Abstract
For successful molecular breeding it is important to identify targets to the gene family level, and in the specific species of interest, in this case Pisum sativum L. The cytokinins have been identified as a key breeding target due to their influence on plant architecture, and on seed size and sink activity. We focused on the cytokinin biosynthetic gene family (the IPTs) and the gene family key to the destruction of cytokinins (the CKXs), as well as other gene families potentially affected by changing cytokinin levels. These included key meristem genes (WUS and BAM1) and the transporter gene families, sucrose transporters (SUTs) and amino acid permeases (AAPs). We used reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to monitor gene expression in the vegetative meristem and in pre- and post-fertilisation young pea fruits. PsWUS expression was specific to the shoot apical meristem while PsBAM1 was highly expressed in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) but was also expressed at a low level in the young fruit. Differential expression was shown between genes and within gene families for IPT, CKX, SUT, and AAP. PsCKX7 showed strong gene family member-specific expression in the SAM, and was also expressed in young pea fruits. We suggest that PsCKX7 is a potential target for downregulation via molecular breeding or gene editing.
Highlights
In this International Year of the Pulses it is worth noting that Pisum sativum L. is one of the world’s oldest domesticated crops [1]
We report the expression of WUS and BAM1, and the differential expression of the IPT, CKX, sucrose transporters (SUTs), and amino acid permeases (AAPs) gene family members, initially identified from a pea transcriptome and quantified using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)
For both PsIPT1 and 2, expression was slightly greater in the pod walls of the field pea (Bohatyr) than the process pea (Bolero) and PsCKX expression was greater in the early fruit stages of Bolero relative to Bohatyr (Figure S1)
Summary
In this International Year of the Pulses it is worth noting that Pisum sativum L. is one of the world’s oldest domesticated crops [1]. Eaten when mature and dried, the “field pea” has been a major source of protein for the human diet for millennia [2]. Current breeding objectives for pea vary depending on production region and end use of the crop. In New Zealand, the focus is mainly on cultivars of “process pea”, which are grown for fresh consumption for domestic use and for export as frozen baby peas. Process peas are harvested when immature and sweet. In Europe, on the other hand, the crop is predominantly “field pea” which is harvested at maturity, when starch and storage proteins have accumulated. Field peas are used for animal feed and for “mushy” peas consumed by humans
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