Medicago truncatula mutant collections

Legumes are an important source of dietary proteins for both human and animal nutrition. They also represent highly beneficial crops for the environment due to their ability to fix nitrogen. One of the main model species for legume genetics is Medicago truncatula. M. truncatula has a relatively small genome (500Mb), a short life cycle, it is amenable to genetic transformation and shows a high level of natural diversity. Several tools are available for this species, including the latest version of the genome sequence (Mt4.0) and mutant collections for functional genomics studies.

Two collections were created at CNR IBBR Perugia, one based on transposon-tagging (approx. 2000 R0 plants) and one based on EMS mutagenesis (approx. 2400 plants), in collaboration with CRA FLC Lodi, Italy. Several mutants were isolated by both forward and reverse genetics analysis. In particular TILLING analysis on the EMS collection can be performed at Parco Tecnologico Padano, Lodi, Italy.

For more details please contact:

Dr Ornella Calderini, CNR IBBR, Perugia, Italy ornella.calderini@ibbr.cnr.it

Dr Carla Scotti, CRA FLC Lodi, Italy carla.scotti@entecra.it