Feb 11, 2012 | 10:35 am

Rapeseed MS1, RF2 und MS1 x RF2


Trait: These rapeseed lines were developed to provide a pollination control system for the production of hybrid oilseed rape (MS1xRF2) expressing male sterility and tolerance to glufosinate-containing herbicides (BastaŽ, RelyŽ, FinaleŽ, and LibertyŽ) 
Inserted genes in MS1
barnase-gene Source: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Function: Male sterility; the barnase gene encodes for a ribonuclease enzyme (RNAse). The RNAse interferes RNA production in specific cells of the pollen sac, thus disrupting their normal cell functioning and preventing the development of pollen.

bar-gene Source: Soil fungi (Streptomyces hygroscopius)

Function: The bar gene codes for the enzyme Phosphinothricin-Acetyltransferase (PAT) and leads to increased tolerance to glufosinate-containing herbicides.

Inserted genes in RF2
barstar-gene Source: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens

Function: Restoring fertility; transgenic RF2 plants contain the barstar gene to restore fertility in the hybrid line. The gene codes for a ribonuclease inhibitor (barstar), which specifically inhibits the barnase expressed by the MS1 line.

As a result, when pollen from the restorer line RF2 is crossed to the male sterile line MS1, the resultant progeny are able to develop normal anthers and pollen.

bar-gene Source: Soil fungi (Streptomyces hygroscopius)

Function: The bar gene codes for the enzyme Phosphinothricin-Acetyltransferase (PAT) and leads to increased tolerance to glufosinate-containing herbicides.

Methods for the genetic modification: Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene transfer.