Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #240245
Title: Seed-specific expression of the wheat puroindoline genes improves maize wet milling yields

Author
item ZHANG, J - Montana State University
item MARTIN, J - Montana State University
item Beecher, Brian
item Morris, Craig
item HANNAH, L - Florida State University
item GIROUX, M - Montana State University

Submitted to: Plant Biotechnology Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/29/2009
Publication Date: 9/1/2009
Citation: Zhang, J., Martin, J.M., Beecher, B.S., Morris, C.F., Hannah, L.C., Giroux, M.J. 2009. Seed-specific expression of the wheat puroindoline genes improves maize wet milling yields. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 7: 733-743.

Interpretive Summary: Kernel texture has a large impact upon processing for end use. Soft dent maize is preferred for both wet-milling and livestock feed applications. However, the kernel texture of maize is substantially harder than that of wheat. Wheat softer kernel texture is the result of the action of puroindoline genes, which are lacking in maize. Production of the wheat puroindoline gene products in transgenic maize resulted in softer kernels. Upon wet milling, the starch yield of the novel softer maize was increased by almost 5% relative to the original unmodified maize.

Technical Abstract: The texture of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds is important to seed processing properties, and soft dent maize is preferred for both wet-milling and livestock feed applications. The puroindoline genes (Pina and Pinb) are the functional components of the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) hardness locus and together function to create soft grain texture in wheat. The PINs are believed to act by binding to lipids on the surface of starch granules, preventing tight adhesion between starch granules and the surrounding protein matrix during seed maturation. Here, maize kernel structure and wet milling properties were successfully improved by the endosperm specific expression of wheat Pins. Pina and Pinb were introduced into maize under the control of a maize '-Zein promoter. Three Pina/Pinb expression positive transgenic lines were evaluated over two growing seasons. Textural analysis of the maize seeds indicated that the expression of PINs decreased adhesion between starch and protein matrix and reduced maize grain hardness significantly. Reduction in pressure required to fracture kernels ranged from 15.65% to 36.86% compared with the negative control seeds. Further, the PINs transgenic maize seeds had increased levels of extractable starch as characterized by a small scale wet milling method. The starch yield was increased by 4.86% on average without negatively impacting starch purity. The development of softer maize hybrids with higher starch extractability would be of value to maize processors.