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Background: Published,
unpublished and CIMMYT results indicate a number of genes
that governing the fundamental processes of plant reproductive
biology, and whose role in apomixis needs to be investigated.
To address this, genetic engineering of an apomictic plant
would prove useful for ectopic expression and mutagenesis
purposes. A very few apomictic model systems are available
to date, and the maize-Tripsacum hybrid generations
produced at CIMMYT is the only one available for monocotyledons.
Thus we are using this maize-Tripsacum material to
test the various genes thought to be involved in fundamental
processes.
Objectives:
- Develop a protocol for the genetic transformation
of 2n=38 apomictic maize-Tripsacum hybrids
- Use this protocol to evaluate through
ectopic expression and RNA interference, to identify key
regulators of apomixis. The idea is that the insertion of
specific genes may interfere with the apomictic process
and restore normal sexual reproduction, thus indicating
their potential role in the reproductive process and perhaps
the genetic basis of apomixis.
Target Germplasm: 2n-38
apomictic maize-Tripsacum hybrids
Gene(s): Various candidate
genes as outlined above.
Partner(s):
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD),
Limagrain,
Pioneer,
Syngenta
Status: A protocol has
been established and the initial candidate gene transformants
are being produced.
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