Virus-induced gene silencing as a tool for functional analyses in the emerging model plant Aquilegia (columbine, Ranunculaceae)

Background  

The lower eudicot genus Aquilegia, commonly known as columbine, is currently the subject of extensive genetic and genomic research aimed at developing this taxon as a new model for the study of ecology and evolution. The ability to perform functional genetic analyses is a critical component of this development process and ultimately has the potential to provide insight into the genetic basis for the evolution of a wide array of traits that differentiate flowering plants. Aquilegia is of particular interest due to both its recent evolutionary history, which involves a rapid adaptive radiation, and its intermediate phylogenetic position between core eudicot (e.g., Arabidopsis) and grass (e.g., Oryza) model species.     

Evaluation of potato cultivars before and after storage regimes for chipping

An experiment was conducted beginning in 1969 to determine the chipability of several cultivars of potato (Solarium tuberosum) grown under similar cultural regimes at different locations throughout Ohio. The experiment included 19 cultivars and 11 locations. The tubers from a particular location were harvested and transported to the laboratory where a portion was chipped and other portions were stored at 40,45,50, and 55°F for 3 and 6 months and subsequently chipped. The chips were analyzed for color both objectively using the Agtron M-30-A and subjectively using the PC/SFA color chart. In addition, specific gravity and count were also determined before storage. Not all cultivars were included for the duration of the experiment as they proved consistently superior or inferior in the early stages of the experiment or they were unavailable. Also, not all locations were included each year due to non-availability of acreage. The data indicate that there was a high degree of variability among cultivars and growers. They also indicate considerable variability among years of production although good cultivars were rated highest within seasons. Most notable was the variability among locations; the variation from one location to another was often as great as that among cultivars. Storage difference was pronounced as expected due to temperature regimes.