We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Deciphering the function and evolution of the iconic heterostyly supergene in primroses
Project
Project code: JKI-ZG-08-4190, 408296963
Contract period: 01.05.2019
- 30.04.2022
Purpose of research: Applied research
Heterostyly in primroses (Primula) represents an adaptation to promote outbreeding, in which plants either form flowers with long styles and short stamens, or short styles and long stamens. Besides these reciprocal positions of floral organs, outbreeding is further enhanced by an incompatibility that prevents fertilization between plants of the same form. The two forms are determined by the S-locus as a complex supergene, i.e. a chromosomal region containing at least five individual genes that control the different traits, such as anther length, and are held together by very tight linkage due to suppressed recombination. The S-locus sequence was recently determined in Primula vulgaris. However, our understanding of their function and evolution is severely hampered by the paucity of identified individual causal genes. Except for the gene controlling style length, this is also true for heterostyly. Therefore, this project will use a timely combination of next-generation sequencing and forward genetics to (1) determine the function of the additional S-locus genes; (2) test specific hypotheses about their mode of action; (3) retrace the chromosomal evolution of the S-locus; and (4) initiate a comparative study of heterostyly in other groups. This will provide unprecedented insight into a textbook problem in plant genetics and evolution and a model for supergenes in plants and animals. The knowledge about the genetic background of the complex mechanism of pollination, heterostyly, and the development of appropriate molecular markers lead to modern breeding methods, especially for ornamentals.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Horticulture
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute for Breeding Research on Horticultural Crops (JKI-ZG)
