XVI International Botanical Congess

Favorable biological and genome characteristics lead to the selection of L. japonicus as a model legume. Methods for molecular genetics including insertion mutagenesis with T-DNA and transposable elements, generation of EMS mutant stocks, genetic mapping, map based cloning techniques, BAC libraries and EST sequences are currently in use. The first genes have been cloned from tagged mutants and the first genes are currently cloned from mutants generated by chemical mutagenesis. Developmental mutants and mutants affected in the symbiosis with Mesorhizobium loti or mycorrhizal fungi are studied. Gene cloning efforts are focused on plant symbiotic genes involved in the initiation or maintenance of symbiosis. A research report will be given.