A missense mutation in the transmembrane domain of CESA9 affects cell wall biosynthesis and plant growth in rice

► A mutant S1-60 is characterized by brittle culms that can be easily broken. ► S1-60 shows defects in thickening of the sclerenchyma cell wall. ► Cellulose content in S1-60 culms was reduced by 55.3%. ► S1-60 exhibits pleiotropic phenotypes i.e., dwarfism, withered leaf and sterility. ► The mutant phenotype was caused by a missense mutation in the OsCESA9 gene.