Genetic map of artichoke × wild cardoon: toward a consensus map for Cynara cardunculus.

An integrated consensus linkage map is proposed for globe artichoke. Maternal and paternal genetic maps were constructed on the basis of an F(1) progeny derived from crossing an artichoke genotype (Mola) with its progenitor, the wild cardoon (Tolfa), using EST-derived SSRs, genomic SSRs, AFLPs, ten genes, and two morphological traits. For most genes, mainly belonging to the chlorogenic acid pathway, new markers were developed.

DNA microsatellite region for a reliable quantification of soft wheat adulteration in durum wheat-based foodstuffs by real-time PCR.

Italian industrial pasta and durum wheat typical breads must be prepared using exclusively durum wheat semolina. Previously, a microsatellite sequence specific of the wheat D-genome had been chosen for traceability of soft wheat in semolina and bread samples, using qualitative and quantitative Sybr green-based real-time experiments. In this work, we describe an improved method based on the same soft wheat genomic region by means of a quantitative real-time PCR using a dual-labeled probe.

Characterization and differential expression analysis of artichoke phenylalanine ammonia-lyase-coding sequences.

Sequences encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were isolated from artichoke, by using a sequence homology strategy, by screening a genomic library and by 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE) technology. These analyses and Southern blots suggested that, in artichoke, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is encoded by a small gene family. The sequences isolated from genomic DNA possess two exons and one intron at the conserved position as in most plant pal characterized to date.