Influence of above-ground stress on the metabolism of non-structural carbohydrates in poplar roots

In vitro propagation of poplar. Foto: Beat Frey (WSL)

Global change alters environmental factors that influence plants. As most of these factors affect photosynthesis, the carbohydrate balance of the plant is disturbed. Woody roots store a large amount of carbon reserves, what is fundamental for vitality of the plant to withstand stress. As roots and shoots are closely linked to each other, allocation of carbohydrates to roots and the carbohydrate metabolism in roots are likely to be influenced by above-ground disturbances.

Aims

This project aims to investigate the expression of carbohydrate-related genes and the dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates (especially starch and sucrose) in poplar (Populus tremula) roots under the influence of above-ground environmental stresses. Roots will be evaluated to be indicators for above-ground disturbance.

Methods

Above-ground stress treatments will be applied to Populus tremula in vitro plants, particularly defoliation and shading. Roots will be harvested and soluble sugars and starch will be extracted and quantified. RNA will be extracted from roots. Primers for carbohydrate-related genes will be designed using poplar sequences provided by Joint Genome Institute. Real-time RT-PCR and microarray analyses will be conducted in order to compare and quantify differences in carbohydrate-related gene expression between the treatments.

Projectpartners

• Prof. Samuel C. Zeeman (Institute of Plant Sciences, ETH Zurich)
• Nicole Regier (WSL)