project 3.4.3
Genetic and physical mapping of grapevine genes
Developing grapevine genetic and physical maps for localising and isolating agronomically important genes is the main aim of this project.
Part of this project is in collaboration with the Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis (UCD) and is investigating the use of DNA markers to fine map a single dominant gene which determines grape berry colour.
The focus of the project is on the development of DNA markers, genetic map construction by linkage analysis, BAC library construction and localised physical mapping for gene isolation.
project 3.4.3 - update
A number of staff changes have occurred in this project since the last annual report. Natalia Tikhomirov has replaced Karina Swann and Angelica Jermakow has replaced Pat Iocco who has moved to CRCV project 3.4.2.
A collaboration with Professor Carole Meredith from the Department of Viticulture and Enology, University of California, Davis (UCD) is in progress to fine map a single dominant gene that determines grape berry colour. Progress has been good and a gene locus responsible for berry colour has been fine mapped. One of the mapped DNA markers appears to be a good predictor of berry colour for wine varieties of European origin but not for those of other origins and has the potential to be used in the breeding of wine grapes for screening seedlings at an early age for berry colour.
A Cabernet Sauvignon BAC library has been prepared for high throughput PCR screening by constructing DNA pools with each pool representing 1920 individual BAC clones. Physical mapping is in progress to isolate the gene locus responsible for berry colour.
BAC library construction, physical mapping and genetic mapping of the RUN1 powdery mildew resistance gene are a joint effort between projects CRCV3.4.3 and CRCV3.1.1 and progress is described in project 3.1.1.
An International Grape Genome Program workshop was held in Hungary in August 2002 and a Steering committee meeting in the USA in January 2003. Mark Thomas attended as Chair of the Steering Committee. The aim of the International Grape Genome Program is to develop an international collaborative approach for the genetic and physical mapping of the grapevine genome, gene discovery and gene function studies.
A White Paper has been produced describing the objectives and the science and a web site established. An international approach is viewed as the most efficient means of rapidly advancing grapevine genomics research. One of the goals of the program is to use genomics technologies like genetic and physical mapping to discover the genes responsible for berry quality and pest and disease resistance.
