Protein discovery may produce exceptional plants

Purdue University researchers have discovered that two types of plant proteins are at work in the transport of an important growth hormone, a finding that may lead to creating plants with specific characteristics.

The two types of proteins have mechanisms that work both cooperatively and synergistically, depending on their location in a plant. Together they control the movement of auxin, a hormone that regulates plant architecture, tissue development and flowering time.

The documentation of how these two mechanisms work together has direct applications in designing plants suitable for developing ornamentals with desirable traits, such as producing more flowers.

“This is a major step in understanding auxin transport, which is vital to every aspect of plant growth and development,” said Angus Murphy, professor of horticulture and landscape architecture.

Other applications from this discovery could lead to ornamentals that do not need pruning or have larger root systems to support more vegetation, he said. Such plants would require less labor, energy and -- with larger roots -- less fertilizer, he said.

{sidebar id=1}

The discovery also will help design crops suitable for biofuel and ethanol production.

For more: Angus Murphy, Purdue University, (765) 496-7956; murphy@purdue.edu.