Summary
This study identifies ZmPMI3, a phosphomannose isomerase gene, as a major contributor to natural variation in water-soluble carbohydrate reserves in mature maize stems through genome-wide association mapping of a genetically diverse panel. Biochemical characterisation revealed that natural protein haplotypes possess distinct kinetic properties that correlate with significant differences in stem WSC accumulation, suggesting ZmPMI3 influences carbohydrate partitioning at the hexose-phosphate level. The findings may facilitate crop improvement for both livestock feed quality and industrial bioconversion applications.
Regional applicability
This is a fundamental genetics study using international maize germplasm; whilst the underlying science is globally relevant, direct application to United Kingdom maize cultivation would require assessment of ZmPMI3 haplotype effects under UK growing conditions and soil types. UK maize production is limited; relevance is primarily to applied breeding programmes and understanding carbohydrate metabolism in cereal crops.
Key measures
Water-soluble carbohydrate content (glucose, fructose, sucrose) as percentage of dry weight; genome-wide SNP associations; phosphomannose isomerase kinetic parameters; protein haplotype analysis
Outcomes reported
The study quantified water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in maize stems across a genetically diverse panel and identified ZmPMI3 as a candidate gene controlling natural variation in stem carbohydrate reserves through effects on hexose-phosphate metabolism. Natural protein haplotypes of ZmPMI3 with distinct kinetic properties were associated with significant differences in stem WSC content.
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