Early Nodulin Genes in Japanese Pagodatree (Sophora japonica L.) and American Yellowwood [Cladrastis kentukea (Dum.-Cours.) Rudd

Abstract

Early nodulin genes, such as ENOD2, may be conserved and could function as molecular markers for nodulation. Many nodulating and nonnodulating legumes must be analyzed before the role of such genes in nodulation can be determined. Japanese pagodatree and American yellowwood are closely related, ornamental woody legumes. Unsubstantiated reports of nodulation in Japanese pagodatree require confirmation, and American yellowwood has not been observed to nodulate. We investigated the presence of putative ENOD2 genes in these species, and we are studying differential and temporal expression. Genomic DNA of Japanese pagodatree and primers, derived from proline-rich pentapeptide repeats of conserved ENOD2 sequences, were used to obtain a 555-bp PCR fragment. This cloned fragment was used as a probe for Southern and Northern hybridizations. Genomes of Japanese pagodatree and American yellowwood contained sequences that are similar to ENOD2 sequences in other legumes. Treatments with either cytokinin or an auxin transport inhibitor may induce expression of the putative ENOD2 genes. New data on the characteristics of nodulin genes in woody legumes will clarify the nature and evolution of nodulation in legumes and may have implications for developing sustainable nursery production protocols.