A simple PCR-based marker to determine sex in aspen

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The genus Populus has a genetically controlled sex determination system on chromosome 19.
• Variations exist in the sex-linked region's position and heterogametic sex across Populus species.
• The exact mechanism of sex determination in Populus remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify genes involved in sex determination in aspen (Populus tremuloides).
• To investigate the role of the Potri.019G047300 gene (TOZ19) in aspen sex determination.
• To evaluate TOZ19 as a potential marker for sex identification in aspen.

Main Methods:

• Next-generation sequencing of pooled male and female aspen samples.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to verify gene presence.
• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for expression analysis.

Main Results:

• The TOZ19 gene homologue was identified as male-specific in aspen.
• Complete TOZ19 gene is absent in female P. tremuloides, with a fragment present in female P. tremula.
• Male-specific presence and transcription of TOZ19 were confirmed.
• TOZ19 is a potential candidate gene for aspen sex determination and an ideal sex marker.

Conclusions:

• TOZ19 is a male-specific gene in aspen, likely involved in early flower development.
• TOZ19 serves as a reliable marker for determining the sex of non-flowering aspen individuals and seedlings.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of TOZ19 in Populus sex determination.