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The phytohormone cytokinin (CK) positively regulates the activity and function of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), which is a major parameter determining seed production. The rice (Oryza sativa L.)Gn1a /OsCKX2 (Grain number 1a /Cytokinin oxidase 2 ) gene, which encodes a cytokinin oxidase, has been identified as a major quantitative trait locus contributing to grain number improvement in rice breeding practice. However, the molecular mechanism of how the expression ofOsCKX2 is regulated in planta remains elusive. Here, we report that the zinc finger transcription factor DROUGHT AND SALT TOLERANCE (DST) directly regulatesOsCKX2 expression in the reproductive meristem. DST-directed expression ofOsCKX2 regulates CK accumulation in the SAM and, therefore, controls the number of the reproductive organs. We identify thatDST reg1 , a semidominant allele of theDST gene, perturbs DST-directed regulation ofOsCKX2 expression and elevates CK levels in the reproductive SAM, leading to increased meristem activity, enhanced panicle branching, and a consequent increase of grain number. Importantly, theDST reg1 allele provides an approach to pyramid theGn1a -dependent andGn1a -independent effects on grain production. Our study reveals that, as a unique regulator of reproductive meristem activity, DST may be explored to facilitate the genetic enhancement of grain production in rice and other small grain cereals.

Rice zinc finger protein DST enhances grain production through controlling Gn1a/OsCKX2 expression