MILESTONES AND EXPECTED RESULTS

· Development of growth measurement methods and definition of limiting growth conditions (12M).

· Analysis of growth in Arabidopsis ecotypes and polyploids (24M).

· Identification of 50 vigour related genes (36M).

· Database of gene and protein profiles in limiting and normal conditions (24M).

· Filing of 3 patents on applications of genes discovered (36M).

· Rapeseed and rice with engineered vigour (36M).

This program will result in a detailed understanding of plant-environment interactions, the development of appropriate methodologies for growth analysis, identification of master genes and pathways controlling growth and vigour, and provide a unique database of plant-environment interaction that will be invaluable both for directed breeding programs for improved vigour, and for transgenic strategies.