and Collaboratively Regulate the Kernel Length in Maize.

The kernel length is a crucial determinant of maize ( L.) yield; however, only a limited number of genes regulating kernel length have been validated, thus leaving our understanding of the mechanisms governing kernel length incomplete. We previously identified a maize kernel mutant, (), which encodes the DICER-LIKE1 protein that is essential for miRNA biogenesis. The present study revealed that consistently exhibits a stable phenotype characterized by a reduced kernel length. Further analysis indicated that may reduce the kernel length by inhibiting the expression of genes involved in regulating kernel length. By employing miRNA-target gene prediction, expression analysis, and correlation analysis, we successfully identified nine transcription factors that potentially participate in the regulation of kernel length under the control of . Among them, the upregulation fold change of () expression was the highest, and the difference was most significant. The results of transient expression analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that HSF17 can inhibit the expression of (), a gene involved in regulating kernel length. Furthermore, the mutant exhibited a significant increase in kernel length, suggesting that functions as a negative regulator of kernel length. The results of this study provide crucial evidence for further elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying maize kernel length and also offer valuable genetic resources for breeding high-yielding maize varieties.