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Apple and strawberry MADS-box genes and their function in plant developmental pathways
Project
Project code: JKI-ZGO-08-4167
Contract period: 01.06.2010
- 31.12.2013
Purpose of research: Applied research
MADS-box transcription factors play a crucial role in several plant developmental processes and have been studied in details in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. However, little is known about their function in crops of important agricultural and commercial value. The project aims to investigate the role of selected MADS-box transcription factors in two representative Rosaceae crops: apple and strawberry. A phylogenetic analysis of apple MADS-box genes indicated the presence of a subclade containing genes involved in important developmental pathways such as flowering induction and dormancy. The function of these genes will be investigated in the sequenced apple cultivar 'Golden Delicious'. The ORFs (open reading frames) of these genes will be validated experimentally from cDNA libraries of different apple tissues. Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis of MADS-box genes in another Rosaceae spp, Fragaria vesca (wild strawberry) should be performed to identify MADS-box genes possibly involved in flower and fruit development. These genes should be functionally characterized using RNA interference approach. Further information about gene function will be obtained after the phenotypic analysis of the transgenic lines.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Arboriculture
- Biotechnology
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops (JKI-ZG)