Project Number: 5348-21000-019-02
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Sep 16, 2002
End Date: Aug 31, 2007

Objective:
To identify agronomically important genes for wheat using a genetic approach both in wheat and Arabidopsis. The first approach will be to develop a transposon-based activation system for identification of genes directly in wheat. The second approach will be to use Arabidopsis as a model plant to identify genes important for emergence and lodging. Once genes are identified in Arabidopsis cooresponding genes will be identified by homology in wheat. Functional analysis will be used to confirm that the gene has the same function in wheat as in Arabidopsis.

Approach:
1. Transposon tagging in wheat. We will develop a transposon-based activation tagging (TAT) system for identifying and cloning wheat genes. Wheat is a genetically complex allohexaploid. TAT will overcome some of the difficulties associated with cloning genes in the large and highly redundant wheat genome. TAT will improve our ability to identify mutants in wheat by enriching for dominant mutantions, and will 'tag' the mutagenized gene allowing it to be cloned without doing a chromosome walk. 2. GA-signaling in Arabidopsis and wheat. GA controls germination and stem elongation. These roles make GA-response genes excellent candidates for controlling seedling emergence and lodging. We have cloned the GA response gene SLEEPY1 (SLY1) in Arabidopsis. Mutations in this gene result is a dwarf phenotype. This project will use Arabidopsis to further elucidate the mechanism by which SLY1 controls germination and stem elongation. This project has identified a wheat EST with homology to SLY1. We will determine if mutations in the wheat gene are associated with dwarfism in wheat, and if antisensing this TaSLY1 with result in a dwarf phenotype. Documents SCA with WSU. Formerly 5348-21000-016-07S (9/03).

Project Team

Steber, Camille Kimberley Kidwell - Research Geneticist (509)335-2887

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)   Plant Biological and Molecular Processes (302)