Plant, Animal & Microbe Genomes X Conference Plant, Animal & Microbe Genomes X ConferenceJanuary 12-16, 2002
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA
Workshop: Edible Legumes
Vegetative and reproductive architecture of edible legumes can significantly affect yield. We are examining the interactions among several genes that regulate Pisum stativum architecture to identify gene networks necessary for vegetative and/or reproductive morphologies. Genes were selected for investigation based on spatial and temporal affects. For example, COCHLEATA and UNIFOLIATA are necessary for leaf development, floral transition, and floral development. DETERMINATE maintains the indeterminancy of the first order (main) inflorescence axis, while VEGETATIVE1 appears to be required for the normal development of the second order inflorescence axis. PROLIFERATING INFLORESCENCE MERISTEM and a partially redundant gene, BROCCOLI are necessary for the normal development of the floral meristem that is produced by the second order inflorescence meristem. Some mutant phenotypes are atavistic and suggest that these genes may be useful in the study of the evolution of inflorescence development in the legumes. Some of these genes have been identified as homologs of key flowering genes in Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum. Thus there are opportunities to study the evolution of development of plant archicture, as well as potentially manipulating legume architecture to enhance yield.