Project properties

Title Seed size variation in Lactuca
Group Genetics, Laboratory of
Project type thesis
Credits 24-36
Supervisor(s) Supervisor(s) Dr. Chris Kik (Centre for Genetic Resources; CGN) and Prof. dr. Bas Zwaan (Genetics)
Examiner(s) Bas Zwaan
Contact info chris.kik@wur.nl; bas.zwaan@wur.nl
Begin date 2020/12/01
End date 2021/12/31
Description Seed size variation has been observed in Lactuca serriola/altaica populations which were recently collected in Uzbekistan. An interesting observation was that populations had long/thin seeds or short/thick seeds. From a fundamental point of view it would be interesting if this phenomenon is also present in other Lactuca species and to elucidate its possible adaptive value.
The practical set-up of the study is to analyse pictures of seed samples which are made with a Nikon D80 camera. Using ImageJ processing, the length and width of each of the seeds in the sample will be determined. Furthermore the genetics of this seed dimorphism can be studied by making crosses between both seed types and analysing F2 populations originating from selfed F1’s.


Used skills Plant phenotyping
Requirements Basic knowledge of population ecology and genetics