Glycerophosphodiester Phosphodiesterase ZmGPX‐PDE1 Regulates Phosphorus Remobilisation and JA‐Mediated Anther Development in Maize

Phosphorus (P) is essential for plant growth, yet its limited availability necessitates efficient utilisation, especially during reproductive stages where P remobilisation mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigates the role of the maize gene ZmGPX-PDE1, which encodes a glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase involved in phospholipid metabolism by hydrolysing glycerophosphodiesters to glycerol-3-phosphate, regulates P remobilisation and reproductive development. Using loss-of-function mutants and overexpression lines, we demonstrated that ZmGPX-PDE1 facilitates the redistribution of P from vegetative tissues to reproductive organs, thereby enhancing biomass accumulation, grain yield, and pollen viability under low-P conditions. Furthermore, our results reveal that ZmGPX-PDE1 influences jasmonic acid (JA) signalling, a critical pathway for anther dehiscence and male fertility. Loss of ZmGPX-PDE1 function results in impaired P remobilisation, reduced anther P content, and disrupted JA signalling, leading to decreased pollen quality and yield. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying P homeostasis in maize and highlight ZmGPX-PDE1 as a promising target for developing P-efficient cultivars suitable for sustainable agriculture.