Award details

204k: Genome analysis at the nucleotide, gene and higher levels of expression in Rosaceae

Reference	BBS/E/H/00031419
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Graham King
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Warwick
Department	Warwick HRI
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	590,913
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

A comprehensive genetic linkage map has previously been developed for Malus (apple). This has allowed the identification and location of chromosomal regions conferring a range of agronomic traits, and thus the development of markers for use in selective breeding. The pace of genomic information accumulated for model and commodity species such as Arabidopsis and rice is unlikely to be available in the near future for each of the rosaceous crops which together represent a high proportion of the fruit crops in temperate regions. The opportunity exists to study unique features of fruit crops such as apple, and determine the extent of, and exploit, gene sequence and linkage conservation between plant families. The most important traits associated with consumer preference of fruit relate to quality attrubutes such as texture. QTL are being resolved in the context of existing linkage maps which distinguish between complex 'firmness' and components such as 'crispness'. We are able to investigate regions of collinearity between loci in apple and those in Arabidopsis and tomato in order to characterise relevant candidate genes in terms of modulation of expression, allelic variation, for use as markers and deployment in transgene programmes. The work constitutes fundamental research underpinning genetic improvement of horticultural crops, with emphasis on stability of traits affecting appearance and quality. It addresses the Technology Foresight Priorities under Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, which call for more investment in biotechnology, and the BBSRC response under the Agri-Food Directorate for developing new protocols for gene characterisation. Gene sequences associated with key quality traits such as fruit texture of key importance to future crop improvement programmes. There will be benefits for roseaceous crops in terms of predictive markers which can reduce population sizes and plant maintenance drastically in early stages of life cycle. Understanding of the molecular basis of differences in texture, and interaction with environmental modulation of gene expression will enable production of produce with improved quality traits. Gene sequences and associated stage and tissue specific promoter/enhancers will be of direct use in existing transgene programmes. In tree crops with long juvenile phases seedling progeny could be screened for markers of genes expressed phenotypically only in adult trees, saving resources and time. Gene sequences and promoters may be protected for use in apple and other fruit species.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
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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