Identification and characterization of flowering genes in kiwifruit: sequence conservation and role in kiwifruit flower development.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Flower development in kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) is initiated in the first growing season, when undifferentiated primordia are established in latent shoot buds. These primordia can differentiate into flowers in the second growing season, after the winter dormancy period and upon accumulation of adequate winter chilling. Kiwifruit is an important horticultural crop, yet little is known about the molecular regulation of flower development.

Results

To study kiwifruit flower development, nine MADS-box genes were identified and functionally characterized. Protein sequence alignment, phenotypes obtained upon overexpression in Arabidopsis and expression patterns suggest that the identified genes are required for floral meristem and floral organ specification. Their role

SUBMITTER: Varkonyi-Gasic E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3103426 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature