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COMPARATIVE GENOMICS - Comparative genomics between Arabidopsis and Brassica for genes directing seed-specific flavonoid biosynthesis (Part 1)
Project
Project code: 0313099A
Contract period: 01.09.2004
- 30.06.2008
Budget: 356,756 Euro
Purpose of research: Basic research
Rapeseed is the most important oil crop in Europe. However, its utilisation as source for high-quality proteins is limited by the negative impact of the high content of anti-nutritive flavonoids (i.e. condensed tannins). The flavonoid composition in the seed coat is controlled by a large number of genes and little is known about the inheritance of this trait. Therefore, breeding of yellow seeded rapeseed lines is very difficult. Isolation and a better understanding of the genes involved in the regulation of this character will be determinant to be able to breed stable yellow seeded varieties of rapeseed. A number of genes encoding flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes or regulatory genes have already been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. Unravelling the diverse aspects of flavonoid biosynthesis in this model crucifer will accelerate the selection of interesting traits in Brassica napus. Indeed, the genomes of both species exhibit considerable similarities, which facilitates the recovery of rapeseed genes that are orthologous to the ones identified in A. thaliana. Therefore, in this project, we propose to use the tools of functional and comparative plant genomics in order to specifically reduce the level of anti-nutritive condensed tannins in rapeseed.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
Framework programme
BMBF - Frameworkprogramm Biotechnology - Using and Shaping its Opportunities