This invention relates to the field of
genetic engineering technology, and provides a ZmPHYLL
gene, the full-length
nucleotide sequence of which is shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, and the
coding region nucleotide sequence of which is shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. This invention also provides the application of the above-mentioned ZmPHYLL
gene in inhibiting the
germination of *
Russula multifiliis* spores and improving the resistance of maize plants to southern maize
rust. Simultaneously, this invention provides a method for improving the resistance of maize plants to southern maize
rust. In this study, a ZmPHYLL
gene was screened, and the expressed
protein of this gene can effectively inhibit the
germination of *
Russula multifiliis* spores. Therefore, by regulating the overexpression of this gene, the resistance of maize to southern maize
rust can be improved. This invention provides new gene resources for the creation of breeding materials and provides important scientific basis for the breeding of maize varieties highly resistant to southern maize rust.