Identification of genes associated with perianth senescence in Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L. ‘Dutch Master’)

Abstract

We used a PCR-based subtractive procedure to isolate genes that increased in abundance in the perianth of incipiently senescent daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus L. 'Dutch Master') flowers. Using RNA gel blot analysis we confirmed that 18 of the transcripts were senescence-associated. A number of these have homologs in previously-studied senescing floral and leaf tissue systems (cysteine proteases, serine proteases, endonuclease, vacuole processing enzyme). Some showed homology to genes encoding proteins with transport functions (auxin efflux carrier protein, low affinity nitrate transporter), others to enzymes that may have a role in cellular signaling (RSH-like protein). A surprising number of the isolated genes either showed no homology with previously-reported sequences or were sequences with no known function. A strong association of some of the transcripts with senescence was also indicated by their enhanced accumulation in the perianth of detached daffodil flowers, which senesce earlier than attached flowers. #

Gene expression in opening and senescing petals of morning glory (Ipomoea nil) flowers

“…It showed some similarity with a gene expressed in petals of daffodil flowers (Hunter et al 2002). This gene was expressed much later than the two other cell-wall related enzymes.…”

“…Here, we will use the term senescence-associated genes (SAGs). Many SAGs have been identified in the senescing petals of flowers such as Hemerocallis (Panavas et al 1999), Narcissus (Hunter et al 2002), Sandersonia (Eason et al 2002), and Petunia (Jones 2004). Profiling of gene expressions in the petals during flower opening and senescence have also been performed using microarray analysis in Iris (van Doorn et al 2003) and Alstroemeria (Breeze et al 2004).…”

Flower senescence: some molecular aspects

“…Genes associated with senescence have been isolated from a number of flowers exhibiting ethylene-sensitive, ethylene-insensitive or intermediate pattern of senescence (Lawton et al 1990;Hunter et al 2002;van Doorn et al 2003;Breeze et al 2004;Hoeberichts et al 2007;Xu et al 2007a). A large population of genes associated with flower senescence have been identified and isolated in Narcissus, Alstroemeria, Iris, Mirabilis, etc.…”

“…A large population of genes associated with flower senescence have been identified and isolated in Narcissus, Alstroemeria, Iris, Mirabilis, etc. (Channelière et al 2002;Hunter et al 2002;van Doorn et al 2003;Breeze et al 2004;Xu et al 2007a). Some of the genes have been found to be upregulated while others downregulated during flower senescence.…”

Towards a molecular strategy for improving harvesting of olives (Olea europaea L.)

“…Total RNA was extracted from olives at the five defined stages of maturity using a modification of the hot borate technique (Wan and Wilkins, 1994) as outlined in Hunter et al (2002). RNA was determined spectrophotometrically at 260 nm.…”