Control of ovule number in Brassica species

产量最高的五种主要作物中有四种是种子作物。因此，为了满足未来人口的需求，需要提高这些种子作物的产量。为了提高产量，我们必须继续阐明控制这一性状的遗传因素以及它们与环境的相互作用。对于这个博士学位，目的是进一步了解植物胚珠的启动和生长，以增加种子产量。胚珠是种子的前体，其发育直接影响种子产量，为了寻找新的调控因子，本研究将利用拟南芥的双亲作图群体。将收集关于单个品系的每荚种子数的数据，并将该性状定位到定位群体内的QTL。除了寻找新的调节因子外，还将研究已知的种子大小调节因子ARF 2（ARF 2）在提高油菜种子产量方面的潜力。在拟南芥中，涉及ARF 2的突变研究导致种子大小增加，这是由于发育期间胚珠外层细胞分裂增加。因此，将在B中研究ARF 2。油菜，以确定它是否可以用来提高种子产量。应用/益处发现新的种子数量调节剂以及将我们所知道的ARF 2应用于B的潜在益处。我们的目标是提高种子作物的种子产量，以满足未来的需求。与研究委员会的相关性上述研究符合BBSRC的使命，即促进和支持基础和应用研究，以进一步了解和利用生物系统。此外，该项目将与UKRI的战略主题“建立一个安全和有弹性的世界”相关，特别是其子主题“有弹性和安全的供应链”，通过增加种子产量来帮助我们减轻气候变化对粮食供应的影响。

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.