YSL3-mediated copper distribution is required for fertility, grain yield, and size in Brachypodium.

Abstract

Addressing the looming global food security crisis requires the development of high yielding crops. In this regard, the deficiency for the micronutrient copper in agricultural soils decreases grain yield and significantly impacts a globally important crop, wheat. In cereals, grain yield is determined by inflorescence architecture, flower fertility, grain size and weight. Whether copper is involved in these processes and how it is delivered to the reproductive organs is not well understood. We show that copper deficiency alters not only the grain set but also flower development in both wheat and its recognized model, Brachypodium distachyon, We then show that a brachypodium yellow-stripe-like 3 (YSL3) transporter localizes to the phloem and mediates copper delivery to flag leaves, anthers and pistils. Failure to deliver copper to these structures in the ysl3 CRISPR/Cas9 mutant results in delayed flowering, altered inflorescence architecture, reduced floret fertility, grain number, size, and weight. These defects are rescued by copper supplementation and are complemented by the YSL3 cDNA. This new knowledge will help to devise sustainable approaches for improving grain yield in regions where soil quality is a major obstacle for crop production.