Characterization of chilling-shock responses in four genotypes of Miscanthus reveals the superior tolerance of M. × giganteus compared with M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus

Sarah Jane Purdy, Anne Louise Maddison, Laurence Edmund Jones, Richard John Webster, John Andralojc, Iain Simon Donnison, John Cedric Clifton-Brown

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background and Aims
The bioenergy grass Miscanthus is native to eastern Asia. As Miscanthus uses C4 photosynthesis, the cooler temperatures experienced in much of northern Europe are expected to limit productivity. Identification of genetic diversity in chilling tolerance will enable breeders to generate more productive varieties for these cooler regions. Characterizing the temporal relationships between photosynthesis, carbohydrate and molecular expression of relevant genes is key to understanding genotypic differences in tolerance or sensitivity.

Methods
To characterize chilling responses in four Miscanthus genotypes, plants were exposed to a sudden reduction in temperature. The genotypes studied comprised of two M. sinensis, one M. sacchariflorus and one inter-species hybrid, M. × giganteus. Changes in photosynthesis (Asat), carbohydrate composition and the expression of target transcripts were observed following chilling-shock. After 4 d the decline in leaf elongation rate (LER) in the different genotypes was measured.

Results
Following chilling-shock the greatest decline in Asat was observed in M. sacchariflorus and one M. sinensis genotype. Carbohydrate concentrations increased in all genotypes following chilling but to a lesser extent in M. sacchariflorus. Two stress inducible genes were most highly expressed in the genotypes that experienced the greatest declines in Asat and LER. Miscanthus × giganteus retained the highest Asat and was unique in exhibiting no decline in LER following transfer to 12 °C.

Conclusions
Miscanthus × giganteus exhibits a superior tolerance to chilling shock than other genotypes of Miscanthus. The absence of sucrose accumulation in M. sacchariflorus during chilling-shock suggests an impairment in enzyme function. A candidate transcription factor, MsCBF3, is most highly expressed in the most sensitive genotypes and may be a suitable molecular marker for predicting chilling sensitivity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)999-1013
Number of pages15
JournalAnnals of Botany
Volume111
Issue number5
Early online date21 Mar 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013

Keywords

  • Carbohydrates
  • chilling
  • diurnal
  • gene expression
  • genotypes
  • Miscanthus × giganteus
  • M. sacchariflorus
  • M. sinensis
  • photosynthesis
  • bioenergy
  • RNA, Messenger/genetics
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism/radiation effects
  • Cold-Shock Response/genetics
  • Light
  • Starch/metabolism
  • Poaceae/genetics
  • Cold Temperature
  • Solubility
  • Genotype
  • Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
  • Phenotype
  • Photosynthesis/radiation effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/radiation effects
  • Plant Leaves/genetics
  • Crosses, Genetic

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