Ectopic expression of ARGOS8 mediates silk elongation rate response to water deficit in maize (Zea mays L.)

Water deficit is ubiquitous in maize (Zea mays L.) cropping systems worldwide. Ethylene insensitivity in maize has been implicated in improving kernel set and yield under drought, and ARGOS genes modulate ethylene signal transduction by reducing ethylene sensitivity. Given the strong water sensitivity of silk elongation, ARGOS8 overexpression is expected to alter silk growth responses to drought. Experiments were conducted under controlled and field conditions to test the effect of ARGOS8 gene overexpression on silk growth under water deficit. Silk lengths and water use were continuously monitored, and silk elongation rate (SER) response to the fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) was evaluated. Silk emergence dynamics were measured in the field by daily counting the silks under contrasting water regimes. ARGOS8 transgenics maintained SER at lower FTSW than controls; however, responses varied among hybrids. Higher SER under water stress translated into a faster silk exertion rate in ARGOS8 transgenics than controls (45 vs. 25 silks d-1), leading to a greater number of exerted silks at three days post-silking (424 vs. 377, [~]90% vs. 84% of total silks, p < 0.01). Together, these results help clarify the mechanism underlying the ectopically expressed ARGOS8 effect on maize yield improvement under water stress. HighlightARGOS8 transgenic expression sustains silk elongation rates and increases silk emergence under water deficit, improving the reproductive performance of maize in water-limited environments.