RNA sequencing of natural senescing ear leaves of maize

To identify the NAC TFs that are related to natural senescence in maize, the natural senescing ear leaves of maize cultivar B73 were arranged for RNA sequencing. We analyzed the transcriptome data and successfully identified 15 NACs (ZmNACs), with at least 2-fold increase in transcription at days 14 or 21 versus day 0 after silking (DAS), in natural senescing leaves. These were considered candidate senescence regulatory ZmNACs. The transcription of these 15 ZmNACs was then examined by RT-qPCR during the late stage of leaf development.