Gene that Controls Plant Size Discovered

Washington State University researchers have identified a gene that directs the production of plant chemicals related to growth and size. By altering the gene, scientists were able to reduce the overall mature size of plants. Elimination of the gene, "resulted in a ground-hugging rosette of leaves with very little vertical growth." The findings could be used to produce plants in sizes that fit the needs of the grower. Dwarf plants often make good crop plants; energy saved on stem and leaf growth can be directed to the production of fruit and seeds, while their smaller size is more resistant to wind and weather.

The investigators worked primarily with arabidopsis, but genes with similar function were found in all plants that were studied. The gene functions as part of a "calcium messenger system", which has been poorly understood in plants.

Link:

Small Plants Loom Large: WSU Researchers Find a Key to Plant Growth a news release from Washington State University

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 2:51 PM on November 14, 2005

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