Double-Stranded RNA Interference of a Rice PI/GLO Paralog, OsMADS2, Uncovers Its Second-Whorl-Specific Function in Floral Organ Patterning

Unlike many eudicot species, grasses have duplicated PI/GLO-like genes. Functional analysis of one of the rice PI/GLO paralogs, OsMADS2, is reported here. Our data demonstrate its essential role in lodicule development and implicate the second PI/GLO paralog, OsMADS4, to suffice for stamen specification. We provide the first evidence for differential contributions of grass PI/GLO paralogs in patterning second- and third-whorl floral organs.