Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #196221
Title: IDENTIFICATION OF CANDIDATE PHOSPHORUS STRESS INDUCED GENES IN PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L. THROUGH CLUSTERING ANALYSIS ACROSS SEVERAL PLANT SPECIES

Author
item Graham, Michelle
item RAMIREZ, MARIO - U NACIONAL AUTONOMA MX
item VALDES-LOPEZ, OSWALDO - U NACIONAL AUTONOMA MX
item LARA, MIGUEL - U NACIONAL AUTONOMA MX
item TESFAYE, MESFIN - U MINNESOTA
item Vance, Carroll
item HERNANDEZ, GEORGINA - U MINNESOTA

Submitted to: Functional Plant Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/6/2006
Publication Date: 8/2/2006
Citation: Graham, M.A., Ramirez, M., Valdes-Lopez, O., Lara, M., Tesfaye, M., Vance, C.P., Hernandez, G. 2006. Identification of candidate phosphorus stress induced genes in Phaseolus vulgaris L. through clustering analysis across several plant species. Functional Plant Biology. 33(8):789-797.

Interpretive Summary: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the world’s most important grain legume for direct human consumption. Its growth, however, is frequently limited due to low phosphorus (P) availability in soil. In this report we use two approaches to identify genes that may be important in helping beans and other crops to grow in P-deficient soils. In one series of experiments we sequenced some 4,000 genes from the roots of P-deficient bean plants. Those genes were organized into sets of sequences that have similar identities. We found a large range of genes that were induced to greater activity by P-deficiency. In another approach we used computer-assisted analysis (bioinformatics) to identify genes in five plant species that were affected by P deficiency. Because the genes that we identified through bioinformatics appear to be enhanced due to P deficiency in several crop species, they may be excellent candidates for use as markers of P tolerance in identifying germplasm that grows better under low P conditions. They may also be useful as candidate genes to improve P tolerance through biotechnology.

Technical Abstract: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the world’s most important grain legume for direct human consumption. However, the soils in which common bean predominate are frequently limited by the availability of phosphorus (P). Improving bean yield and quality requires an understanding of the genes controlling P acquisition and use, ultimately utilizing these genes for crop improvement. Here we report the sequencing and identification of genes involved in common bean and other legumes’ adaptation to P deficiency. Some 22 groups of genes from four legume species, encoding diverse functions were identified as statistically overrepresented in ESTs from P-stressed tissues. Transcription factor and signal transduction genes are abundantly represented. Manipulating these genes through traditional breeding methodologies and/or biotechnology approaches may allow us to improve crop P nutrition.