An integrated barley transcript map (consensus map) comprising 1,032 expressed sequence tag (EST)-based markers (total 1,055 loci: 607 RFLP, 190 SSR, and 258 SNP), and 200 anchor markers from previously published data, has been generated by mapping in three doubled haploid (DH) populations. Between 107 and 179 EST-based markers were allocated to the seven individual barley linkage groups. The map covers 1118.3 cM with individual linkage groups ranging from 130 cM (chromosome 4H) to 199 cM (chromosome 3H), yielding an average marker interval distance of 0.9 cM. 475 EST-based markers showed a syntenic organisation to known colinear linkage groups of the rice genome, providing an extended insight into the status of barley/rice genome colinearity as well as ancient genome duplications predating the divergence of rice and barley. The presented barley transcript map is a valuable resource for targeted marker saturation and identification of candidate genes at agronomically important loci. It provides new anchor points for detailed studies in comparative grass genomics and will support future attempts towards the integration of genetic and physical mapping information.

SummaryTo provide resources for barley genomics, 110 981 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from 22 cDNA libraries representing tissues at various developmental stages. This EST collection corresponds to approximately one-third of the 380 000 publicly available barley ESTs. Clustering and assembly resulted in 14 151 tentative consensi (TCs) and 11 073 singletons, altogether representing 25 224 putatively unique sequences. Of these, 17.5% showed no significant similarity to other barley ESTs present in dbEST. More than 41% of all barley genes are supposed to belong to multigene families and approximately 4% of the barley genes undergo alternative splicing. Based on the functional annotation of the set of unique sequences, the functional category 'Energy' was further analysed to reveal tissue-and stage-specific differences in gene expression. Hierarchical clustering of 362 differentially expressed TCs resulted in the identification of seven major clusters. The clusters reflect biochemical pathways predominantly activated in specific tissues and at various developmental stages. During seed germination glycolysis could be identified as the most predominant biochemical pathway. Germination-specific glycolysis is characterized by the coordinated expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, whose antagonistic actions possibly regulate the flux of amino acids into protein biosynthesis and gluconeogenesis respectively. The expression of defence-related and antioxidant genes during germination might be controlled by the ethylenesignalling pathway as concluded from the coordinated expression of those genes and the transcription factors (TF) EIN3 and EREBPG. Moreover, because of their predominant expression in germinating seeds, TF of the AP2 and MYB type are presumably major regulators of germination.

SummaryBahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum Flugge) is a prime candidate for molecular improvement of turf quality. Its persistence and low input characteristics made it the dominant utility turfgrass along highways in the south-eastern USA. However, the comparatively poor turf quality due to reduced turf density and prolific production of unsightly inflorescences currently limits the widespread use of bahiagrass as residential turf. Alteration of endogenous gibberellin (GA) levels by application of growth regulators or transgenic strategies has modified plant architecture in several crops. GA catabolizing AtGA2ox1 was subcloned under the control of the constitutive maize ubiquitin promoter and Nos 3'UTR.A minimal AtGA2ox1 expression cassette lacking vector backbone sequences was stably Transgenic plants also showed decreased stem length and delayed flowering under controlled environment and field conditions. Consequently, turf quality following weekly mowing was improved in transgenic bahiagrass. Transgene expression and phenotype were transmitted to seed progeny. Argentine bahiagrass produces seeds asexually by apomixis, which reduces the risk of unintended transgene dispersal by pollen and results in uniform progeny.