A Central Role for Genetics in Plant Biology

This article describes my involvement in the development of genetics as an essential tool in the integrated study of plant biology. My research comes from a strong background in plant genetics based on my education as a plant breeder at Wageningen University and collaborations with plant physiologists and molecular geneticists in Wageningen and the wider scientific community. It initially involved the isolation and physiological characterization of mutants defective in biosynthesis or mode of action of plant hormones, photoreceptors and traits such as flowering time in both Arabidopsis and tomato. I also generated a genetic map of Arabidopsis. Subsequently, the exploitation of natural variation became a main area of interest, including the molecular identification of underlying genetic differences. The integration of various disciplines and the adoption of Arabidopsis as a main model species contributed strongly to the impressive progress in our knowledge of plant biology over the past 40 years.

Automated summary

The author's involvement in the development of genetics within the integrated study of plant biology is founded on education as a plant breeder and collaborations with plant physiologists and molecular geneticists. Research initially focused on mutants related to plant hormones, photoreceptors, and flowering time in Arabidopsis and tomato, alongside the genetic mapping of Arabidopsis. Subsequent interest in natural variation and molecular identification of genetic differences, as well as the adoption of Arabidopsis as a model species, significantly contributed to progress in plant biology knowledge over the past 40 years.