NEC1, a regulator of nectary development and nectar production in Petunia hybrida

This thesis describes an efficient cloning, characterization and functional analysis of a nectary-specific gene in Petunia hybrida. NEC1, a novel gene, is highly expressed in nectaries. NEC1 is involved in nectar production and nectar secretion. Nectar secreted from floral nectaries is the main floral reward for pollinating insects and nectar quality is the key value that can be used to select plants that are more attractive to pollinators. Genetic regulation of nectary development and modification of nectar composition will allow to make the flowers more attractive to pollinators, and the plants less attractive to pest insects