Isolation and characterization of SSR sequences from the genome and TAC clones of common wheat using the PCR technique.

We have developed the 2-step PCR method, a kind of suppression PCR procedure, to isolate simple sequence repeats (SSRs) from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in a more convenient manner. This system requires neither genomic library screening nor the SSR-enrichment procedure.

Relationship between the dough quality and content of specific glutenin proteins in wheat mill streams, and its application to making flour suitable for instant Chinese noodles.

The content of specific proteins such as high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits HMW-GS 5+10 and low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits LMW-GS KS2 in wheat mill streams of extra-strong Kachikei 33 wheat was quantified by SDS-PAGE and 2D-PAGE. The mill streams showed varied quantities of HMW-GS 5+10 (0.077 to 2.

SSR-based linkage map with new markers using an intraspecific population of common wheat.

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are valuable molecular markers in many plant species. In common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which is characteristic of its large genomes and alloploidy, SSRs are one of the most useful markers.

Wheat cultivar-specific proteins in grain revealed by 2-DE and their application to cultivar identification of flour.

Wheat flour proteins were studied to identify the cultivar-specific proteins and use them to identify cultivars in flours. Proteins extracted from flours of Japanese wheat (cultivars Hokushin, Horoshirikomugi, Kitanokaori and Kachikei 33) and Canadian wheat (Canada Western Red Spring Wheat No. 1; 1CW) were analyzed by 2-DE with IEF gels over three pH ranges: pH 4-7, pH 5-8, and pH 6-11.

Mapping of QTLs conferring extremely early heading in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Two genes related to extremely early heading were identified in populations derived from crosses between Hoshinoyume, a variety adapted to the northernmost limit of rice cultivation (Hokkaido), and Nipponbare, a variety adapted to the temperate region of Japan. The segregations for heading date clearly revealed that a two-gene model determined the extremely early heading in the F(2) and BC(1)F(1) populations under natural field conditions in Hokkaido. Using molecular markers corresponding to ten known quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for heading date, we carried out QTL analysis in the BC(1)F(1) population and detected two QTLs, qDTH-7-1 and qDTH-7-2, both on chromosome 7, and observed epistatic interaction between them.

Identification of an active transposon in intact rice plants.

A transposable element that is active in intact plants has been identified in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The 607-bp element itself, termed nonautonomous DNA-based active rice transposon (nDart), has no coding capacity.

Mapping of quantitative trait loci controlling low-temperature germinability in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Low-temperature germination is one of the major determinants for stable stand establishment in the direct seeding method in temperate regions, and at high altitudes of tropical regions. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling low-temperature germinability in rice were identified using 122 backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from a cross between temperate japonica varieties, Italica Livorno and Hayamasari. The germination rate at 15 degrees C was measured to represent low-temperature germination and used for QTL analysis.

Sexual modification of female spinach seeds (Spinacia oleracea L.) by irradiation with ion particles.

The female seeds of a spinach plant (Spinacia orelacea L.) were exposed to He (12.5 MeV/n) and C (18.

Production of fertile somatic hybrid plants between Oriental hybrid lily and Liliumxformolongi.

Somatic hybridizations via electrofusion were performed in combinations of Oriental hybrid lilies (cvs. Acapulco and Shirotae) and Liliumxformolongi hort. (cv.

Regeneration of flowering plants from difficile lily protoplasts by means of a nurse culture.

The regeneration of difficile lily protoplasts isolated from suspension cells of the Oriental hybrid lily ( Lilium L.) cultivars Casablanca, Siberia and Acapulco was achieved by using the nurse-culture method. The divided protoplasts grew into colonies with nurse cells that have no regeneration ability, and developed to visible calli on a medium containing picloram.

Cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding catalase in wheat.

We determined the nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding the catalase (CAT) isolated from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The deduced amino acid sequence suggests that this wheat catalase isozyme shared higher amino acid homology with group I CATs of barley CAT-1, rice CAT B and maize CAT-1 and CAT-2 but lower homology with group II CATs of barley CAT-2, rice CAT A and maize CAT-3.

Identification of specific proteins from seed embryos by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for the discrimination between indica and japonica rice.

Proteins extracted from seed embryos of 29 different cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) and one wild rice (O. rufipogon Griff.