The AVAG1 gene is involved in development of reproductive organs in the ornamental asparagus, Asparagus virgatus

Pil Yong Yun, Takuro Ito, So Young Kim, Akira Kanno, Toshiaki Kameya

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14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The AGAMOUS (AG)-like gene has been reported to be involved in the formation of the stamens and carpels. The genus Asparagus contains hermaphrodite and dioecious species, and analysis of the AG-like genes in these species may reveal how these different reproductive systems have evolved in this genus. We isolated one AG-like gene, designated AVAG1, from the ornamental hermaphrodite species Asparagus virgatus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the AVAG1 gene is closely related to HAG1 from Hyacinthus and PeMADS1 from Phalaenopsis. Northern blot analysis showed that AVAG1 transcripts were detected in flower buds, but not in roots, stems or phylloclades. In situ hybridization analyses revealed that the AVAG1 mRNA is expressed specifically in the floral meristem and the developing reproductive organs. Early in flower development, expression of AVAG1 was restricted mainly to the stamens and carpels, with AVAG1 expression in the stamen disappearing at later stages of flower development, although it remained strong in the ovule.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalSexual Plant Reproduction
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004 May

Keywords

  • AGAMOUS
  • Asparagus virgatus
  • AVAG1
  • Flower development
  • MADS box

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