Project: Comparative genomics of shoot branching

Our project has two objectives: 1. To integrate European expertise on shoot branching control, building a holistic understanding 2. To provide tools to expedite exploitation of the knowledge generated, strengthening European competitiveness in plant breeding for improved shoot system architectures Shoot branching is a key agronomic trait and changes in branching habit have been central in the domestication of wild species for agricultural use. Continued breeding for improvement in shoot branching characteristics can make important contributions to yield stability. Furthermore, rational approaches for architectural optimisation are essential for ongoing initiatives to increase the diversity of agricultural products through the domestication of additional species, for example to develop bioenergy crops. The groups collaborating in this proposal encompass expertise in the key gene systems known to regulate branching. It is already clear that these systems have wide relevance across higher plants. However, it is equally clear that there are important differences in the way the systems operate in different species. We therefore propose a systematic comparative study of these gene systems and their interactions in a range of species. This will allow the development of a tool kit for marker assisted breeding for optimised branching habit, and for genetic modification of branching, when it becomes publicly acceptable

Acronym COGS
Duration 01/01/2008 - 01/01/2011
Website visit project website
Network ERA-PG
Call Structuring Plant Genomic Research in Europe - ERA-PG First Call for Proposals (2006)

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
Enza Zaden Research & Development Netherlands
French National Institute for Agricultural Research - Plant Genomics Research Unit France
French National Institute for Agricultural Research - Versailles France
Jülich Research Centre - Project Management Juelich Germany
Max Planck Society - Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Germany
Spanish National Research Council - Spanish National Center for Biotechnology Spain
University of York Coordinator United Kingdom