Biotech Updates

Researchers Identify Light Quality Effects on Genes Regulating Branching

September 18, 2013

Texas A&M University scientists led by Dr. Scott Finlayson studied the role of plant growth regulator abscisic acid in suppressing axillary bud outgrowth in response to reduced red to far red light ratio. Using microarray technology the genes responding to altered light quality in un-elongated axillary buds at different positions were identified. Results showed that genes involved in biosynthesis and signalling of several hormones, specifically abscisic acid, were differently expressed.

Further research showed that abscisic acid is tied to the branching process and light signals, where, reduction in red to far-red ratio suppresses axillary bud outgrowth due to elevated abscisic acid content in the buds. Results of these studies open new possibilities in developing ideal phenotypes in wheat, sorghum, forages and other commercial crops that are of interest to breeders, physiologists, agronomists and producers.

Details on this article can be viewed at http://today.agrilife.org/2013/09/17/researchers-identify-light-quality-effects-on-genes-regulating-branching/.