PSY — Triticum turgidum subsp. durum

Summary

TRITD5BV1G185680 (TtPSY) on durum wheat chromosome 5B encodes a 15-cis-phytoene synthase with squalene synthase, PSase, and farnesyltranstransferase activities (EC 2.5.1.32). The gene is associated with carotenoid anabolism and pigment accumulation and breakdown, and its product localises to the chloroplast membrane, chromoplast stroma, and plastoglobules. TtPSY is linked to several grain quality and yield traits, including carotenoid and zeaxanthin content, test weight, grain protein content, grain size, grain weight, grains per spike, and ash content. It has also been connected to drought stress response. Studies of related genes in other species link the PSY family to abscisic acid concentration, beta-carotene and lutein content, root color, drought and salt tolerance, seed germination, and grain yield.