Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
BackgroundWhile floral symmetry has traditionally been assessed qualitatively, recent advances in geometric morphometrics have opened up new avenues to specifically quantify flower shape and size using robust multivariate statistical methods. In this study, we examine, for the first time, the ability of geometric morphometrics to detect morphological differences in floral dorsoventral asymmetry following virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Using Fedia graciliflora Fisch. & Meyer (Valerianaceae) as a model, corolla shape of untreated flowers was compared using canonical variate analysis to knockdown phenotypes of CYCLOIDEA2A (FgCYC2A), ANTHOCYANIDIN SYNTHASE (FgANS), and empty vector controls.ResultsUntreated flowers and all VIGS treatments were morphologically distinct from each other, suggesting that VIGS may cause subtle shifts in floral shape. Knockdowns of FgCYC2A were the most dramatic, affecting the position of dorsal petals in relation to lateral petals, thereby resulting in more actinomorphic-like flowers. Additionally, FgANS knockdowns developed larger flowers with wider corolla tube openings.ConclusionsThese results provide a method to quantify the role that specific genes play in the developmental pathway affecting the dorsoventral axis of symmetry in zygomorphic flowers. Additionally, they suggest that ANS may have an unintended effect on floral size and shape.
Highlights
While floral symmetry has traditionally been assessed qualitatively, recent advances in geometric morphometrics have opened up new avenues to quantify flower shape and size using robust multivariate statistical methods
Knockdown of Fedia graciliflora ANTHOCYANIDIN SYNTHASE (FgANS) and FgCYC2A genes To characterise putative shape changes resulting from loss-of-function of FgCYC2A and FgANS, we developed the tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system [62, 85] in F. graciliflora
Of the 42 plants inoculated with TRV2-FgANS or a combination of TRV2-CYC2A + TRV2-FgANS, all 42 plants produced at least some flowers exhibiting reduced levels of ANTHOCYANIDIN SYNTHASE (ANS)
Summary
While floral symmetry has traditionally been assessed qualitatively, recent advances in geometric morphometrics have opened up new avenues to quantify flower shape and size using robust multivariate statistical methods. Prior molecular work provides strong evidence that at least three morphologically circumscribed genera are embedded within other lineages [8], and, represent unique opportunities to study the evolution of novel characters and their underlying genetic mechanism(s). One such example, exemplified by the embedded genus Fedia Gaertn. The recent evolution of morphological characters including strongly zygomorphic flowers, plus the dynamic genomic structure of Fedia, make this a valuable genus to study the molecular mechanism(s) of phenotypic transitions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
