CIRCADIAN CONTROL OF POTATO TUBER SET

The goals of this proposal are to determine the association of the circadian clock with tuber set and to identify gene candidates. Tuber set is a critical trait determining overall potato yield and circadian clock genes have been found within tuber set QTL and to be under selection during potato domestication. While the circadian clock in known to regulate numerous plant traits, the role of the circadian clock in tuber set and other yield traits has not been previously explored. The specific objectives of this proposal are: 1) Characterize the genetic architecture of the circadian period trait and its association with tuber set using a population segregating for circadian period; 2) Identify candidate genes associated with tuber set and circadian period length through transcriptome analysis and fine mapping approaches.