**6. Role of ncRNA in different physiological pathways in plants**

Recent development in molecular biology tools has led to advanced research in the area of ncRNA, which in turn gave rise to newer insights about the various roles of ncRNA in plants. The finding and reports about these roles are summarized in **Table 4**.

#### **6.1 ncRNAs determining plant yield and nutrition**

The role of ncRNAs in various physiological traits and growth parameters is well studied, moreover also have an indirect influence on yield through these traits viz., tillering modulation and panicle branching related genes in rice through SPL transcription factors controlling, such as OsTB1 [66] and DEP1 [67] (regulatory non-coding article). Zhang *et al*. [68] reported overexpression of miR397 resulted in increased panicle branching with desired grain size suppressing the LACCASE gene. Apart from miRNA, several lncRNAs controlling photoperiod sensitive male sterility LDMAR (for long-day specific male-fertilityassociated RNA) in rice are responsible for panicle development, floral organ development, sexual reproduction, and also control the premature programmed cell death of developing anthers.

It is interesting to understand the role of ncRNA that was earlier considered junk having a role in nutrient use efficiency as well as nutrient absorption efficiency. Both miRNAs and lncRNAs are well involved in phosphate metabolism and homeostasis. miR399 suppresses phosphate homeostasis genes PHO2 leading to increased uptake of phosphorous [69]. Similarly, lncRNAs in rice control the expression of the *OsPHO1* gene family during phosphate-deprived conditions [70]. Thus, modulating nutrient-related traits thereby contributes toward good yield performance. Not only


#### *Case Studies of Breeding Strategies in Major Plant Species*


**Table 4.**

*Different ncRNA and their role in different processes in plant.*
