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Flowering time, development and yield in oilseed rape (Brassica napus): sequence diversity in regulatory genes
Project
Project code: DFG SPP 1530
Contract period: 15.06.2011
- 16.05.2014
Purpose of research: Basic research
Flowering time (FTi) genes play a key role as regulators of complex gene expression networks, and the influence of these networks on other complex systems means that FTi gene expression triggers a cascade of regulatory effects with a broad global effect on plant development. Hence, allelic and expression differences in FTi genes can play a central role in phenotypic variation throughput the plant lifecycle. A prime example for this is found in Brassica napus, a phenotypically and genetically diverse species with Snowdon Rapeseedenormous variation in vernalisation requirement and flowering traits. The species includes oilseed rape (canola), one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide. Previously we have identified QTL clusters related to plant development, seed yield and heterosis in winter oilseed rape that seem to be conserved in diverse genetic backgrounds. We suspect that these QTL are controlled by global regulatory genes that influence numerous traits at different developmental stages. Interestingly, many of the QTL clusters for yield and biomass heterosis appear to correspond to the positions of meta-QTL for FTi in spring-type and/or winter-type B. napus. Based on a hypothesis that diversity in FTi genes has a key influence on plant development and yield, the aim of this study is a detailed analysis of DNA sequence variation in regulatory FTi genes in B. napus , combined with an investigation of associations between FTi gene haplotypes, developmental traits, yield components and seed yield.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
Collaborative Project
Flowering time control: from natural variation to crop improvement - Phase 1
