Publisher Correction: A genetic module boosts grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency by improving nitrate transport in maize.
Zhang M, Wu Z, Huang L, Shen X, Wang K
Crop Improvement
Corn grown with less fertilizer means lower food costs, reduced chemical runoff into local waterways, and a smaller environmental footprint for one of the world's most important crops.
Scientists found a set of genes in corn that act like a better highway system for moving nitrogen through the plant. When these genes work well, the corn produces more grain while needing less fertilizer. This could lead to corn varieties that are cheaper to grow and kinder to the environment.
Key Findings
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A specific genetic module was identified that improves nitrate transport within maize plants
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The module simultaneously increases grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency — two traits that are typically difficult to improve together
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The study was subject to a publisher correction, suggesting refinements to data or methodology in the original findings
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Technical Summary
Researchers identified a genetic module in maize that simultaneously boosts grain yield and improves how efficiently the plant uses nitrogen fertilizer by enhancing nitrate transport.
Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a living ecosystem, supporting complex interactions between microorganisms, soil fauna, and plant communities. For plant science, soil health is critical because these biological and chemical soil properties directly control nutrient availability,