| Abstract Detail
Translational Genomics - Morning Gebhardt, Christiane [1], Li, Li [1], Pajerowska, Karolina [1], Ilarionova, Evgeniya [1], Ballvora, Agim [1], Paulo, Maria Joao [1]. Population Genetics and Candidate Genes: Approaches to unravel the molecular basis of complex traits in cultivated potato and to develop diagnostic markers for breeding. POTATOES (Solanum tuberosum) and humans (Homo sapiens) are both outcrossing species. The phenotypic variation of both is controlled by environmental factors and by natural DNA polymorphisms between individuals. Therefore we adopt similar approaches as used in human population genetics such as association mapping, to identify genes and their alleles, which underlay complex agronomic characters such as quantitative resistance to late blight or tuber sugar content (cold sweetening). Functional analysis of genes operating in resistance to pests and pathogens or in carbohydrate metabolism, either in potato itself or in other plants including the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, provides in abundance functional candidates for these complex agronomic traits. However, which allelic variants of which genes are responsible for natural trait variation, is unknown. Functional candidate genes are tested for linkage to QTL (quantitative trait loci) for pathogen resistance or tuber quality traits by genetic mapping, thereby selecting positional candidates (genes co-localizing with a QTL). DNA polymorphisms in or physically linked to positional candidate genes are then evaluated in populations of tetraploid potato genotypes and tested for association with phenotypes evaluated in the same populations. On one hand, DNA polymorphisms associated with an agronomic trait can then be used to develop PCR assays diagnostic for a positive or a negative trait allele, to be used in breeding programs. On the other hand, natural alleles of candidate genes can be isolated and tested for functional variation, thereby demonstrating their causal role for the trait studied. Examples and the current status for this fruitful combination of basic and applied research will be presented.
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1 - MPI for Plant Breeding Research, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Carl von Linne Weg 10, Cologne, NRW, 50829, Germany
Keywords:
Potato
association mapping
candidate genes
Late Blight
cold sweetening.
Session: SAT05-3
Location: Hall of Ideas Room I/Monona Terrace
Date: Wednesday, July 26th, 2006
Time: 8:30 AM
Abstract ID:67 |
