Silencing of the Ortholog of DEFECTIVE IN ANTHER DEHISCENCE 1 Gene in the Woody Perennial Jatropha curcas Alters Flower and Fruit Development

Abstract

DEFECTIVE IN ANTHER DEHISCENCE 1 (DAD1), a phospholipase A1, utilizes galactolipids (18:3) to generate α-linolenic acid (ALA) in the initial step of jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we isolated the JcDAD1 gene, an ortholog of Arabidopsis DAD1 in Jatropha curcas, and found that it is mainly expressed in the stems, roots, and male flowers of Jatropha. JcDAD1-RNAi transgenic plants with low endogenous jasmonate levels in inflorescences exhibited more and larger flowers, as well as a few abortive female flowers, although anther and pollen development were normal. In addition, fruit number was increased and the seed size, weight, and oil contents were reduced in the transgenic Jatropha plants. These results indicate that JcDAD1 regulates the development of flowers and fruits through the JA biosynthesis pathway, but does not alter androecium development in Jatropha. These findings strengthen our understanding of the roles of JA and DAD1 in the regulation of floral development in woody perennial plants.

Comparative anatomical and transcriptomic insights into Vaccinium corymbosum flower bud and fruit throughout development

“…[ 43 – 47 ]. For instance, expression of Arabidopsis DEFECTIVE IN ANTHER DEHISCENCE 1 ( DAD1 , encodes the initial enzyme for JA biosynthesis) gene in the stamen filaments promoted water transport by the synchronization of anther dehiscence, pollen maturation and flower opening [ 48 ], and silence of DAD1 decreased fruit and seed size through altering Jatropha curcas flower and fruit development together with lower endogenous JA and JA-Ile levels [ 49 ]. In addition, S. lycopersicum JA insensitive 1–1 ( jai , also called coi1 in A. thaliana ) mutant delayed senescence of petals, styles and glabrous ovaries [ 43 ].…”

Proteomic Analysis of the Inflorescence Stem Mechanical Strength Difference in Herbaceous Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.)

“…That is to say, this phenomenon is the natural precursor of jasmonates. Studies have shown that jasmonates play an important role in the regulation and defense response of plant growth . For example, methyl jasmonate can induce the activity expression of CHS and peroxidase, thereby improving lignin content …”