Establishing a regulatory blueprint for ovule number and function during plant development

The plant ovule is a fundamentally important organ that is the direct progenitor of the seed. It is one of the last structures to form in the flower and contains relatively few tissues, but undergoes complex developmental transitions that are essential for reproduction. Ovule number and flower fertility are important factors influencing yield, yet studies have identified challenges in trying to increase one without compromising the other. Recent findings in Arabidopsis and cereal crops highlight regulatory pathways that contribute to this yield constraint. Here, we consider the basis for variation in ovule number and development, with a particular focus on hormones and transcriptional regulators that constitute promising targets for the optimisation of reproductive traits and yield.

Automated summary

The plant ovule is a crucial organ that directly leads to seed formation, with its number and flower fertility being significant factors influencing yield. Studies have shown challenges in increasing one without compromising the other. Recent findings highlight regulatory pathways in Arabidopsis and cereal crops that could help overcome this yield constraint by targeting hormones and transcriptional regulators in the optimization of reproductive traits.