Mutation of ONAC096 Enhances Grain Yield by Increasing Panicle Number and Delaying Leaf Senescence during Grain Filling in Rice

摘要

Exploring genetic methods to improve yield in grain crops such as rice ( ) is essential to help meet the needs of the increasing population. Here, we report that rice ONAC096 affects grain yield by regulating leaf senescence and panicle number. expression increased rapidly in rice leaves upon the initiation of aging- and dark-induced senescence. Two independent T-DNA insertion mutants ( and ) with downregulated expression retained their green leaf color during natural senescence in the field, thus extending their photosynthetic capacity. Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR analysis showed that upregulated genes controlling chlorophyll degradation and leaf senescence. Repressed (encoding cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase) expression in the mutants led to a 15% increase in panicle number without affecting grain weight or fertility. mediates abscisic acid (ABA)-induced leaf senescence by upregulating the ABA signaling genes and . The mutants showed a 16% increase in grain yield, highlighting the potential for using this gene to increase grain production.