ARS | Publication request: Characterization of a bi-pistil mutant in Medicago truncatula Gaertn

Submitted to: International Conference on Legume Genomics and Genetics
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 7, 2008
Publication Date: December 7, 2008
Citation: Nair, R., Peck, D., Dundas, I., Samac, D.A., Moore, A., Randles, J. 2008. Characterization of a bi-pistil mutant in Medicago truncatula Gaertn. [abstract]. IV International Conference on Legume Genomics and Genetics, December 7-12, 2008, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Abstract No. P92 p. 73.

Technical Abstract: We propose the name bi-pistil, bip, for a floral organ mutant observed in transgenic Medicago truncatula plants. The mutant has two separate stigmas borne on two separate styles that emerge from a single superior carpel primordium. The bip plant was crossed to a previously reported male sterile mtapetala plant with a wild-type pistil. Study of the mutant trait in the F1 and F2 generations indicates that the bi-pistil trait is under the control of a single recessive gene. Other modifying genes may influence its expression. The mutation was associated with the presence of a T-DNA insert consisting of the alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) coat protein gene in antisense orientation and the nptII selectable marker gene. It is suggested that the mutation is due to gene disruption because multiple copies of the T-DNA were observed in the mutant. The bi-pistil gene was found to be independent of the male-sterile gene, tap.