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FT overexpression induces precocious flowering and normal reproductive development in Eucalyptus
Amy L Klocko1, Cathleen Ma1, Sarah Robertson1
1Department Forest Ecosystems & Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
Plant Biotechnology Journal
|July 2, 2015
Summary
Overexpressing the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene accelerates flowering in Eucalyptus trees, enabling faster breeding and genetic studies. This early flowering results in normal flowers and viable seeds, with progeny inheriting the trait.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biotechnology
- Forestry Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Eucalyptus species are vital for global industrial forestry.
- Delayed flowering in Eucalyptus hinders conventional and molecular breeding efforts, typically taking several years.
- Accelerating the breeding cycle is crucial for improving forest productivity and genetic diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of overexpressing FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) to induce early flowering in Eucalyptus.
- To evaluate the impact of FT gene overexpression on tree growth, morphology, and reproductive capacity.
- To assess the heritability of early flowering and its implications for breeding programs.
Main Methods:
- Transformation of Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla hybrid (SP7) with various constructs for FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene overexpression.
- Utilizing different promoters, including the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and a heat-shock promoter, to drive FT expression.
- Monitoring flowering time, floral bud development, tree growth, morphology, and reproductive success (seed viability and pollen fertility).
Main Results:
- FT gene overexpression significantly accelerated flowering, with floral buds appearing within 1-5 months post-transplanting.
- The cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter driving the Arabidopsis thaliana FT gene (AtFT) resulted in the most rapid flowering.
- Transgenic trees exhibited robust growth but showed a highly branched phenotype, unlike control trees with strong apical dominance.
- Induced flowers were morphologically normal, producing viable pollen and seeds through self- and cross-pollination.
- A significant proportion of self-pollinated seedlings inherited the AtFT transgene and flowered early.
Conclusions:
- FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene overexpression is an effective strategy for inducing precocious flowering in Eucalyptus.
- This approach can substantially shorten breeding cycles, facilitating genetic studies and the development of improved Eucalyptus varieties.
- The ability to segregate the transgene in progeny allows for the restoration of normal growth and form in subsequent generations.
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