Use of Single-leaf Cutting in the Study of the Expression of Starch Synthesis and Modification Genes in Sweetpotato

Use of Single-leaf Cutting in the Study of the Expression of Starch Synthesis and Modification Genes in Sweetpotato

The evaluation of source potential and sink strength is the generally large and laborious sample size required to adequately assess anyone of the parameters in field-grown sweetpotato. For this purpose we used the rooted single-leaf cuttings with petioles, because the source and sink organs are restricted in this system. The rooted single-leaf cutting of sweetpotato provides a unique source-sink model system, and is established within about 50 days after planting. In this study, the sink potential of sweetpotato tubers was examined based on the expression of genes for starch synthesis (AGPase) and modification (SBEII and GBSSI) in single rooted leaf plant. The gene expression patterns of GBSSI, SBEII and AGPase at various developmental stages and in different types of root tissues presented. These results suggest that the rooted single-rooted method can be used an ideal model system to study physiological and biochemical mechanisms in sweetpotato.