Interactions between leaf pubescence genes in bread wheat as assessed by high throughput phenotyping

Abstract

Leaves of many angiosperm species develop trichomes. These epidermal outgrowths have been exploited to the study the determination of cell fate, plant cell differentiation mechanisms and cell morphogenesis in the model plant species. It was found that even simple shape trichomes (leaf hairs) offer protection against both biotic and abiotic stress factors. Currently, in monocotyledonous plants, the genetic basis of leaf hair formation is poorly understood. This study sought to establish the genetic control of leaf pubescence formation in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in terms of leaf hair patterning and growth. A set of cultivars and lines carrying allelic combinations of three pubescence controlling genes, Hl1, Hl3 and Hl2aesp was used for quantitative phenotyping. It was demonstrated that these genes differ in their effect on leaf hair formation: Hl1 and Hl3 more affected leaf hair initiation and growth, while Hl2aesp modified leaf hair length. Their action was independent to a large extent. A model of Hl1, Hl3 and Hl2aesp genes action is proposed.