The genetic and molecular organisation of the self incompatibility gene region in the grasses. Self-incompatibility (SI) is a cell-cell recognition process used by plants to prevent self-pollination and force outcrossing. It is widespread, occurring in a third of plant families. Although studies of SI go back to the 1800s, the origin of SI remains a mystery. Recent advances in the molecular characterisation of SI loci in some species has re-ignited debate on its origins but has provided few answ ....The genetic and molecular organisation of the self incompatibility gene region in the grasses. Self-incompatibility (SI) is a cell-cell recognition process used by plants to prevent self-pollination and force outcrossing. It is widespread, occurring in a third of plant families. Although studies of SI go back to the 1800s, the origin of SI remains a mystery. Recent advances in the molecular characterisation of SI loci in some species has re-ignited debate on its origins but has provided few answers. This project uses the grasses to explore the origins of SI. As a model system, the grasses offer detailed genetic and molecular data and aspects of floral architecture associated with SI can be investigatedRead moreRead less
Genomic Synteny in Legumes; Application to Crop Breeding. Synteny is defined as the degree of colinearity between the order of orthologous genes in chromosomes of related species. New data suggests that legumes share widespread synteny. Extensive genomic resources are being accumulated for the model legume, Medicago truncatula including the full genome sequence. We propose to use these resources to uncover patterns of synteny between M. truncatula and the cultivated legumes chickpeas, lupins, ....Genomic Synteny in Legumes; Application to Crop Breeding. Synteny is defined as the degree of colinearity between the order of orthologous genes in chromosomes of related species. New data suggests that legumes share widespread synteny. Extensive genomic resources are being accumulated for the model legume, Medicago truncatula including the full genome sequence. We propose to use these resources to uncover patterns of synteny between M. truncatula and the cultivated legumes chickpeas, lupins, faba-beans, lentils and lucerne. In addition to revealing patterns of chromosomal evolution in this large plant family, we will generate genetic maps and molecular markers for use in practical plant breeding of these important crops.Read moreRead less