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A brachytic dwarfism trait ( dw ) in peach trees is caused by a nonsense mutation within the gibberellic acid receptor PpeGID1c
Author(s) -
Hollender Courtney A.,
Hadiarto Toto,
Srinivasan Chinnathambi,
Scorza Ralph,
Dardick Chris
Publication year - 2016
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.13772
Subject(s) - gibberellic acid , biology , dwarfing , dwarfism , prunus , genetics , gibberellin , botany , gene , germination
Summary Little is known about the genetic factors controlling tree size and shape. Here, we studied the genetic basis for a recessive brachytic dwarfism trait ( dw ) in peach ( Prunus persica ) that has little or no effect on fruit development. A sequencing‐based mapping strategy positioned dw on the distal end of chromosome 6. Further sequence analysis and fine mapping identified a candidate gene for dw as a non‐functional allele of the gibberellic acid receptor GID1c . Expression of the two GID1‐like genes found in peach, PpeGID1c and PpeGID1b , was analyzed. GID1c was predominantly expressed in actively growing vegetative tissues, whereas GID1b was more highly expressed in reproductive tissues. Silencing of GID1c in plum via transgenic expression of a hairpin construct led to a dwarf phenotype similar to that of dw/dw peaches. In general, the degree of GID1c silencing corresponded to the degree of dwarfing. The results suggest that PpeGID1c serves a primary role in vegetative growth and elongation, whereas GID1b probably functions to regulate gibberellic acid perception in reproductive organs. Modification of GID1c expression could provide a rational approach to control tree size without impairing fruit development.