OBJECTIVES

The overall aims are to develop an integrated understanding of growth responses to the environment, to identify the mechanisms by which environmental signals are sensed and transduced, and to identify master genes controlling plant vigour. These genes and pathways will be functionally manipulated and validated in the model plant, Arabidopsis and two model crops rapeseed and rice.

Specific Objectives:

· Definitive methods of growth analysis under normal and limiting conditions will be developed, and used to assess the growth of different genotypes of Arabidopsis.

· Analysis of gene expression, protein profiles, metabolites and hormone levels will identify genes involved in growth responses to environmental challenges.

· Vigour related genes and pathways will be identified using a novel integrated approach.

· Bioinformatic analysis will identify candidate signalling and transduction components.

· Candidate master regulators of growth responses and vigour will be assessed in transgenic plants.

· Novel reporter systems will be developed to allow growth responses to be rapidly monitored.

· Identified genes and information will be assessed for application to breeding and/or transgenic strategies in rapeseed.