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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Kearneysville, West Virginia » Appalachian Fruit Research Laboratory » Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #303346

Title: The molecular basis for tree growth habit in Prunus persica (peach)

Author
item Dardick, Christopher - Chris
item Hollender, Courtney
item Scorza, Ralph
item Srinivasan, Chinnathambi
item Callahan, Ann
item ZHEBENTYAYEVA, TETYANA - Clemson University
item RUIZ, KARINA - Centro De Estudios Avanzados En Zonas Áridas (CEAZA)
item Whitaker, Michael
item HORN, RENATE - University Of Rostock
item ABBOTT, ALBERT - Clemson University
item Tworkoski, Thomas

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/2/2014
Publication Date: 8/5/2014
Citation: Dardick, C.D., Hollender, C.A., Scorza, R., Srinivasan, C., Callahan, A.M., Zhebentyayeva, T., Ruiz, K.B., Whitaker, M., Horn, R., Abbott, A., Tworkoski, T. 2014. The molecular basis for tree growth habit in Prunus persica (peach)[abstract]. 7th International Rosaceae Genomics Conference. p. 15.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The large size and spreading growth habit of trees requires excessive labor, land space, and pesticides. Genetically improving tree shapes so they can be planted at higher density and/or more readily adapted to mechanization would increase productivity and be more environmentally friendly. Currently, very little is known about the genes and signaling pathways that regulate tree growth and development. Using peach as a model system, we have mapped and identified several genes that control branch growth and tree size via a new, Next-Gen sequencing enabled method. The peach pillar trait associated with fastigiated growth was found to be controlled by a gene called PpeTAC1 (Tiller Angle Control) homologues of which were previously described in rice and maize. Knock outs of PpeTAC1 in Arabidopsis showed a similar fastigiated growth habit as did transgenic plums which were silenced for PpeTAC1. PpeTAC1 was found to be a member of a broader gene family that includes the previously described LAZY1. Knock outs of LAZY1 in rice and Arabidopsis displayed prostrate growth as well as a loss of gravitropism associated with impaired polar auxin transport. RNAseq studies of apical shoots from TAC1 and LAZY1 mutants in peach and Arabidopsis did not show changes in auxin biosynthesis, transport, or signaling but instead revealed coordinated changes in stress, defense, and secondary metabolic pathways. The knowledge gained from this work has important implications for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in not only fruit trees but potentially a wide variety of different crops.