Genetius

The study examined how elevated atmospheric CO₂ (550 ppm) affects immunity in the C₄ cereal maize (Zea mays L.) by exposing plants grown under ambient and elevated CO₂ to a range of pathogens. Elevated CO₂ increased susceptibility to sugarcane mosaic virus, decreased susceptibility to several bacterial and fungal pathogens, and left susceptibility to others unchanged, with reduced bacterial disease linked to heightened basal immune responses. These findings provide a baseline for future investigations into CO₂‑responsive defense mechanisms in C₄ crops.

The study shows that maize plants carrying autophagy-defective atg10 mutations exhibit delayed flowering and significant reductions in kernel size, weight, and number, culminating in lower grain yield. Reciprocal crossing experiments reveal that the maternal genotype, rather than the seed genotype, primarily drives the observed kernel defects, suggesting impaired nutrient remobilization from maternal tissues during seed development.

The study mapped the macroscopic and cellular development of maize leaves and internodes, revealing a shared growth design with organ‑specific timing. Using high‑resolution spatiotemporal transcriptome profiling of 272 tissue samples under well‑watered and drought conditions, the authors generated a searchable expression atlas and identified conserved and organ‑specific gene regulatory patterns, including genes linked to leaf angle and vascular development. This resource advances understanding of shoot organ development and drought response for targeted trait engineering in maize.