Growth, seed development and genetic analysis in wild type and Def mutant of Pisum sativum L

Abstract

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The <it>def </it>mutant pea (<it>Pisum sativum </it>L) showed non-abscission of seeds from the funicule. Here we present data on seed development and growth pattern and their relationship in predicting this particular trait in wild type and mutant lines as well as the inheritance pattern of the <it>def </it>allele in F₂and F₃populations.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Pod length and seed fresh weight increase with fruit maturity and this may affect the abscission event in pea seeds. However, the seed position in either the distal and proximal ends of the pod did not show any difference. The growth factors of seed fresh weight (FW), width of funicles (WFN), seed width (SW) and seed height (SH) were highly correlated and their relationships were determined in both wild type and <it>def </it>mutant peas. The coefficient of determination <it>R</it>²values for the relationship between WFN and FW, SW and SH and their various interactions were higher for the <it>def </it>dwarf type. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that variation of WFN was associated with SH and SW. Pearson's chi square analysis revealed that the inheritance and segregation of the <it>Def </it>locus in 3:1 ratio was significant in two F₂populations. Structural analysis of the F3 population was used to confirm the inheritance status of the <it>Def </it>locus in F₂heterozygote plants.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study investigated the inheritance of the presence or absence of the <it>Def </it>allele, controlling the presence of an abscission zone (AZ) or an abscission-less zone (ALZ) forming in wild type and mutant lines respectively. The single major gene (<it>Def</it>) controlling this phenotype was monogenic and <it>def </it>mutants were characterized and controlled by the homozygous recessive <it>def </it>allele that showed no palisade layers in the hilum region of the seed coat.</p