A Semi-Dominant Mutation in OsCESA9 Improves Salt Tolerance and Favors Field Straw Decay Traits by Altering Cell Wall Properties in Rice

Abstract Background Cellulose synthase (CESA) mutants have potential use in straw processing due to their lower cellulose content, but almost all of the exhibit defective phenotypes plant growth and development. Balancing normal with reduced content remains a challenge, as are typically negatively correlated one another. Result Here, rice ( Oryza sativa ) semi-dominant brittle culm sdbc mutant Sdbc 1, which harbors substitution (D387N) at first conserved aspartic acid residue OsCESA9, exhibits secondary wall thickness well enhanced biomass enzymatic saccharification compared wild type (WT). Further experiments indicated that OsCESA9 D387N mutation may compete wild-type for interacting OsCESA4 OsCESA7, further forming non-functional or partially functional CSCs. The OsCESA9/OsCESA9 heterozygous plants increase salt tolerance through scavenging detoxification ROS indirectly affecting related gene expression. They also improve return field culms without any negative effects grain yield lodging. Conclusion Hence, allele can provide prospect biofuels bioproducts its improved saccharification.