Project Number: 1230-21000-040-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Dec 31, 2003
End Date: Oct 31, 2008

Objective:
The primary goal for this project is floral plant improvement, focusing on anthocyanin pigmentation and virus resistance. The specific goals are to elucidate the genetic control for anthocyanin pathways and production, using the Solanaceous crops Petunia and Capsicum as model plants; develop genetically improve Petunia and Capsicum germplasm with novel ornamental traits and/or improved pest, disease and stress tolerance; develop transgenic floral crops with induced resistance to viral diseases; and determine how viruses may regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the phenomenon known as color-break.

Approach:
Determine the expression and control of structural and regulatory genes for anthocyanin coloration of leaves, flowers, and fruit, including viral effects on flower-break. Develop Petunia and Capsicum germplasm with novel characteristics and/or pest, disease and stress tolerance. Initiate development of transgenic floral crops exhibiting induced resistance to selected major viral diseases. BL-1/BL-1P recertified 04/07/04.