Abstract:

Plant growth and crop yield are determined by the interaction of genotype with the environment, but little is known about the genes which control and contribute to growth, vigour and yield under different environmental conditions. The completed genome sequence of the model plant Arabidopsis, combined with innovative functional genomics strategies and detailed analysis of growth of different genotypes under limiting conditions, will allow identification and functional analysis of genes controlling and contributing to growth and vigour and their interaction with the environment. Gene identification will use both unbiased approaches and targeted analysis of key signalling and hormone response pathways that link environmental sensing to growth control. The GVE project will provide a unique knowledge base for directed breeding programmes, and will be applied to delivery of agronomic improvements in rapeseed and rice.

Objectives:

The overall aims are to develop an integrated understanding of growth responses to the environment, and to identify master genes controlling plant vigour. These genes and pathways will be functionally manipulated and validated in the model plant, Arabidopsis, and two model crops rapeseed and rice.

Specific objectives:

1. Definitive methods of growth analysis under normal and limiting conditions will be developed, and used to assess the growth of different genotypes of Arabidopsis.
2. Analysis of gene expression, protein profiles, metabolites and hormone levels will identify genes involved in growth responses to environmental challenges.
3. Vigour related genes and pathways will be identified using a novel integrated approach.
4. Candidate master regulators of growth responses and vigour will be assessed in transgenic plants.
5. Identified genes and information will be assessed for application to breeding and/or transgenic strategies in rapeseed and rice.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Jane ROSS / University of London, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College School of Biological Sciences / UNITED KINGDOM

Participant

• Johan CARDOEN / CropDesign N.V. BELGIUM
• Stéphane GUILBERT / ENSAM-INRA Cereals and Agropolymers Technology Laboratory / FRANCE
• Rudy DEKEYSER / Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology VZW / BELGIUM
• Egon KRUECK / Max-Planck Institut für Zuechtengsforschung GERMANY
• Gisbert KLEY / Saatzuchtstation Salzkotten-Thuele GERMANY
• Kamlesh CHAUHAN / University of Cambridge Institute of Biotechnology / UNITED KINGDOM
• Manfred W MUELLER / VBC-Genomics Bioscience Research Gmbh AUSTRIA