Control of ovule number in Brassica species

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Four of the top five primary crops produced are seed crops. Therefore, in order to meet demands for the projected future population, yields for these seed crops need to be improved. In order to improve yields, we must continue to elucidate the genetic factors controlling this trait as well as their interaction with the environment. For this PhD, the aim is further our understanding of ovule initiation and growth in plants in order to increase seed yields. Ovules are the precursors to seeds; thus, their development will directly affect seed yields.In order to find novel regulators, a biparental mapping population in Arabidopsis thaliana will be used. Data will be collected on seed number per pod for individual lines and the trait mapped to QTLs within the mapping population. Results will guide selection of candidate genes for further study.In addition to the search for novel regulators, a known seed size regulator AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 2 (ARF2) will be investigated for its potential to improve seed yields in Brassica napus. In Arabidopsis, mutational studies involving ARF2 results in an increase in seed size due to increased cell division in the outer layers of the ovule during development. Therefore, ARF2 will be investigated in B. napus to determine if it can be used to improve seed yields. Application/benefitsThe potential benefits to discovering novel seed number regulators as well as applying what we know of ARF2 to B. napus will be to improve upon seed yields of our seed crops to meet future demand. Relevance to research councilThe research outlined above aligns with the BBSRC's mission of promoting and supporting both basic and applied research to further our understanding and exploitation of biological systems. Additionally, this project will be relevant to the UKRI's strategic theme of "Building a secure and resilient world", specifically, its subtheme of "Resilient and secure supply chains" by increasing seed yields to aid in our efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change to food supplies.