To investigate flowering related genes in winter-type oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. cv. Tammi), differentially expressed genes were isolated from leaves of the plant after low temperature treatment which is requirements for floral induction. As a result of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), 288 clones were randomly selected from SSH library. Using reverse Northern blot analysis, 150 of 288 clones were identified to be differentially expressed. Out of these 150 clones, 45 clones showed very high identities with the known genes. Four clones showed very high identities over 90% with metallothionein-like gene that is related to flowering-induced genes. Of these 4 clones, the cDNA clone, rfs-13, revealed high identity with meotallothionein-like protein in Arabidopsis thaliana (98%) and Brassica compestris (89%). Furthermore, gene expressed in immature flower stages was confirmed by Northern blot analysis.

• Jong-Un Chun
• Dong-Joong Seo
• Chang-Hyu Bae