Genetic variation in ZmTIP1 contributes to root hair elongation and drought tolerance in maize

Summary Drought is a major abiotic stress that threatens maize production globally. A previous genome‐wide association study identified a significant association between the natural variation of ZmTIP1 and the drought tolerance of maize seedlings. Here, we report on comprehensive genetic and functional analysis, indicating that ZmTIP1, which encodes a functional S ‐acyltransferase, plays a positive role in regulating the length of root hairs and...