Character Identification of an Early Flowering Mutant

The concept of gene-function-genetic trait was introduced to explore the effects of early flowering on the growth and development of maize at the jointing stage and to obtain early flowering mutants using ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis. First, we studied gene expression, phytohormones, and lignin content to explore the physiological peculiarities of the early flowering mutant. Then we analyzed the genetic features of the mutants during the jointing stage by measuring physiological and biochemical indices of drought tolerance. The results showed that the photosynthetic rate of the mutant was significantly higher than that of the control and the rate of accumulation of dry matter was rapid. In addition, the lignin content increased while drought resistance diminished. Therefore, we concluded that early flowering leads to faster overall growth and development.