A diverse number of genes are involved in the floral transition and development to ensure the proper timing on the switch from vegetative to reproductive development in Arabiodopsis. MADS-box genes play a major role in floral development especially in the case of vernalization process, In this study we mapped a mutation in MAF5 encoding a MADS-domain protein which was reported to be up-regulated during vernalization and regulates flowering time. The mutant in MAF5 showed several pleiotropic phenotypes that includes semi-dwarfism, delayed senescence and abnormal pollen phenotype, High percentages of vacuolated and aborted pollen phenotype were observed in the mutant plant. Transmission efficiency showed that mutation from this gene was defective in both male and female gametes. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that this gene was predominantly expressed in reproductive organs and gave a strong expression in the mature pollen which coincides with the defect in pollen phenotype. The results from this study provide some evidences on the additional role of MAF5 in pollen development however more specific approaches should be done to determine the specific stages of pollen development altered in this mutant.

• Anchilie Francisco(School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University)
• Moe Moe Oo(School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University)
• Sung-Aeong Oh(School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University)
• Soon-Ki Park(School of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University) Corresponding Author