<i>ZmMATE1</i> improves grain yield and yield stability in maize cultivated on acid soil

The development of aluminum (Al)-tolerant cultivars is a complementary strategy to overcome the constraints caused by Al toxicity on acid soils and can contribute positively food supply for growing global population. A major tolerance quantitative trait locus in maize controlled citrate transporter encoded ZmMATE1. Our goal was evaluate impact superior allele ZmMATE1 yield performance lines hybrids cultivated soils. Near-isogenic carrying ZmMATE1, recurrent Al-sensitive parent were crossed with elite lines, generating near-isogenic contrasting these alleles. All genotypes this more tolerant nutrient solution than their isogenic counterparts having derived from parent. These control stress 2 yr. Aluminum significant reduction 18.7% 14.7% over declined second year compared first year, probably due water deficiency after grain-filling stage. conferred gains 21 48% harboring alternative soil years, respectively. As rare likely absent several germplasms, molecular breeding based improve stability