Restructuring Plant Architecture for Maize Breeding: Current Strategies and Future Directions

Abstract

Plant architecture refers to the three- dimensional distribution of plant parts, which influences crop growth, yield and stress resistance. It plays a pivotal role in determining adaptability of maize cultivars under high-density planting by encompassing traits such as plant height, ear height, internode length, leaf angle and tassel density. These traits collectively contribute to yield by enhancing lodging resistance, photosynthesic efficiency, water and nutrient uptake efficiency. To meet the growing demand for increased food production and improved quality, various breeding methods aim to provide an adequate and nutrient-rich diet to populations. One effective strategy focuses on optimising plant architecture under high density planting, enabling more plants to grow with in a unit area while maintaining productivity and resilience. This review explores key plant architecture traits and their contributions to yield, emphasizing the roles of phytohormones and their signaling pathways, quantitative trait loci (QTLs), genomic dynamics, and marker-assisted breeding. Additionally, we discuss multiomics approaches, advanced breeding strategies, and recent breakthroughs in maize research aimed at achieving sustainable production in the face of global challenges, such as climate change and resource limitations. The integration of these insights into practical breeding programs holds immense potential for developing high-yielding, resilient maize cultivars that cater to the needs of future food security.