Reducing Stomatal Density in Barley Improves Drought Tolerance without Impacting on Yield

作者：Jon Hughes, Christopher Hepworth, Chris Dutton, Jessica Dunn, Lee Hunt, Jennifer Stephens, Robbie Waugh, Duncan D. Cameron, Julie E. Gray · 发表于：PLANT PHYSIOLOGY · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.1104/pp.16.01844 · 被引用次数：426 · 研究领域：Plant Molecular Biology Research、Plant Reproductive Biology、Plant Stress Responses and Tolerance

The epidermal patterning factor (EPF) family of secreted signaling peptides regulate the frequency of stomatal development in model dicot and basal land plant species. Here, we identify and manipulate the expression of a barley (Hordeum vulgare) ortholog and demonstrate that when overexpressed HvEPF1 limits entry to, and progression through, the stomatal development pathway. Despite substantial reductions in leaf gas exchange, barley plants with significantly reduced stomatal density show no reductions in grain yield. In addition, HvEPF1OE barley lines exhibit significantly enhanced water use efficiency, drought tolerance, and soil water conservation properties. Our results demonstrate the potential of manipulating stomatal frequency for the protection and optimization of cereal crop yields under future drier environments.