The modification of shoot architecture and increased investment into reproductive structures is key for crop improvement and is achieved through coordinated changes in the development and determinacy of different shoot meristems. A fundamental question is how the development of different shoot meristems is genetically coordinated to optimize the balance between vegetative and reproductive organs. Here we identify the MANY NODED DWARF1 (HvMND1) gene as a major regulator of plant architecture in barley (Hordeum vulgare). The mnd1.a mutant displayed an extended vegetative program with increased phytomer, leaf, and tiller production but a reduction in the number and size of grains. The induction of vegetative structures continued even after the transition to reproductive growth, resulting in a marked increase in longevity. Using mapping by RNA sequencing, we found that the HvMND1 gene encodes an acyl-CoA N-acyltransferase that is predominately expressed in developing axillary meristems and young inflorescences. Exploration of the expression network modulated by HvMND1 revealed differential expression of the developmental microRNAs miR156 and miR172 and several key cell cycle and developmental genes. Our data suggest that HvMND1 plays a significant role in the coordinated regulation of reproductive phase transitions, thereby promoting reproductive growth and whole plant senescence in barley.

芽结构的改良和对生殖结构的投资增加是作物改良的关键，这是通过协调变化不同芽分生组织的发育和确定性来实现的。一个基本的问题是，如何在遗传上协调不同芽分生组织的发育，以优化营养器官和生殖器官之间的平衡。在这里，我们确定了许多大麦DWARF1（HvMND1）基因是大麦（Hordeum vulgare）植物结构的主要调节剂。该mnd1.a该突变体显示出延长的营养程序，增加了植物，叶和分till的产量，但减少了谷物的数量和大小。甚至在向生殖生长过渡后，营养结构的诱导仍在继续，导致寿命显着增加。使用RNA测序作图，我们发现HvMND1基因编码一种酰基辅酶A N-酰基转移酶，该酶主要在发育的腋生分生组织和幼小花序中表达。探索由HvMND1调控的表达网络揭示了发育性microRNA miR156和miR172的差异表达以及几个关键的细胞周期和发育基因。我们的数据表明HvMND1在生殖阶段过渡的协调调控中起着重要作用，从而促进了大麦的生殖生长和整个植物的衰老。