Overexpression of Atsob3-6 Gene Variant Improves Seed Size, Seed Weight and Seedling Emergence in Camelina

Washington State University scientists report that overexpression of a Atsob3-6 gene variant improves the seed size, seed weight, and seedling emergence of Camelina sativa. The results are published in Transgenic Research.

Seedling stand establishment is a critical factor that impacts the yield in low-precipitation areas especially for small-seeded crops such as Camelina (Camelina sativa) and canola (Brassica napus), which need to be planted shallow. AHL (AT-Hook Containing, NuclearLocalized) genes play vital functions in seedling growth and development.  The initial study of the research team indicated that AtAHL29/SOB3 (Suppressorof phytochromeB-4 #3) regulates seedling development in Arabidopsis.

In a follow-up study, the researchers elucidated the role of Atsob3-D and Atsob3-6-OX in regulating seed size and hypocotyl length in the brassicas Arabidopsis and Camelina. Atsob3-D reduced the seed weight in Arabidopsis, while Atsob3-6-OX boosted seed weight and size when compared with the wild type. Likewise, Atsob3-6-OX transgenic Camelina seedlings are taller than the wild type, and produced larger and heavier seeds. These larger Atsob3-6-OX Camelina seeds also confer better emergence in deep-soil planting when compared to the wild type.

Based on the results, Atsob3-6-OX increases seed size, seed weight, seedling hypocotyl length and stand establishment in Camelina.