Crop Yield and Soil Fertility

Unravelling genomic and environmental contributions to nitrogen-use efficiency in tropical maize through Bayesian causal forests

This paper uses Bayesian causal forests to estimate the causal effect of nitrogen levels on maize traits, finding that environmental factors largely drive trait variation while genomic background influences baseline levels.

Maize root system stiffness is determined by the size and distribution of the below-ground root system

This study identifies the factors contributing to root system stiffness in maize and shows that below-ground root architecture primarily determines its prediction.

Disentangling shape and size variation to compare canopy architecture in maize

The paper disentangles shape and size variation in maize canopies by identifying a genetic component of intrinsic scaling independent of flowering time.

Phenotypic plasticity, stalk geometry, and noncoding variation underpin stalk lodging resistance in maize

This study identifies genetic and phenotypic factors contributing to stalk lodging resistance in maize by analyzing intermediate traits and their genetic correlations.

Ectopic expression of ARGOS8 mediates silk elongation rate response to water deficit in maize (Zea mays L.)

This study shows that ectopic ARGOS8 expression in maize improves silk elongation under water deficit, increasing silk emergence and reproductive performance.

Trends in stomatal density and size in maize hybrids representing 100 years of long-term breeding for yield

This study examines changes in maize stomatal traits over 100 years of breeding, finding reduced total stomatal pore area and increased density in modern hybrids.

Four Decades of Breeding and Increasing Plant Density Management Reshaped Maize Root System Architecture

This study examines how four decades of maize breeding and increased planting density have altered root system architecture, showing smaller roots but greater soil exploration in modern hybrids.

Growth and Yield Response of Soft White Common Spring Wheat (SWCSW) Varieties under Different Nitrogen Fertilizations and Plant Growth Regulators Applications

This study evaluates the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on SWCSW wheat varieties under different nitrogen levels, finding variable but positive responses in growth and yield traits.

Yield from the shadows: beyond top layer photosynthesis to enhance crop productivity

This study quantifies the role of hidden canopy layers in wheat productivity, showing that photosynthetic rates in middle and bottom layers predict grain yield and that optimizing these layers can enhance food security.

Geometric Evaluation and Optimization of Maize Leaf Morphology and Canopy Architecture

This study evaluates maize leaf morphology and canopy architecture to identify optimal leaf shapes for maximizing light interception and photosynthetic efficiency.

Higher adaxial stomatal density is associated with lower grain yield in spring wheat

This study finds that higher adaxial stomatal density in spring wheat correlates with lower grain yield under stress conditions but not under favorable conditions.

Aerial root formation in Oaxacan maize (Zea mays) landraces persists into the adult phase and is minimally affected by soil nitrogen and ambient humidity.

This study shows Oaxacan maize landraces develop aerial roots in both juvenile and adult phases, with minimal impact from soil nitrogen and humidity.

A biphasic trajectory for maize stalk mechanics shaped by genetic, environmental, and biotic factors

This study identifies a biphasic trajectory in maize stalk mechanics influenced by genetic, environmental, and biotic factors, showing material properties define the trajectory and environmental factors modulate its rate.

Genotype-Dependent Response to Water Deficit: Increases in Maize Cell Wall Digestibility Occurs Through Reducing Both p-Coumaric Acid and Lignification of the Rind

This study examines genotype-dependent responses to water deficit in maize, finding increased cell wall digestibility linked to reduced p-coumaric acid and lignification in the rind.

High Density Phenotypic Map of Natural Variation for Intermediate Phenotypes Associated with Stalk Lodging Resistance in Maize

The paper identifies 11 intermediate phenotypes related to stalk lodging resistance in maize and develops a high-density phenotypic dataset to enable genetic analysis and improve resistance.

Predicting inbred parent synchrony at flowering for maize hybrid seed production by integrating crop growth model with whole genome prediction

The transcription factor ZmbZIP75 promotes both grain filling and kernel dehydration in maize

This paper identifies ZmbZIP75 as a transcription factor that promotes grain filling and reduces kernel moisture in maize by regulating starch synthesis and interacting with VP1 during kernel development.

Exploring yield stability and the fitness landscape of maize landrace root phenotypes in silico

The paper uses computational modeling and machine learning to identify anatomical root phenotypes in maize landraces that enhance yield stability across environments.

Kernel weight and source/sink ratio determination of temperate maize hybrids with different end uses under contrasting environments

This study evaluates how environment and management practices affect kernel weight and source/sink ratios in maize hybrids under different end uses and sowing dates.

Problems with Estimating Anthesis Phenology Parameters in Zea mays: Consequences for Combining Ecophysiological Models with Genetics

The paper identifies artifacts in estimating anthesis phenology parameters for Zea mays when linking ecophysiological models to genetics, highlighting challenges in genetic mapping.

Genetic Analysis of Lodging in Diverse Maize Hybrids

This study identifies quantitative trait loci (QTL) for lodging in maize by evaluating diverse inbred lines across multiple environments, finding overlaps with genes involved in lignin and cellulose synthesis.