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Published on: December 22, 2023
The effect of INDEHISCENT point mutations on silique shatter resistance in oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Janina Braatz1, Hans-Joachim Harloff1, Nazgol Emrani1
1Plant Breeding Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24098, Kiel, Germany.
Key Message:
This study elucidates the influence of indehiscent mutations on rapeseed silique shatter resistance. A phenotype with enlarged replum-valve joint area and altered cell dimensions in the dehiscence zone is described. Silique shattering is a major factor reducing the yield stability of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Attempts to improve shatter resistance often include the use of mutations in target genes identified from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). A variety of phenotyping methods assessing the level of shatter resistance were previously described. However, a comparative and comprehensive evaluation of the methods has not yet been undertaken. We verified the increase of shatter resistance in indehiscent double knock-down mutants obtained by TILLING with a systematic approach comparing three independent phenotyping methods. A positive correlation of silique length and shatter resistance was observed and accounted for in the analyses. Microscopic studies ruled out the influence of different lignification patterns. Instead, we propose a model to explain increased shattering resistance of indehiscent rapeseed mutants by altered cell shapes and sizes within the contact surfaces of replum and valves.
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