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Molecular mechanisms regulating seed dormancy and embryogenesis

Reference	BBS/E/C/00803283
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Michael Holdsworth
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Rothamsted Research
Department	Rothamsted Research Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	285,234
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/1999
Duration	24 months

Abstract

Objectives are to identify mechanisms that regulate seed dormancy, the initiation of germination, and embryogenesis, using a molecular genetic approach. Experiments will be conducted using the persistent weed Avena fatua (a classical model for dormancy studies), in Arabidopsis thaliana, and in wheat. Avena fatua will be used to identify genes whose expression is correlated with dormancy. The mechanisms that control the expression of these genes will be studied. Arabidopsis thaliana will be used to identify new genes involved in the termination of embryogenesis, and the dormancy/germination transition. Analysis of these and other genes in wheat will be carried out to identify genetic causes of pre-harvest sprouting, and the regulation of seed development. Objectives 1996 1.Analysis of the Avena fatua VIVIPAROUS-1 (VP 1) homolog. To include: Definition of the expression characteristics of the homolog during seed development and germination. 2.Identification of new mutants in dormancy/germination in Arabidopsis thaliana 1997 We will analyse the genetic interactions between two newly identified Arabidopsis mutants (lines 320 and 10) and previously described mutants abi3-4, fus3-1 and lec1-1. This will allow us to place the effect of the newly defined mutants within the pathways leading to the termination of embryogenesis, initiation of dormancy, transition to germination and germination. We will attempt to map the position of the genetic lesions in lines 10 and 320 using CAPS markers. Expression levels of taVp1 will be determined in Huntsman wheat induced to pre-harvest sprout during 1997.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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