The participants in this project use molecular approaches to answer basic questions in the plant sciences. Collaborative projects include: using molecular genetics to study plant genome organization and evolution, elucidating plant metabolic and developmental pathways, and developing a molecular understanding of plant-pest interactions. Enhancement of this interdisciplinary research through cooperative training of shared graduate students and the development of core facilities in plant transformation technology and molecular cytogenetics should provide the systemic improvement needed to spark the development of a center of excellence in integrated plant molecular biology and genetics. If funded the participants have set the goal of successfully competing for federal funds to support a plant biosciences center in the Montana University System. This center will be integrated with the scientific infrastructure of the state, and it is anticipated that technology transferred from this group of scientists will have significant impact on Montana's agriculture-based economy. Improved plants developed through gene transfer technology and efficient application of molecular marker technology are guaranteed deliverables.
The plant genome group (Blake, Lavin, McCoy and Talbert) is currently using molecular markers to determine genetic relationships among cultivated plant species and their noncultivated wild relatives. Target species include alfalfa (McCoy), barley (Blake), wheat(Talbert) and model plant species from the family Leguminosae(Lavin). Genetic analysis of several types of molecular markers coupled with cytogenetic and cladistic analyses are used to analyze levels of genetic divergence. Significant contributions from this group's efforts include the identification of breeding barriers that develop during speciation, and the identification of efficient procedures for introgressing germplasm from wild species into improved plant materials. The Dyer, Raboy, Sharrock and Stout labs are focused on plant metabolic pathways and on understanding signal transduction in plants.Starch biosynthesis is being studied by cloning and characterizing genes for key enzymes. Regulation of phytic acid accumulation is being analyzed by isolating and characterizing mutations (Raboy). The molecular regulation of seed dormancy is being investigated by cloning key genes identified through subtraction hybridization (Dyer). Delineation of photoreceptors and membrane receptors will culminate in an increased understanding of intercellular communication in higher plants (Sharrock, Stout). In addition to advancing the understanding of important metabolic pathways, this research will have important technology transfer implications. For example, mutants identified by Raboy which reduce maize kernel phytic acid by more than 60% have potential human health benefits as well as potential reduction of phosphorus pollution from animal wastes. The group conducting research on molecular plant-pest interactions (Dyer, McCoy, Mitchell-Olds and Sherwood) are ultimately interested in understanding and improving plant response to biotic stress. An example of possible technology transfer includes the engineering of alfalfa to express heterologous proteinase inhibitor genes, an approach which may lead to reduced reliance on pesticides. A shared philosophy of the entire plant biosciences group is that the key to solving practical problems is to better understand their fundamental biology. The various research activities proposed here will contribute to that improved understanding.