Improvement in traits of agronomic importance is the top breeding priority of crop
improvement programs. Majority of these agronomic traits show complex quantitative …

Hybrid maize displays superior heterosis and contributes over 30% of total worldwide cereal
production. However, the molecular mechanisms of heterosis remain obscure. Here we …

Maize is the world's most produced crop, providing food, feed, and biofuel. Maize production
is constantly threatened by the presence of devastating pathogens worldwide …

Maize rough dwarf disease (MRDD), caused by maize rough dwarf virus (MRDV) or rice
black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), seriously threatens worldwide production of all major …

Maize rough dwarf disease (MRDD), caused by various species of the genus Fijivirus,
threatens maize production worldwide. We previously identified a quantitative locus qMrdd1 …

Lateral roots play essential roles in drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.). However, the
genetic basis for the variation in the number of lateral roots in maize remains elusive. Here …

The calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTA) play critical roles in plant growth
and responses to environmental stimuli. However, how CAMTAs function in responses to …

Main conclusion The meta-QTL and candidate genes will facilitate the elucidation of
molecular bases underlying agriculturally important traits and open new avenues for …

Disease resistance is essential for reliable maize production. In a long-term tug-of-war
between maize and its pathogenic microbes, naturally occurring resistance genes gradually …

Diseases caused by viruses are found throughout the maize-growing regions of the world
and can cause significant losses for producers. In this review, virus diseases of maize and …