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Developmental and Reproductive Traits in the Triticeae

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Genetics and Genomics of the Triticeae

Part of the book series: Plant Genetics and Genomics: Crops and Models ((PGG,volume 7))

Abstract

This chapter reviews what is known about genes that control the timing of flowering during the year or inflorescence development in the Triticeae, focusing on barley and wheat. The methods used to identify major genes controlling flowering in response to extended periods of low temperature (Vernalization; Vrn genes) or day length (Photoperiod; Ppd genes) and genes controlling inflorescence development are considered. This shows that direct candidate gene approaches have proved less effective than positional cloning or composite fine mapping/candidate gene methods. The implications for identifying new target genes are discussed. The analysis of genetic pathways identified in models is also considered as an aid to understanding how genes in the Triticeae affect phenotypic variation. Finally, the evolution of these traits under domestication is considered in relation to the finding that orthologous genes and similar mutations are found to be major contributors to adaptive variation in different species.

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Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges support by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council of Great Britain through grant-in-aid to the John Innes Centre.

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  1. Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, NR4 7UH, UK

    David A. Laurie

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    Laurie, D.A. (2009). Developmental and Reproductive Traits in the Triticeae. In: Muehlbauer, G., Feuillet, C. (eds) Genetics and Genomics of the Triticeae. Plant Genetics and Genomics: Crops and Models, vol 7. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-77489-3_20

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