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Topics in Plant Genetics

Studies relating to plants often look at genetic makeup in to determine or study various traits. These traits may only affect the plant, or they may have a greater effect on the plant's surrounding community. Current plant genetic topics build on past research to further disciplines, including biology, ecology and community genetics.
  1. Parasitic Plant Resistance

    • Parasitic plants are a problem among agricultural workers, as they can invade a variety of crops throughout the year. A current research topic involves looking at various resistant practices exhibited by plants that protect them from parasitic plants. Research is being done at the genetic level in to develop breeding programs through genetic marker-assisted selection or trans-genesis. These breeding programs are aimed at developing new strains of crops that will be resistant to parasitic plants.

    Ant-Plant Mutualism

    • One topic dealing with plant genetics involves the relationship between a plant and its predators. It is suggested that some plants evolve to attract organisms that feed on plant predators. A study published in a 2004 issue of Ecology states that certain plants evolved to create more floral nectar to attract large numbers of ants. These ants preyed on plant predators, thus protecting the plants from harm.

    Deepwater Rice Genes

    • Deepwater rice has a unique feature in which it grows tall very quickly when faced with flooding waters. This survival technique is linked to at least two genes found in this particular species of rice. This is a topic of interest because it is a unique adaptation among plants and might be able to help understand further the ways some plants survive in deep water conditions. If the gene can be replicated, it may also be possible to apply it to other plants or crops found in floodplains.

    Soil Nutrients and Ecology

    • It is reasoned that plant genetics have an affect on soil. This is particularly the case when studying the composition of soil, such as the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in it. A study published in a 2010 issue of Plant and Soil noted that plant genetics especially affected the amount of nitrogen in the surrounding soil, which further affected the ecology in the area. This topic relates to a plant ability to alter the ecology across varying geographic areas and the soil nutrients it grows in.


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