Award details

Control of genetic interactions between legumes and microorganisms

Reference	BBS/E/G/00003115
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Kathleen Webb
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Inst of Grassland and Environmental Res
Department	Inst of Grassland and Environmental Res Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	853,795
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1999
End date	31/03/2003
Duration	48 months

Abstract

We aim to increase understanding of genetic interactions between legumes and microorganisms that affect plant health and performance. We will study three different microorganisms: Rhizobium bacteria (free-living symbionts), arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (obligate symbionts) and nematodes (pathogens). We also aim to improve knowledge of the molecular ecology of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi. Over the review period, we will focus on legumes since gene expression analysis has provided evidence of similarities between nodulation and mycorrhizal colonization. We will exploit symbiotic mutants, transformants with altered gene expression and genetically tagged transformants of the model legume, Lotus japonicus, and near isogenic lines of white clover that show phenotypic differences in plant response to AM infection. In addition, we shall continue developing genetic transformation technology for legumes, particularly white clover, to produce transformants with altered gene expression to confirm gene function of newly isolated DNA sequences and genes involved in nematode resistance. This project has four main aims: 1. To identify genes involved in early recognition events in interactions of legumes with its symbionts, Rhizobium and AM fungi. 2. To study expression of plant genes involved in efficient functioning in Rhizobium and AM symbioses. 3. To develop qualitative and quantitative molecular markers of AM infection for use in field based studies, including studies of contrasting agricultural managements (with Aberystwyth Bio Centre). 4. To generate transgenic plants to determine or confirm specific gene function in plant-microorganism interactions.

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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