Uncover the gene regulation network of ethylene in maize developing ear by RNAseq

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the worlds most productive cereal crop, partly due to the development of large ears with hundreds of kernels. However, little is known about the molecular basis of ear length and its impact on kernel number in maize. Here, we characterize a quantitative trait locus EAR LENGTH7 (qEL7) which encodes the key enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase2 (ACO2). Maize ACO2 (ZmACO2) specifically expresses in the primordia and given domains of reproductive axillary meristems. ZmACO2 is positively correlated with ethylene production in vivo and promotes meristem activity to generate more spikelets, but is negatively correlated with floral fertility, ear length and kernel number. To uncover the gene regulation network of ethylene in maize developing ear, we conducted RNAseq of ears in two near-isogenic lines at the 2 mm stage, which have significant difference level of ethylene emission.