Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
This project aims to address the growing problem of invasive grasses in the Northern Great Plains, which threaten the ecological health and productivity of rangelands. ? By focusing on two invasive grasses, Kentucky bluegrass and smooth bromegrass, the research seeks to understand how genetic changes, specifically somatic mutations, contribute to their spread and competitive advantage. ? The project involves setting up experimental plots to simulate different environmental stresses, such as drought and fire, and analyzing the genetic and epigenetic changes in these grasses. ? Additionally, the project provides valuable educational and research opportunities for tribal college students and faculty at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). ? Through hands-on research, professional development, and collaboration with experts from the USDA-ARS and Portland State University, the initiative aims to build research capacity, enhance career prospects for students, and develop effective strategies for managing invasive species. ? The ultimate goal is to support the sustainable management of rangelands, benefiting both local tribal communities and the broader scientific community.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
100%
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The goals of this project are to investigate the role of somatic mutations in the adaptation and invasive nature of perennial grasses in the Northern Great Plains, and to enhance research capacity and educational opportunities at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). The specific aims and objectives include:Research Goals:Develop annotated genomes of smooth brome and western wheatgrass.Identify somatic mutations associated with different rainfall levels.Characterize differences in epigenetic marks (methylated bases) related to rainfall levels.Use comparative genomics to identify genes targeted by somatic selection.Student and Faculty Development:Create structured research opportunities for nine tribal college students, focusing on research skills and professional development.Implement a one-week orientation for student research interns covering responsible conduct of research, resume building, and individual development plans.Conduct a 9-week student research intern program culminating in student presentations at conferences.Provide professional development seminars and training in plant genomics and bioinformatics for UTTC faculty.Facilitate the PI's participation in continuing education courses to enhance subject knowledge.Collaborative Framework:Strengthen ties between UTTC, Portland State University (PSU), Edward T. Shafer Agricultural Research Center (ETSARS), and the USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (NGPRL).Increase interest in graduate education among tribal college students through tiered mentoring and educational opportunities with a current graduate student serving as an instructor at UTTC.Dissemination and Impact:Compile and share research findings through manuscripts, presentations, and training materials.Encourage student researchers to present their work at local, state, and national conferences.Develop a strong collaborative framework and tiered-mentoring network for UTTC faculty and students.The project aims to provide a greater understanding of how somatic mutations contribute to the invasion of perennial grasses, which can inform more effective control strategies and identify areas at risk under climate change. It also seeks to enhance the educational and research capabilities of UTTC, providing valuable experiences and career development for underrepresented students in STEM fields.
Project Methods
For this project, we will utilizes 27 plots (3x3 m²) at the USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, organized into three blocks with varying rain interception treatments (ambient, 30%, and 60%). Each plot was subjected to burning in the fall of 2017, 2019, and 2020, with rain interception treatments applied from 2017 to 2021 and resumed in 2024 after a two-year ambient period. These treatments will also be replicated in a common garden on the UTTC campus, where students will manage the plots.Plant samples, including rhizomes and seeds, will be collected from the study plots, focusing on five independent ramets from control and selected populations that exhibit different growth responses under drought conditions. The samples will be stored in liquid nitrogen and at -80°C until DNA extraction. High molecular weight DNA will be extracted using established methods and sent to a USDA facility for PacBio Revio HiFi library construction and sequencing, aiming for 1-2X coverage for each of the 30 samples.In the bioinformatics phase, the project will filter DNA sequence quality and detect somatic mutations using the MuTect2 pipeline on PSU's High Performance Computing Cluster. Raw reads will be mapped to a reference genome to identify somatic mutations and epigenetic marks, and KASP markers will be developed for suspected somatic mutations to genotype individuals from all treatment groups.