The maize lilliputian1 (lil1) gene, encoding a brassinosteroid cytochrome P450 C-6 oxidase, is involved in plant growth and drought response

Abstract

Lack of active BR molecules in maize causes a pleiotropic effect on plant development and improves seedling tolerance of drought. BR-deficient maize mutants can thus be instrumental in unravelling novel mechanisms on which plant adaptations to abiotic stress are based.