Ziel
The aim is to collect and characterise the rhizobial genetic resources of the Caucasus and Baikal Lake regions of Russia and the Central Asian region of the former SU. These regions are known as gene centres of diversity of the plant family Fabaceae (Ivanov, 1988), but their rich rhizobium resources have not been systematically studied. Combining recent advances in molecular genetics of rhizobia with new knowledge on the biogeography of alfalfa and goat's rue, the project will shed light on the genetic diversity and phylogeny of environmentally important genes, such as rhizobial nod and nif genes, in relation to the mechanisms of co-evolution with their host plants. It will also produce genetic resources that can contribute to developing agriculture based on ecological principles, maintaining biodiversity and, in future, restoring marginal lands affected by drought, salinity, or damaged by pesticides.
These aims will be fulfilled through the following specific objectives.
1. To mount an expedition to the Caucasus to collect seeds and bacteria;
2. To characterise the rhizobial collections by (A) phenotypic characterisation, (B) genotypic characterisation, (C) molecular taxonomy;
3. To study nod-gene diversity in relation to host plant taxonomy;
4. To look for host-range and stress-tolerance genes in the rhizobia;
5. To find molecular markers for compatible plant-rhizobium combinations;
6. To assess superior symbiotic combinations under stress conditions;
7. To facilitate strain exchange and to improve the use of molecular methods in NIS laboratories by appropriate training.
Scientific outputs from the proposed project will be:
- collections of rhizobia from 3 different gene centres and of Medicago and Galega germplasm from the Caucasian centre of diversity;
- information on the genetic structure of rhizobial populations in host plant gene centres;
- data on variation in nod-gene regions and its relevance to genotype-specific nodulation;
- data on symbiotic potential of different Medicago and Galega species;
- new genes of rhizobia encoding genotype-specific interaction;
- new genetic markers for Medicago truncatula lines.
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YO1 5YW York
Vereinigtes Königreich