Phenotypic Characterization and Gene Mapping of a Spiral Leaf and Dwarf (sld) Mutant from Tetraploid Common Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
, Dawei Wang 1, Lirui Cheng 1, Yuanying Wang 1, Aiguo Yang 1,* and Guanshan Liu 1,*Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
This study reports phenotypic and agronomic characters, and genetic analysis of the tobacco “spiral leaf and dwarf (sld)” mutant identified in an EMS population. Genetic analysis suggests that the sld phenotype is controlled by a single recessive gene. The authors discussed similar phenotypes in other plant species in detail and the possible causes of this mutation. Fine mapping of the locus will allow the identification of candidate genes responsible for this phenotype in the future. The manuscript is well written, and results are easy to follow and well discussed.
Comments:
1. Spiral phenotype is also described in the model plant Arabidopsis (New Phytologist: 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16034). A microtubule-associated protein that regulates the orientation of the cortical microtubules and the direction of organ growth has been identified as the candidate responsible for such phenotype. Dwarf and gladius leaf phenotype in rice is associated with microtubule-associated protein (doi: 10.1104/pp.105.062968). Are there similar proteins associated with the sld mutant in tobacco? It would be nice to discuss this aspect in the manuscript.
2. Phytohormones play important roles in plant growth and are well discussed in the manuscript. Defects in BR, GA, or SL biosynthesis caused dwarf phenotype, and excess auxin causes leaf curling, as observed in this study. I am curious if the exogenous application of BR or SL complements the sld phenotype. Recently, an Auxin Response Factor, ARF9 is identified as a regulator leaf phenotype in tobacco (doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.21.529366).
3. Many of these dwarf mutants show abnormalities in root development. In addition to the aerial parts, did the authors observe any changes in root phenotype?
4. Figure 2a: The sld plant appears to be yellowish compared to the control plant. Is it true?
5. Is there any difference in the nicotine conversion between control and sld, in case the authors already measured it? (not necessarily do this now).
6. Reference: Zan et al. 2023 (correct the title: doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.21.529366)
It is fine in general.
Author Response
Dear reviewer,
This is my reply of the comments. Please see the attachment.
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Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
See my suggestions in attached pdf
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
spelling correction
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
This is my reply of the comments. Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
In the present study, the authors investigate the phenotypic characterization and gene mapping of a spiral leaf and dwarf (sld) mutant from tetraploid common tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). This is a very interesting paper, the other hand this work in present form presents some imperfections according to the following comments.
1- Page 6, line 257: the sentence is incomprehensible.
2- Page 6, line 268: corrected the sentence.
3- Figure 2(d) and figure 2(e) are illegible.
4- Despite being quoted in the text. But I suggest adding a new section in materials and methods entitled “Statistical analysis”. For example line 191 section "2.2. Phenotypic investigation and statistical analysis" misses the statistical analysis in the text.
5- Standardized the writing of the paper according to the Template of the journal, as well as the bibliographical references.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
This is my reply of the comments. Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
