Objective
. establish a physical map of the genome . develop methods for gene isolation and characterisation . isolation of genes involved in floral induction, and seed formation . establish stock centres
Research was carried out with respect to the development of methods for identifying and isolating genes of agricultural importance, using the benefits of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and the application of these methods to understanding and manipulating areas of plant development and physiology important in plant productivity.
Good progress was made regarding methods development, such as transposon tagging and map based gene cloning, and in establishing resource centres. Significant progress has also been made in incorporating molecular genetic techniques into established areas of plant physiology, such as flowering and seed development, and a promising start has been made in the systematic isolation and characterization of genes involved in these important processes. The work on physical mapping has been central to a worldwide effort to establish a map of the entire genome, and the success of this work had led to the instigation of first attempts to sequence the entire Arabidopsis genome. The projects in Arabidopsis genetics have a clearly defined mission and a high international profile, reflecting the success of the strategy of integrating national Arabidopsis programmes throughout Europe.
The small genome size, rapid life cycle and good genetic base in Arabidopsis makes it an ideal model plant. However, various molecular genetic methods used in other organisms need to be adapted for use in Arabidopsis. The programme is contributing to an international effort to establish a detailed physical map of the genome using cosmid and YAC libraries. Transposon tagging is being developed as an efficient way to generate mutations and to recover the mutated loci. Approaches include using modified versions of the maize elements Ac and En. Existing mutant and ecotype collections are being relocated and catalogued to provide a long-term resource for the Arabidopsis community in collaboration with the AFRC (UK). A DNA resource centre has been set up to provide a readily accessible store of recombinant libraries, RFLP probes, etc. Gene replacement is being studied with the aim of utilising this powerful technique for identifying gene function. Mutants affecting floral induction are being characterised physiologically, mapped, and walks to some of the loci have started. New combinations of mutants have been made to determine the pathways leading to floral induction. Seed development is also being studied, and mutants affecting seed maturation involving abscisic acid are being mapped and isolated. The effect of these mutations on seed protein deposition and the activity of other genes is being studied. A novel method called "enhancer trapping" to identify genes active in early states of embryogenesis is being used.