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Title: Scarecrow (SCR) mediates root development in Lupinus albus and Medicago truncatula

Author
item SBABOU, LAILA - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item PODKOWINSKI, JAN - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item Bucciarelli, Bruna
item Miller, Susan
item ALLAN, DEBORAH - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
item Vance, Carroll

Submitted to: American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/2/2007
Publication Date: 8/2/2007
Citation: Sbabou, L., Podkowinski, J., Bucciarelli, B., Miller, S.S., Allan, D., Vance, C.P. 2007. Scarecrow (SCR) mediates root development in Lupinus albus and Medicago truncatula [abstract]. Botany and Plant Biology 2007 Joint Congress, July 7-11, 2007, Chicago, Illinois. Abstract No. P26023. Available: http://2007.botanyconference.org/engine/search/index.php?func=detail&aid=498.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: White lupin is considered an ideal crop in which to study plant response to phosphate (P) deficiency. Phosphorus is a major element limiting plant growth. White lupin has evolved several strategies to acquire scarce P including: modified root growth resulting in massive root proliferation and root exudation of materials that solubilize P. Research aimed at defining and understanding the genes which control root development in P-stressed white lupin may allow us to genetically modify plants for improved P acquisition. The objective of this study was to identify genes critical for root development. In sequencing many hundreds of genes from P-stressed white lupin roots, we found one noted as Scarecrow that affects lateral root formation. We characterized the white lupin Scarecrow gene and showed that it belongs to a class of regulatory genes that controls the expression of many other genes. Using RNAi to block the expression of Scarecrow, we reduced root growth. In future studies we will overexpress this gene in attempts to enhance root growth and development.