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Light Signal Transduction Networks in Maize

  • Chapter
Handbook of Maize: Its Biology

Abstract

Light signal transduction networks integrate environmental signals with endogenous developmental programs. Several photoreceptors, including phytochromes, cryptochromes, and phototropins as well as some of their signaling partners have been characterized in higher plants. Recent studies in maize have revealed the importance of phytochromes in the regulation of several agronomi-cally important traits, indicating that the manipulation of light response may prove fruitful in enhancing maize yields. However, little is known of the molecular components of light signal transduction pathways in maize, making it difficult to dissect the pathway using reverse genetic or association mapping techniques. Here, we summarize our current understanding of light response in maize and discuss strategies for enhancing agronomic performance through the manipulation of light signal transduction pathways.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Matthew Hudson, Tesfamichael Kebrom, and Michael Gore for comments on the manuscript, Keith Williams for the coleoptile curvature photographs, and Tobias Baskin for sharing the bluelessmaize mutant. Support for this work was provided by grants from the National Science Foundation to T.P.B. and by a FQRNT fellowship to P.G.D.

Authors
  1. Patrice G. Dubois
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  2. Thomas P. Brutnell
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Jeff L. Bennetzen

  2. Berkeley USDA Plant Gene Expression Center, University of California, 800 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA, USA

    Sarah C. Hake

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Dubois, P.G., Brutnell, T.P. (2009). Light Signal Transduction Networks in Maize. In: Bennetzen, J.L., Hake, S.C. (eds) Handbook of Maize: Its Biology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79418-1_11

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