A Genetic Analysis of Photosynthetic and Biomass- Partitioning in Cleome serrulata

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This research aims to identify the heritability of the ways in which an annual plant uses water and nitrogen when exposed to water stress. Although plants of different species vary in the efficiency with which they use water and nitrogen, very little is known about whether such variability exists within species, and whether the variability can be manipulated through traditional plant breeding techniques. In this research, plants of the same species from naturally "wet" and "dry" environments will be crossed to establish a group of progeny of known genetic origin. Then the ways in which the plants use water and nitrogen to produce new growth will be studied. The research will focus on the efficiency of the photosynthetic process and biomass- allocation processes to roots, shoots and flowers in using water and nitrogen. The investigators will also examine whether differences in the efficiency by which plants use nitrogen and water for photosynthesis and growth result in different yields of fruits and seeds. The results will provide a better understanding of the genetic controls over the photosynthetic efficiencies of using water and nitrogen to drive plant growth. Knowledge of such genetic controls could lead to significant breakthroughs in (1) the understanding of the evolution of photosynthetic processes in plants, and (2) the ability to begin manipulating (through breeding programs) the efficiency of water and nitrogen use in annual crop species of agronomic importance.