Isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradient of melon (Cucumis melo L.) seed protein: methodical and genetic aspects, and application in breeding.
Genetic variability of melon seed proteins was studied by separation of seed protein by isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradient (IEF-IPG) under denaturing conditions. A routine procedure was developed for IEF-IPG of hundreds of individual melon seeds per day. A group of 74 accessions from 19 morphologically distinct groups and from different geographic origin were studied by IEF-IPG using pH gradients of 4-10, 4-7 and 6-10. The electrophoretic analysis of the 74 accessions showed 270 reproducible seed protein bands of which 70 were variable. Genetic evaluation led to the conclusion that at least 20 loci govern the variation found. The phylogenetic trees constructed using the protein data on one hand and the morphological data on the other hand were compared and their use was evaluated. A number of commercial Cantaloup F1 hybrid descendants derived from the F1 hybrids by diplohaploidization or single plot descent were studied by IEF-IPG using pH gradients of 4-7 and 6-10. Among the F1 hybrids and their descendants 265 reproducible protein bands could be identified of which 72 were variable as to presence versus absence. The genetic interpretation of the protein pattern as found by IEF-IPG and the use of IEF-IPG in plant breeding was discussed. It was concluded that IEP-IPG of melon seed proteins is a valuable tool in breeding.
van den Berg
B M
BM
Royal Sluis, Biotech Center, Enkhuizen, The Netherlands.
Gabillard
D
D
D001947:Breeding; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007525:Isoelectric Focusing / Q000379:methods*; D010802:Phylogeny; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics
D010940:Plant Proteins