Project properties |
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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 |