Identification of Genetic Factors Regulating Seed Dehiscence in Canola
Sara Patterson, University of Wisconsin - $34,573

Early pod shatter or dehiscence can result in significant reduction in yield and quality of many crops. In Brassica napus, canola, five to ten percent of the crop is lost yearly due to early pod shatter. Under adverse conditions resulting in late harvest, these losses may result in reductions as high as 50%. There is considerable interest and need for new cultivars with resistance to pod shatter. The goals of this project are to identify genetic factors responsible for dehiscence that can be used for canola cultivar development. We propose to identify dehiscence-related genes using microarray, RT PCR, and in situ. We will analyze candidate dehiscence related genes by screening the comparable knockout of Arabidopsis provided from the SALK collection at the ABRC. After verifying gene function, we will begin the identification and isolation of the homologous genes(s) in canola. Concurrent with gene identification we will establish an improved method of transformation of canola and introduce constructs designed to silence the native gene. Long term objectives anticipate improved canola with reduced seed shatter.

Objectives:
1. Identify genes regulating dehiscence in Arabidopis.
2. Transform canola with gene silencing constructs or identify mutants in canola.