Characterization of a type II chlorophyll a/b-binding protein gene (Lhcb2*Pp1) in peach:: I.: Isolation, identification, and abundance in developing leaves of mature 'Loring' trees in the absence of flowering

A gene (Lhcb2*Pp1) encoding a type II chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (LHCB) was isolated from peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], The gene was sequenced and compared to a variety of other genes encoding LHCB polypeptides associated with photosystem II. Similarity at the nucleotide and amino acid level was highest between Lhcb2*Ppl and other type II genes and was lowest with type I and III genes from other species. Expression of Lhcb2*Pp1 was followed by determining abundance of transcripts in developing leaves of field grown trees in the absence of flowering. Expression was monitored at three times during the first phase of the growing season and was shown to be highest in leaves which were at or near full expansion at each sampling time. These results are consistent with the function of this gene and indicate that it can serve as a marker of photosynthetic maturity under field conditions.