Overexpression of CgbHLH001, a Positive Regulator to Adversity, Enhances the Photosynthetic Capacity of Maize Seedlings under Drought Stress

Drought is a major environmental factor limiting crop productivity. Photosynthesis very sensitive to drought. Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) are important in response abiotic stress. However, their functions remain unclear. Herein, we generated CgbHLH001 (a TF gene from halophyte Chenopodium glaucum)-overexpressed (OE) and ZmbHLH-RNA interference (Ri) maize lines investigate photosynthesis-associated indexes under drought conditions. The photosynthetic capacity was increased OE stress compared with that non-transgenic (NT) Ri plants. A greater root biomass, higher root/shoot ratio, relatively lower leaf area reduction ratio also observed Compared NT plants, showed chlorophyll content net rate better fluorescence parameters Fructose glucose contents were significantly elevated lines. Moreover, stressful conditions, overexpression the expression of genes related photosynthesis. Transcriptomic data many differentially expressed enriched system plants conditions prone being upregulated Therefore, our results suggest improves efficiency confers tolerance seedlings.