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Capsicum annuum S ( CaS ) promotes reproductive transition and is required for flower formation in pepper ( Capsicum annuum )
Author(s) -
Cohen Oded,
Borovsky Yelena,
DavidSchwartz Rakefet,
Paran Ilan
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.12711
Subject(s) - biology , meristem , pepper , mutant , inflorescence , petunia , capsicum annuum , botany , epistasis , gene , genetics , horticulture
Summary The genetic control of the transition to flowering has mainly been studied in model species, while few data are available in crop species such as pepper ( C apsicum spp.). To elucidate the genetic control of the transition to flowering in pepper, mutants that lack flowers were isolated and characterized. Genetic mapping and sequencing allowed the identification of the gene disrupted in the mutants. Double mutants and expression analyses were used to characterize the relationships between the mutated gene and other genes controlling the transition to flowering and flower differentiation. The mutants were characterized by a delay in the initiation of sympodial growth, a delay in the termination of sympodial meristems and complete inhibition of flower formation. Capsicum annuum S ( CaS ), the pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) ortholog of tomato ( S olanum lycopersicum ) COMPOUND INFLORESCENCE and petunia ( P etunia hybrida ) EVERGREEN , was found to govern the mutant phenotype. C a S is required for the activity of the flower meristem identity gene C a‐ ANANTHA and does not affect the expression of C a LEAFY . C a S is epistatic over other genes controlling the transition to flowering with respect to flower formation. Comparative homologous mutants in the S olanaceae indicate that C a S has uniquely evolved to have a critical role in flower formation, while its role in meristem maturation is conserved in pepper, tomato and petunia.