Figure 6.
Effects of ZmLAC3 overexpression on Casparian strip formation in roots, and mineral element profiles in ear leaves of field-grown maize.
(A) Casparian strip formation in ZmLAC3-overexpressing transgenic maize (LAC3OE) as affected by N supply. LAC3OE transgenic maize was grown in a hydroponic solution containing 8 mM or 0.04 mM NO3−-N for 3 days. The area 1.0–1.5 cm from the root apex under NL and ND was observed for Casparian strip formation. Casparian strips are indicated by red arrowheads. Numbers below the photographs indicate the percentage of root tips with Casparian strips. Scale bars represent 50 μm. Values are means ± SEM.
(B) Ca, Mn, and Zn concentrations in the shoots of LAC3OE transgenic maize and WT maize under NL.
(C) Mineral element profiles of LAC3OE transgenic maize grown in the field. Values are means ± SD (n = 4). Means with the same letter are not significantly different at P < 0.05 according to the LSD test. NL and ND indicate N luxury and N deficiency, respectively.