ARS | Publication request: Development of a TILLING Population for Sorghum Functional Genomics

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 13, 2007
Publication Date: January 17, 2007
Citation: Xin, Z., Wang, M.L., Barkley, N.L., Franks, C.D., Burow, G.B., Pederson, G.A., Burke, J.J. 2007. Development of a TILLING Population for Sorghum Functional Genomics[abstract]. Plant Genome Conference. San Diego, California. January 13-17, 2007.

Technical Abstract: The need for a systematically mutagenized population to link gene function to sequence is becoming increasingly urgent as the sorghum genome sequencing is completed. A project was initiated to generate Annotated Individually-pedigreed Mutagenized Sorghum (AIMS) lines using (EMS) ethyl methane sulfonate for selection of agronomic trait mutants, as well as for isolating mutant series of sequenced genes to study the function of these genes using TILLING (Targeted Induced Local Lesion IN Genome) . The frequency of albino plants and various other altered phenotypes observed in M2 and M3 generations indicate that mutagenesis in sorghum is highly efficient. Many mutations altered important agronomic traits, such as panicle morphology, seed size, number of tillers, height, flowering time, and senescence were observed. The AIMS library may serve as a valuable genetic resource for sorghum function genomics and for elucidating the genetic mechanisms underpinning important agronomic traits.