Maize, a vital cereal in global agriculture, faces significant yield challenges due to drought exacerbated by climate change. This study explores the genetic and molecular bases of drought resilience in maize, focusing on the EPF/EPFL gene family known for its role in stomatal regulation. Through a genome-wide analysis across seven grass species, we identified and characterized 16 ZmEPF/EPFL genes in maize. Focusing on their gene structure, expression patterns, and evolutionary relationships. The study integrated genome-wide searches, phylogenetic analysis, gene expression profiling under drought and other abiotic stresses, and qRT-PCR validation to elucidate the functional roles of these genes in drought response. Our results demonstrate that specific ZmEPF/EPFL genes are differentially expressed under varying drought conditions, suggesting their involvement in the plant’s adaptive response to water scarcity. Furthermore, interaction analyses reveal that these genes are linked to key processes such as stomatal development and oxidative stress management. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the ZmEPF/EPFL gene family’s contribution to stomatal development and drought tolerance, offering insights that could guide future breeding strategies for drought-resistant maize varieties.

Soil salinization/alkalization is a complex environmental factor that includes not only neutral salt NaCl but also other components like Na₂CO₃. miRNAs, as small molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, are involved in plant responses to abiotic stress. In this study, maize seedling roots were treated for 5 h with 100 mM NaCl, 50 mM Na₂CO₃, and H₂O, respectively. Sequencing analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs under these conditions revealed that the Na₂CO₃ treatment group had the most differentially expressed miRNAs. Cluster analysis indicated their main involvement in the regulation of ion transport, binding, metabolism, and phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The unique differentially expressed miRNAs in the NaCl treatment group were related to the sulfur metabolism pathway. This indicates a significant difference in the response patterns of maize to different treatment groups. This study provides theoretical evidence and genetic resources for further analysis of the molecular mechanisms behind maize’s salt–alkali tolerance.

Plant lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are plant membrane protein receptor kinases. Lectin-like receptor kinases play a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. It can rapidly respond to both biotic and abiotic stresses while mediating mechanisms of plant immune responses. This study represents the first identification of the LecRLK family genes in maize. It analyzes the gene structure, chromosomal locations, phylogenetic classification, promoter homoeotropic elements, and expression patterns under both biotic and abiotic stresses. The results indicate that these genes possess kinase and transmembrane domains, along with specific L-type or G-type extracellular domains. Most ZmLecRLK gene promoters contain cis-acting elements that are responsive to known hormones and stressors. Furthermore, these genes have been identified as being sensitive to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This discovery establishes a significant theoretical foundation for the selection of corn varieties in adverse environments. Additionally, it provides a basis for further in-depth exploration of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of LecRLK family genes.