PpeTAC1 gene and method to manipulate tree architecture
Inventors
Dardick, Christopher D. • Callahan, Ann M. • Scorza, Ralph
Assignees
US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-9371536-B2
Publication Date
2016-06-21
Expiration Date
2034-04-02
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Abstract
Disclosed is a novel gene that controls the branching angle of a tree wherein either silencing or overexpressing PpeTAC1 controls the architecture of transformed to the tree.
Core Innovation
Disclosed is a novel gene, PpeTAC1, that controls the branching angle of a tree. The invention provides a method to control tree architecture by either silencing or overexpressing this gene, which regulates the orientation of axillary shoots, leading to altered tree growth habits.
The problem addressed by this invention stems from the need to optimize tree architecture for improved productivity, management, and aesthetics in agriculture, forestry, and landscapes. Tree branch growth angles vary widely and influence canopy shape, productivity, and suitability for mechanized management. There is a lack of knowledge about the genetic basis governing branch angles, especially for applications in high density production systems and breeding efforts.
By identifying PpeTAC1 and demonstrating that its expression correlates with horizontal or vertical branch orientations, the invention enables precise genetic manipulation of branch angles. Silencing PpeTAC1 induces a vertical phenotype with upright branches, while overexpression induces a horizontal phenotype with spreading branches. This gene-based control offers a genetic approach to modifying tree architecture.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims covering nucleic acid molecules encoding PpeTAC1 and RNA interference constructs, each with methods for modifying tree architecture.
Isolated or recombinant cDNA molecule encoding PpeTAC1
An isolated or recombinant cDNA molecule encoding the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:27 or by nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO:1.
Expression construct with PpeTAC1 cDNA linked to a promoter
An expression construct comprising the isolated or recombinant PpeTAC1 cDNA operably linked to a promoter sequence.
Method for producing Prunus plants with horizontally oriented branches by overexpressing PpeTAC1
A method comprising transforming Prunus plant cells with a recombinant vector containing PpeTAC1 cDNA under the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus 35S promoter, regenerating plants, and growing transgenic plants exhibiting a horizontal phenotype characterized by axillary shoots with increased horizontal orientation relative to controls.
RNAi construct comprising PpeTAC1 sequence for silencing
An RNA interference (RNAi) construct comprising an isolated or recombinant cDNA molecule having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:24, designed to silence PpeTAC1 expression.
Vector and host cells containing RNAi construct
Vectors comprising the RNAi construct and host cells, including Prunus cells from various species, transformed with this vector.
Method of producing Prunus plants with horizontally oriented branches by RNAi silencing of PpeTAC1
A method comprising transforming Prunus plant cells with the RNAi vector, regenerating plants, and growing plants exhibiting reduced PpeTAC1 expression resulting in a horizontal phenotype with increased horizontal orientation of axillary shoots compared to controls.
Transgenic plants and seeds containing the RNAi construct
Transgenic plants or progeny and seeds produced by Prunus species transformed with the RNAi construct that exhibit modified plant architecture with horizontal branches compared to wild-type plants.
The independent claims focus on the isolated PpeTAC1 cDNA and RNAi constructs silencing the gene, with methods to produce Prunus plants having altered branch orientation by overexpression or silencing of PpeTAC1, and related transgenic plants and seeds.
Stated Advantages
Precise genetic control over tree branch orientation by silencing or overexpressing PpeTAC1.
Enables development of tree architectures suited for high density production and mechanized management.
Provides a molecular genetic tool to identify and manipulate genes responsible for varying growth habits in trees.
Allows modification of tree canopy shapes for improved productivity and simplified horticultural management.
Documented Applications
Manipulating tree architecture in various Prunus species including peach (Prunus persica), plum (Prunus domestica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Japanese plum (Prunus salicina), sweet cherry (Prunus avium), and sour cherry (Prunus cerasus).
Producing transgenic Prunus plants with desired branch angle phenotypes for use in orchard and plantation forestry management.
Use in breeding programs to develop cultivars with modified growth habits for improved agricultural or landscape use.
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