WP3. BRs for crop improvement

Work package leader

Christophe Reuzeau, CropDesign N.V

Participants

Russinova lab, Bishop Lab, CropDesign N.V

Subprojects

Screening for bioactive compounds to modify BR signalling

We aim to discover small synthetic molecules that will reversibly modulate the trafficking of BR signalling components chemical genetics approach and to further identify their potential targets. Such compounds can be used as bioactive molecular probes for functional analysis of the endocytosis of BR receptor complex and for further understanding of its significance for signal transduction in plants.

BRs in tomato

To enable the rapid exploitation of our understanding of BR biosynthesis and signalling from model species to crops it is important to know the level of conservation in such processes. Tomato is an ideal species that can be utilised for analysis of conservation of BR synthesis and signalling and is also a model system for fruit production. In tomato two key novel findings have been made in BR synthesis and signalling, namely the discovery of a putative fruit specific BL-synthase (CYP85A3) and that the peptide hormone systemin binds to the BR receptor BRI1. To further our understanding of BRs role in tomato it will be important to discern where and when BRs are made and perceived. It will also be important to focus this research on fruit development.

Identifying genes that can modify brassinosteroid responses, plant architecture and seed yield in rice

New approaches are necessary to modify and improve plant growth and plant yield .We will review all known genes involved in brassinosteroid pathway, identify all data published concerning those genes and mutants and transgenics, particularly focus on architectural and seed yield traits. Based on this analysis we will elect and test the function of a number of new important genes in rice. Using the CropDesign high throughput TraitMill phenotyping platform we will precisely examine the effects of selected transgenes on the development of rice and the establishment of the final phenotype. We will focus on architectural traits such as height and branching, leaf structure, but also panicle structure and development and effect on final yield.