Identification of three MADS-box genes expressed in sunflower capitulum

Three cDNA clones, HaPI, HaAG and HaAP3, were isolated from sunflower inflorescences at the R2 stage of development. The cDNAs share high sequence similarity with the PISTILLATA, AGAMOUS, and APETALA3 genes from Arabidopsis, respectively, which contain a MADS-box and are involved in floral organ development. Expression of the corresponding genes was analysed by northern blots and in situ hybridization. They are expressed preferentially in the R3 and R4 stages of capitulum development. HaAG accumulates in fertile flowers, mainly in stamens, while HaPI and HaAP3 are preferentially expressed in ray (sterile) flowers and more weakly in petals and stamens of fertile flowers.