Differences in meristem size and expression of branching genes are associated with variation in panicle phenotype in wild and domesticated African rice

Abstract

The higher complexity of the <i>O. glaberrima</i> panicle compared to that of its wild relative <i>O. barthii</i> is associated with a wider rachis meristem and a modification of expression of branching-related genes. Our study indicates that the expression of genes in the <i>miR156</i>/<i>miR529</i>/<i>SPL</i> and <i>TAW1</i> pathways, along with that of their target genes, is altered from the unbranched stage of development. This suggests that differences in panicle complexity between the two African rice species result from early alterations to gene expression during reproductive development.