ScGAI is a key regulator of culm development in sugarcane

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp) accumulates high concentrations of sucrose along its internodes. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms for regulating growth and internode elongation would provide a key insight into the source-sink communication and as result, sucrose yield. Here, we show the phenotypical and molecular characterization of the growth repressor ScRGA in transgenic sugarcane. The integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data reveal that DELLA coordinates growth and hence carbon allocation in sugarcane. Similar to dicotyledonous plants, ScRGA also interacts with PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORS (PIF3/PIF4) and ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE-3 (EIN3)/EIN3-Like (EIL) transcription factors in monocots, providing insights into the DELLA-regulated sugarcane development. Our findings contribute to understanding how sugarcane develops and a strategy for crop improvement.