Maize Plant Shortened Internodes for Multiple Ears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maize yield is limited by the number of grain-bearing ears per plant, particularly at high plant densities, where competition for light and resources reduces the incidence of multiple ears and overall grain yield.
Innovation Solution
Developing maize plants with shortened internodes to facilitate the development of multiple grain-bearing ears, ensuring synchronous silking and increased photosynthetic efficiency, which allows for higher ear formation and grain production even at high densities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If plant density is increased to increase grain yield per unit area, then productivity increases, but maize plants become taller and more susceptible to lodging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the genetic parameters controlling plant height and internode length by introducing dwarfing genes (bdg1, bdg2, bdg3) and shortened internode genes (sin1, sin2). This parameter change allows plants to maintain shorter stature with reduced internode lengths, preventing lodging while maintaining high plant density for increased productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the overall plant height into multiple internode sections, each controlled by specific genes. By shortening individual internodes (particularly the upper internodes) through targeted gene introduction, the plant achieves reduced overall height and better lodging resistance without affecting the root system or lower stem structure
2Productivity
If plant density is increased to increase grain yield, then productivity increases, but the incidence of multiple ears per plant decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces genetic parameters (pro1, pro2, pro3) that control ear initiation and development. These genetic changes enable plants to maintain the capability of producing multiple ears per plant even at high planting densities, thereby preserving the quantity of grain-bearing ears while achieving high productivity through increased plant population
3Productivity
If plant density is increased to increase grain yield, then productivity increases, but competition for light and resources reduces overall grain yield
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces genetic parameters (es1, es2, es3) that control ear position and development timing. These changes optimize the spatial and temporal distribution of ears, reducing competition for light and resources among multiple ears on the same plant and among adjacent plants, thereby maintaining energy efficiency at high plant densities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by controlling ear position at different heights on the plant stem. By distributing ears vertically along the stalk rather than horizontally, the plant reduces inter-plant competition for light while maximizing the number of grain-bearing ears per unit ground area
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The approach increases the number of grain-bearing ears per plant, enhancing yield potential and tolerance to environmental stresses like drought and high population densities, while reducing lodging susceptibility and maintaining or improving grain quality.
Implementation Method 1
the result is encouraging. This population response of the plant suggests that with appropriate technology to enable more efficient conversion of photosynthate into grain, the grain yielding potential of maize on a per acre basis could be further increased
Data Source
AI summary
A maize plant and a method of increasing the number of grain bearing ears per plant is provided. The maize plants, irrespective of their variety, exhibit at least two adjacent shortened internodes (defined as being equal to or less than twice the largest transverse dimension of the stalk just above the ground) spacing at least two ear nodes. Preferably the internode spacing is about 70 mm or less. The maize plants are preferably selected such that the ears develop substantially synchronously; the silks start being exerted either at the same time as, or before, pollen is released by the tassels of the plants; and the maize plants are both of a dwarf maize type and a prolific plant type.