Belgian scientists develop a new method allowing them to predict the final size of a plant while it is still a seedling. Thanks to this method, which is based on the knowledge that a set of genes is associated with the final size of a leaf, researchers will be able to significantly accelerate plant breeding programs.
The scientists at the University of Ghent were able to identify this set of genes through advanced and highly detailed analyses. Expression analysis of specific genes will help breeders select the most useful crossing products at a very early stage.
More information is available here: http://www.vib.be/en/news/Pages/Scientists-learn-how-to-predict-plant-size.aspx
