Novel Approaches for Understanding Germination Control

QTL Analyses

Dormancy is a quantitative trait, involving many genes and is influenced substantially by environmental factors. Within a given plant species, different accessions of wild plants and different varieties of cultivated plants exhibit genetic variation in seed dormancy. Quantitative traits are becoming more amenable to genetic analysis because the position of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and the relative contribution of these loci can now be determined (reviewed in Koornneef et al., 2002). 

Camellia sinensis: The Plant Behind a Cup of Tea

Camellia sinensis is a shrub native to East, South and Southeast Asia. It is now cultivated across the world in tropical and sub-tropical regions. In 2012 over 4.8 million tonnes of tea was produced (1). The plants are harvested by hand every few weeks with only the bud and first 2-3 leaves removed.

Soybean (Glyine Max) a Globally Important Crop Plant That Originates From Asia

The seeds (called soybeans) are rich in protein (40% of dry weight) and contain a good mix of essential amino acids needed by humans (1). Not surprisingly, this makes soybeans and their products popular with vegetarians and vegans as a source of non-animal protein. However, soybean-protein is also widely used as the main protein source for intensive farming of animals including chickens, cows and pigs.