Articles
MOLECULAR CONTROL AND GENETIC MODIFICATION OF FLOWER DEVELOPMENT.
Article number
420_1
Pages
13 – 15
Language
Abstract
Flowers represent important plant organs involved in the vital function of reproduction via the attraction of pollinators and the formation of the male and female reproductive cells.
Besides insects and birds, man is also attracted by ornamentals and flowers are highly appreciated by their fragrances and ornamental value.
Due to this, flowers have significant economic importance.
In the Netherlands the production and trade of cutflowers and potplants considers an important economic activity.
For the breeders there is a constant need and pressure to develop new ornamental varieties improved for traits as flower color and shape, vase life, sterility/fertility and above all resistance to pests and deseases.
In order to meet this demand, breeders can follow the traditional way via crossing and selection but more and more molecular breeding techniques and approaches become feasible.
For a true molecular flower breeding several criteria have to be fulfilled.
First, reliable methods to introduce (modified) genes have to be developed for every crop species and second genes controlling the processes to be manipulated must be available.
In this report the progress in the development of a pollen tranformation method to genetically modify Lilium longiflorum is discussed.
Furthermore two examples are presented of the use genetic modification to breed for traits.
First the use of a gene controlling flower organogenesis to change flower shape and color is described.
Second the use of a chalcone synthase gene to introduce sterility for F1 hybrid production will be presented.
Besides insects and birds, man is also attracted by ornamentals and flowers are highly appreciated by their fragrances and ornamental value.
Due to this, flowers have significant economic importance.
In the Netherlands the production and trade of cutflowers and potplants considers an important economic activity.
For the breeders there is a constant need and pressure to develop new ornamental varieties improved for traits as flower color and shape, vase life, sterility/fertility and above all resistance to pests and deseases.
In order to meet this demand, breeders can follow the traditional way via crossing and selection but more and more molecular breeding techniques and approaches become feasible.
For a true molecular flower breeding several criteria have to be fulfilled.
First, reliable methods to introduce (modified) genes have to be developed for every crop species and second genes controlling the processes to be manipulated must be available.
In this report the progress in the development of a pollen tranformation method to genetically modify Lilium longiflorum is discussed.
Furthermore two examples are presented of the use genetic modification to breed for traits.
First the use of a gene controlling flower organogenesis to change flower shape and color is described.
Second the use of a chalcone synthase gene to introduce sterility for F1 hybrid production will be presented.
Authors
Arjen J. van Tunen, J. Franken, J. Busscher, Gerco C. Angenent, B. Ylstra, Hans J.M. Dons
Keywords
Online Articles (41)