Characterization of oil palm MADS box genes in relation to the mantled flower abnormality

摘要: In vitro propagation of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) frequently induces a somaclonal variant called ‘mantled’ abnormality, in which the stamens both male and female flowers are transformed into carpels. This leads to reduced yield or complete loss harvest oil. The high frequency abnormality independent lines reversal rate suggest that it is due an epigenetic change. type morphological changes involves homeotic MADS box genes regulate identity flower whorls. We have isolated number from inflorescences by box-directed mRNA display approach. partial cDNAs included were likely function at initial stages flowering as well may determination inflorescence For four homologous known affect reproductive parts flower, full length isolated. These B-type gene stamen formation, C-type expected be involved carpel two putative SEP act concert with A-, B- determining whorl formation. EgMADS16 was functionally characterized PISTILLATA orthologue; able complement Arabidopsis thalianapi mutant. Whether EgMADS16, any other EgMADS genes, mantled condition remains established.