PCR technique and CT values to detection the flowering gene ZmCCT9 in maize inbreds and single hybrids

Abstract

The current study aimed to molecularly detect and determine the gene expression of the flowering gene in maize inbreds and their individual hybrids using RT-PCR technique and CT values. The correlation between flowering time and the expression of the flowering gene also studied through phenotypic data related to flowering times. RNA extracted from the seeds of the studied samples using standardized methods. The extracted RNA then converted to cDNA using the reverse transcriptase enzyme. The results indicated that inbred number 11 (ZM74) gave the highest CT cycle value of 23.63 cycles (indicating a low initial amount of mRNA, which means low gene expression). The single hybrid F1 (3×15) ZAI17WR× Zi17WZ gave the lowest CT value of 21.50 cycles (indicating a large initial amount of mRNA for the flowering gene in the hybrid, which means that the gene expression for flowering gene is high). The reason for this finding attributed to the potential differences in the gene expression of the flowering gene among different inbreds and their single hybrids. These differences caused by genetic variations in the flowering gene itself, regulatory elements such as transposons that control the gene's expression, or influences from other genetic sites. The results can also help in developing inbred lines and single hybrids with higher efficiency in flowering and grain yield by understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling the flowering process in maize.