Project overview
We will elucidate the underpinning genetic basis of baby salad leaf processability using lettuce as a model. (i) Using mapping populations of lettuce, with parents of contrasting morphology, we will map QTL for processability traits in contrasting environments. (ii) Employing the developing genomic resources in lettuce, we will identify up to 100 candidate genes, and determine polymorphisms using SNPs in the parents. (iii) We will map polymorphic ESTs, determining their co-location to QTL for gene discovery and future screening and selection for improved quality. (iv) In a complementary approach, developing two years of research pre-grant, we will characterise T3 antisense lettuce for XET, using biochemical, physiological and morphological traiting and determine the role of XET for leaf development and salad leaf processability.