FZP — Zea mays

Summary

ZmFZP (FZP) on maize chromosome 7 encodes an AP2/ERF domain-containing transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA binding activity. It is localized to the nucleus and is associated with floral meristem growth and determinacy, ear and inflorescence development, bract development, pistil development, and regulation of secondary shoot formation. The gene is linked to agronomically important traits including kernel number per row, ear length, grain yield, grain weight, harvest index, plant height, culm length, tiller number, anthesis time, drought tolerance, and protein content. It has also been connected to spikelet meristem identity, inflorescence branching, leaf shape, pollen fertility, and heterosis. Studies of related genes in other species link the FZP family to panicle architecture, spikelet morphology, grain size, and lateral root development.