ABSTRACT

Plant growth and crop yield are determined by the interaction of genotype with the environment, but little is known about the genes which control and contribute to growth, vigour and yield under different environmental conditions. The completed genome sequence of the model plant Arabidopsis, combined with innovative functional genomics strategies and detailed analysis of growth of different genotypes under limiting conditions, will allow identification and functional analysis of genes controlling and contributing to growth and vigour and their interaction with the environment. Gene identification will use both unbiased approaches and targeted analysis of key signalling and hormone response pathways that link environmental sensing to growth control. This detailed understanding of growth control genes and pathways involved in the responses of a model plant to the environment, coupled with the direct identification of vigour associated genes, will provide a unique knowledge base for directed breeding programs, and will be applied for delivery of agronomic improvements in rapeseed and rice.