Mining plant diversity: Gerbera as a model system for plant developmental and biosynthetic research

Abstract

Gerbera hybrida is a member of the large sunflower family (Asteraceae). Typical of Asteraceae, Gerbera bears different types of flowers in its inflorescence. The showy marginal flowers comprise elongate, ligulate corollas that are female, whereas the central and inconspicuous disc flowers are complete, with both male and female organs. As such, Gerbera offers great potential for comparative developmental research within a single genotype. Moreover, different Gerbera varieties show an impressive spectrum of color patterns, directly displaying responses to developmental cues at all important morphological levels (flower type, flower organ and within organs). Further, Gerbera harbors an arsenal of Asteraceae-type secondary metabolites, not present in other model plants. With powerful reverse genetics methods, a large collection of EST sequences and a new cDNA microarray, Gerbera has become a model plant of the sunflower family.

Transcriptional analysis of petal organogenesis in Gerbera hybrida

“…The comprehensive analysis consisted of six diVerent developmental stages, which were earlier characterized in detail with the help of biometrical measurements and expressional analysis of e.g. anthocyanin biosynthesis genes (see review Teeri et al 2006). Besides, the simple anatomy and growth pattern of Gerbera petal allowed us to characterize cell growth patterns in detail and identify several interesting candidate genes.…”

Induction of novel variants through physical and chemical mutagenesis in Barbeton daisy (Gerbera jamesoniiHook.)

“…is a tender, perennial herbaceous plant, noted for its attractive flowers that are available in a wide range of bright colours. Worldwide, it is the fifth most-popular ornamental plant (Teeri et al, 2006;Bhatiaa et al, 2009). Pioneered in the late nineteenth century in England, gerbera breeding became active in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, the United States, Israel, and Japan (Kloos et al, 2005).…”

The Subfamily Mutisioideae (Asteraceae)

“…There are many cultivars of Gerbera, an ornamental genus grown widely for the cut-flower market. An example is Gerbera hybrida, a functional diploid carrying chromosomes or chromosomal fragments from other Gerbera species such as G. jamesonii and G. viridifolia(Teeri et al, 2006). Glossarion rhodanthum Maguire & Wurdack.…”