Identification of molecular markers for the detection of bioregulators that enhance plant productivity and quality – BIOREGULATORS

We have identified a number of biologically active chemicals that influence plant growth and development by activating or
inhibiting metabolism. The objective of this project is to exploit the potential of these bioregulators by identifying genes, proteins
and metabolites that are up- or down-regulated when the chemicals are applied under stress or non-stress conditions and
positively influence plant growth and productivity. Since comprehensive genomic resources are available for Arabidopsis
thaliana and rice, gene expression in response to ten different active molecules will be analyzed using the Arabidopsis whole
genome microarray and equivalent rice resources. Similar analysis of proteome and metabolome profiles will be carried out.
Profiles will be compared to the biochemical and morphological effects of bioregulator application, resulting in the identification
of genes, proteins and metabolites that indicate improved plant growth. These studies will include cell-based in vitro assays and
greenhouse tests. The suitability of these markers will be verified in important crop species. Orthologs will be identified in maize,
barley, rapeseed and vegetables using molecular biology techniques and in silico analysis. The crops will then be treated with
the appropriate chemicals and assessed for expression profiles as well as biochemical, physiological and morphological
characteristics as described above. In addition, chemicals will also be tested under field conditions using maize, barley,
rapeseed and vegetables. Universal markers identified in these experiments will be used to establish a cell-based
high-throughput assay. Promoters driving the marker genes will be fused to a fluorescent protein and plant expression
cassettes will be introduced into Arabidopsis and rice plant suspension cells. The cell-based fluorescence assay will be verified
using the already identified bioregulators and will allow the identification of novel or superior compounds that enhance crop yield
and quality, which will be of significant benefit for the crop production markets. Moreover, markers for improved plant growth
could also be used to select new plant lines with sustainable yield stability under biotic and abiotic stress. The successful
implementation of this project will reflect the increasing impact of plant genomics on applied plant biotechnology.