Importin genes expression in high and low rooting olive genotypes (Olea europaea L.)

One of the fundamental processes in woody plant propagation especially olive is rooting ability of cuttings. Thus the selection of superior trees with desirable genetic structure is essential. Adventitious root formation is a key step in rooting ability. Therefore, identification of inducible genes in these processes is necessary. In this study, for the first time importin genes were identified based on incomplete data of the first linkage map of olive and rooting traits. Generally, importin gene family are contributed to export and import of macromolecules through nuclear pores. Results of qRT-PCR in cross progenies during different time courses showed that importins expression were increased in low rooting than the high rooting progenies, which importin2 gene expression was more tangible. It is suggested that importin genes probably import the rooting inhibitor protein into the cell. Therefore, to select high- and low-rooting olive genotypes in the early stages of development, requires further complementary experiments.