IRTA


Plant Genetics Plant Genetics is located in Cabrils Responsible scientist: Dr. Pere Arús E-mail: Pere.Arus@irta.cat

Main Areas of Study

Use of molecular markers for variety identification and assisted selection in horticultural, fruit growing and ornamental species.
Plant genomics: sequencing and construction of genetic maps in horticultural and fruit growing species.
Application of "in vitro" cultivation techniques for obtaining diplohaploid lines in horticultural and ornamental species.
Genetic transformation in rice, melon, pepper and peach trees. Incorporation of resistance genes for insects and diseases.
Genetic improvement of ornamental species: cut flowers and pot plants.
Domestication of wild autochthonous species with ornamental, medicinal or aromatic value.

	Biotechnology Reference Network

	IRTAGen Service

	Showmap/Fitmaps, programmes for automatically drawing genetic maps

Transfer

Methods and Techniques

All techniques related with the development and detection of molecular markers, including isoenzymes, RFLPs, RAPDs, AFLPs, SSRs, and other markers derived from PCR such as SCARs, STSs or SNPs. Mapping methods in various types of improved populations. DNA sequencing, characterization and 'in silico' sequence comparison. Detection of GMOs with qualitative and quantitative molecular methods.
Construction and comparison of genetic maps, fine mapping, positional clonation of genes and localization of ESTs.
Development of markers for qualitative and quantitative hereditary characters in horticultural and fruit growing species.
Techniques of 'in vitro' cultivation for the micropropagation and conservation of herbaceous or woody plants. Methods for obtaining dihaploids based on androgenesis from the cultivation of anthers or 'in situ' induced embryogenesis. Methods for obtaining transgenic plants of various cultivated species via co-cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens or with the gene gun particle discharge technique.
Conventional methodology for genetic improvement, hybridations, cultivation and evaluation in the field or greenhouse, as well as selection and multiplication by seeds or through vegetative means. Tests of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi in the carnation. Conservation of virus-free material.