Project Number: 1245-21000-141-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2010
End Date: Dec 13, 2013

Objective:
The goal is to identify mechanisms by which polyamines enhance the accumulation of choline and N-transport amino acids in tomato fruit. Further, we will determine if increased production and quality attributes in tomato plants grown under leguminous cover crop (hairy vetch) involve polyamine-responsive component(s).

Approach:
We will use transgenic technology to develop genotypes enriched in nutrients beneficial for human health. These genotypes will be analyzed for gene expression, particularly to elucidate mechanisms responding to higher polyamines. The interaction of methyl jasmonate with polyamines in regulating fruit metabolism will be analyzed in methyl jasmonate deficient transgenic tomato genotype. Influence of cover crop mulches on gene expression and metabolite profiles will be conducted on field grown transgenic and non-transgenic plants.