Award details

Molecular physiological analysis of plant acclimation to environmental stress, with particular reference to the effects of high temperature.

Reference	BBS/E/G/00003393
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Catherine Howarth
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Inst of Grassland and Environmental Res
Department	Inst of Grassland and Environmental Res Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	111,513
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	30/04/1997
Duration	1 months

Abstract

This research scheme is concerned with identifying the genetic basis of plant responses to environmental stress and in particular to high temperatures. The ability of plants to acclimate both in the short- and long-term to extremes of temperature is critical for their survival. Considerable genotypic differences in the ability to acclimate exist. The processes that occur during acclimation are being studied using an integrated approach of molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology and plant breeding. Specifically, this project involves the elucidation of the role of specific high temperature-induced gene products (e.g. heat-shock proteins) and their involvement both in acclimation to high temperatures and the recovery process on return to non-stress conditions. Isolation of the promoter regions of these genes will enable their use in transgenic formation to manipulate the expression of other proteins whose synthesis is adversely affected by heat. Cross acclimation or cross-sensitisation to other stresses are also being examined. Screening techniques and molecular markers for temperature tolerance are being developed for use directly in breeding programmes, to dissect these complex traits into their components, to study gene flow during selection experiments and in contract research (see RO 17606445). The techniques used are appropriate for a range of stresses.

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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