Identification and Expression of AGAMOUS Gene Homologue During In Vitro Flowering from Cotyledons of Groundnut

Induction of high frequency of direct in vitro flowering (35.7%) from deembryonated cotyledons of groundnut cultivar TMV2 on a modified Blaydes' medium with 0.5 mg/l 6-benzyladenine, provides a model system to study the gene expression. Gene homologue of ‘AGAMOUS’ in groundnut was detected as a single-copy gene and ‘AG’ RNA transcripts were observed as specific to floral tissue. RNA dot blot analysis indicated the stage specific expression of ‘AG’ gene in the presence of phytohormone, BA, which correlated with in vitro flower initiation process within 2–6 days of inoculation as suggested by histological studies. BA is associated with flower bud initiation through the activation of AGAMOUS gene.