Study of expression of the MADS-box transcription factors involved in flower formation in saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

In plants many genes have been identified with a significant role in the control of flowering pathway. Most of these genes belong to a large family of MADS-box transcription factors. Crocus sativus is a triploid sterile plant characterized by its long red stigmas having commercial value. Understanding flower development in this plant can be useful in increasing yield and reducing production cost. In the present study, the expression pattern of two classes of MADS-box genes (Ag1 and Sep3) involved in flower formation was analyzed in both flower parts and vegetative organs by semi quantitative RT-PCR. Based on the analysis, two C classes of MADS-box genes including Ag1a and Ag1b were expressed in three sexual organs including ovary, stigma and stamens. These two genes showed higher expression in saffron stigma and stamens compared to ovary. Expression level of Ag1a and Ag1b genes was low in petal, leaf, corn and root organs. The expression of Sep3a, Sep3b, Sep3c and Sep3d genes from class E of MADS-box family detected in petal, stamen, stigma and ovary while it was not detectable in vegetative organs including corn and root by semi quantitative RT-PCR.