grain size and grain number and its relevance to grain productivity in higher plants

• Published in: Genome Vol. 49; no. 6; pp. 565 - 571
• Main Authors: Gupta, P.K, Rustgi, S, Kumar, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ottawa, Canada NRC Research Press 01.06.2006; Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
• Subjects: Agricultural productivity; agronomic traits; Chromosome Mapping; Cloning, Molecular; Crop yield; Crops, Agricultural - economics; Crops, Agricultural - genetics; Crops, Agricultural - growth & development; dimensions; Domestication; Edible Grain - economics; Edible Grain - genetics; Edible Grain - growth & development; Genes, Plant; Genetic aspects; Genetic engineering; Genetic Variation; Grain; grain crops; grain number; grain productivity; Grain size; grain yield; literature reviews; Mutant Proteins - analysis; Particle size; Plant breeding; Plant genetics; Poaceae; quantitative genetics; Quantitative Trait Loci; quantitative traits; Seeds; Selection, Genetic; Studies; yield components; United States
• ISSN: 0831-2796; 1480-3321
• DOI: 10.1139/g06-063

Grain size and grain number constitute 2 important components of grain yield. In particular, the grain size also influences the end-use quality (e.g., flour yield and protein content) and attracts consumer preference. These 2 traits are also the components of the domestication syndrome of crop plants. A number of important studies have recently been conducted to understand the genetic and molecular basis of these 2 important yield-contributing traits. Information generated from these studies was collected and synthesized for the benefit of plant biologists, particularly plant breeders. In the present article, this information is briefly reviewed and the prospects of using this information for improvement of grain productivity in crop plants are discussed.