Can we improve the chilling tolerance of maize photosynthesis through breeding?

Chilling tolerance is necessary for crops to thrive in temperate regions where cold snaps and lower baseline temperatures place limits on life processes; this is particularly true for crops of tropical origin such as maize. Photosynthesis is often adversely affected by chilling stress, yet the maintenance of photosynthesis is essential for healthy growth and development, and most crucially for yield. In this review, we describe the physiological basis for enhancing chilling tolerance of photosynthesis in maize by examining nine key responses to chilling stress. We synthesize current knowledge of genetic variation for photosynthetic chilling tolerance in maize with respect to each of these traits and summarize the extent to which genetic mapping and candidate genes have been used to understand the genomic regions underpinning chilling tolerance. Finally, we provide perspectives on the future of breeding for photosynthetic chilling tolerance in maize. We advocate for holistic and high-throughput approaches to screen for chilling tolerance of photosynthesis in research and breeding programmes in order to develop resilient crops for the future. Photosynthetic chilling tolerance is composed of several physiological mechanisms, underpinned by differing amounts of genetic variation. A holistic, high-throughput approach is needed to improve chilling tolerance of photosynthesis in maize.

Automated summary

This review discusses the physiological basis and genetic variation of chilling tolerance of photosynthesis in maize, and provides perspectives on future research and breeding. Chilling tolerance of photosynthesis in maize is composed of several physiological mechanisms, underpinned by different levels of genetic variation.