ISOLATION OF MUTANTS IN MEDICAGO TRUNCATULA

Several mutants related to plant development and secondary compounds were isolated in Medicago truncatula. Results will be presented relating to the characterization of the mutants and the isolation of the underlying genes. In particular we will report on the finding of a key gene for saponin biosynthesis and about a forward genetic screening for tannin content in the leaves of Medicago truncatula. We will also discuss on the possibility to use Arabidopsis genes related to floral organ abscission to manipulate leaf abscission in Medicago as an example of translation of information from model to crop legumes.