Premium
Variation for heterodimerization and nuclear localization among known and novel oil palm SHELL alleles
Author(s) -
Singh Rajinder,
Low EngTi Leslie,
Ooi Leslie ChengLi,
OngAbdullah Meilina,
Ting NgootChin,
Nookiah Rajanaidu,
Ithnin Maizura,
Marjuni Marhalil,
Mustaffa Suzana,
Yaakub Zulkifli,
Amiruddin Mohd Din,
Manaf Mohamad Arif Abdul,
Chan KuangLim,
Halim Mohd Amin Ab,
Sanusi Nik Shazaik Mohd,
Lakey Nathan,
Sachdeva Mohit,
Bacher Blaire,
Garner Peggy A.,
MacDonald Jill D.,
Smith Steven W.,
Wischmeyer Corey,
Budiman Muhammad A.,
Beil Melissa,
Stroff Clayton,
Reed Jerry,
Van Brunt Andrew,
Berg Howard,
Ordway Jared M.,
Sambanthamurthi Ravigadevi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.16387
Subject(s) - biology , allele , genetics , phenotype , germplasm , gene , complementation , introgression , botany
Summary Oil palm breeding involves crossing dura and pisifera palms to produce tenera progeny with greatly improved oil yield. Oil yield is controlled by variant alleles of a type II MADS‐box gene, SHELL , that impact the presence and thickness of the endocarp, or shell, surrounding the fruit kernel. We identified six novel SHELL alleles in noncommercial African germplasm populations from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board. These populations provide extensive diversity to harness genetic, mechanistic and phenotypic variation associated with oil yield in a globally critical crop. We investigated phenotypes in heteroallelic combinations, as well as SHELL heterodimerization and subcellular localization by yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and gene expression analyses. Four novel SHELL alleles were associated with fruit form phenotype. Candidate heterodimerization partners were identified, and interactions with EgSEP3 and subcellular localization were SHELL allele‐specific. Our findings reveal allele‐specific mechanisms by which variant SHELL alleles impact yield, as well as speculative insights into the potential role of SHELL in single‐gene oil yield heterosis. Future field trials for combinability and introgression may further optimize yield and improve sustainability.