Developing genetic tools for regulation of flowering, thinning, and fruit drop
Author: Steven van Nocker
Published: 2005
Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1 a) Estimate genetic diversity in flower number-per-inflorescence by evaluating this trait for each of the ~2000 cultivars/species currently flowering in the USDA National Malus germplasm collection. b) Estimate genetic diversity in timing of fruit drop by generating quantitative data for this trait for selected cultivars/species in the USDA National Malus germplasm collection. c) Select parents for genetic crosses that will allow analysis of the genetics of flower number, timing of fruit drop, and other traits critical for high-tech production. 2) Evaluate the hypothesis that two specific candidate genes previously identified through our work act as 'master regulators' of flower number and abscission zone formation in apple.
