Progress 10/01/93 to 09/30/11
Outputs OUTPUTS: The major work this year involved the genetic improvement and testing of new selections of two different woody perennial and high-value crops, American cranberry and urban shrub and tree ornamental plants. With cranberry the performance in commercial plantings of the HyRed release continued to be monitored; performance equaled or surpassed leading commercial cultivars planted in comparable situations. Plantings of clonal upscalings of newer crosses continued to be monitored. In addition, one high performing selection was introduced and a patent application submitted. For the ornamental subproject, plantings of unique hybrids of Viburnum, Spireae, birch, maples, and Alnus continued to be monitored. In addition, a new subproject was launched to upscale a number of hybrid selections of tree maples and tree alders so that planting in urban setting could be initiated in 2011 or 2012. These hybrid selections promise to have low invasiveness (high sterility), rapid growth (hybrid vigor), and high tolerance to urban street stresses. PARTICIPANTS: Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association, Wisconsin Nursery Association, More than 30 cranberry growers, Three Midwest nurseries, Three University of Wisconsin Experimental farms and personnel associated with these units. Dr. William Hoch, Montana State University Target Audiences, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections, Wisconsin urban forestry program in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. TARGET AUDIENCES: The genetic improvement of woody ornamentals is designed to benefit both the nursery industry and landscape industries and consumers in the Midwestern states by providing plants of high market value and lower maintenance requirements. The cranberry genetic improvement program is designed to increase the productivity of the Wisconsin industry but may be beneficial to other national production regions. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts The new cranberry being introduced is designated WI92-A-X15 and was produced through controlled breeding performed in 1990 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cranberry variety W192-A-X15 is derived from a controlled cross of the Stevens cultivar and a selection designated of Ben Lear. W192-A-X15 cranberry was initially selected based on large berry size and was clonally propagated for field trials. W192-A-X15 has demonstrated continued production of large berries and favorable bud set traits, including both good fruit bud set in general and excellent bud set on fruiting stems. WI92-A-X15 exhibits significantly higher yields (up to approximately two times higher than variety Stevens), larger fruit size, more favorable bud set traits, tolerance to high levels of fertilizer, earlier and higher red pigmentation, and an ability to set excellent crops at an early age as compared to Stevens. For the hybrid maples selections, a total of 298 bud-grafts were successfully produced at Speer and Son Nursery in Oregon with an average success rate of 85%, with some variation between the 4 clonal selections being evaluated. These trees were grown-on during the 2010 season. The appearance and growth of these selections was impressive to observing professional growers. For the hybrid alder selections, a total of 165 cuttings were taken and stuck for rooting; these cuttings rooted with an average success rate of 90%.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs OUTPUTS: Systematic breeding programs for the ornamental woody crops are in the final stages of evaluation and are producing new ornamental selections with major pest resistances and new ornamental traits suitable for Midwest production and utilization conditions. Three viburnum selections are now being evaluated by participating nursery growers. With the continued planting of superior germplasm of cranberry, the combination of increased yields and increased efficiency of production by better use of labor and equipment over an extended harvest season can be realized. In addition, handlers and processors of fruit can maximize efficiencies of processing units. The patented and released cultivar HyRed has increased in commercial planting activity and order of available planting stock for 2010 have outstripped supply. The selection WI92-A-X15 has been accepted by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation for patenting and potential commercial release in 2011 PARTICIPANTS: Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association, Wisconsin Nursery Association, More than 30 cranberry growers, Three Midwest nurseries, Three University of Wisconsin Experimental farms, and personnel associated with these units. Dr. William Hoch, Montana State University TARGET AUDIENCES: The genetic improvement of woody ornamentals is designed to benefit both the nursery industry and landscape industries and consumers in the midwestern states by providing plants of high market value and lower maintenance requirements. The cranberry genetic improvement program is designed to increase the productivity of the Wisconsin industry, but may be beneficial to other national production regions. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts Progress in evaluating hybrid plants from three genera of ornamentals (Viburnum, Betula, and Spireae) important in the green industry in Wisconsin and the Midwest and from one fruit genus (Vaccinium, cranberry) has continued to progress. Evaluation of hybrid germplasm with the potential of release of new cultivars for commercial use continued using observations in existing germplasm plots. Plantings containing progeny from crosses of the ornamentals were maintained at three different sites in Wisconsin, all involving UW research stations. The hybrid progeny of Spireae at the Arlington Research station produced a major flowering display which was evaluated for flower color, size, and sterility. Some selections showed uniform dwarf stature as well as 100% sterility (low invasiveness). The superior selections will be reevaluated in 2010 and may be released (under Material Transfer Agreements) for commercial evaluation. Three selections of existing second generation hybrid viburnums were observed at northern and more southern Wisconsin sites and continued to display high winter tolerance, ornamental compactness, and favorable flowering traits. A plot of third generation hybrids derived from the best selections showed high winter survival and produced vigorous second-year growth. Second generation hybrid birch continued to grow well and showed the beginnings of white bark coloration. Wood from bronze birch borer infested trees was introduced into the plot to allow evaluation of borer resistance/tolerance. In addition, advanced hybrid cranberry selections were observed in plots in multiple grower field plantings. The introduced selection HyRed demonstrated the incorporated breeding traits of early maturation and high flower bud set on fruiting uprights in a commercial 3.5 acre bed. The early mid-September harvest set a yield record (over 500 barrels per acre) for this progressive cooperating producer. Another non-introduced hybrid selection, WI92-A-X15, showed excellent and uniform high yields and a capacity to maintain flower bud set under high nitrogen fertilization. This selection will undergo patenting and release formalities in 2010. A third early maturing and high yielding selection will undergo a scale-up planting in 2010 to proof yield traits and may diversify the range of harvest timing for available high performing cranberry selections. Results of this work were presented to state and national growers in United States and Canada, and at international meetings.
Publications
- Krueger, C., Zeldin, E., McCown, B. and Reed, J. 2009. Intergrated approach to cranberry health research. http://nacrew.bioatlantech.nb.ca/inside/jpage/1/p/Proceedings/content .do
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs OUTPUTS: Progress in evaluating hybrid plants from three genera (Viburnum, Betula, and Spireae) important in the green industry in Wisconsin and the Midwest and from one fruit genus (Vaccinium, cranberry) has continued to progress. This year, evaluation of existing hybrid germplasm with the potential of release of new cultivars for commercial use continued using observations in existing germplasm plots and by planting one new field plot. Plots containing progeny from crosses were maintained at three different sites in Wisconsin, all involving UW research stations. The hybrid progeny of Spireae at the Arlington Research station produced their first major flowering display, however growth and evaluation in a third year is necessary to fully determine the potential of selections for ornamental traits and sterility (low invasiveness). Superior selections may be released (under Material Transfer Agreements) for evaluation as early as 2010. Three selections of existing second generation hybrid viburnums were observed at northern and more southern Wisconsin sites and continued to display high winter tolerance, ornamental compactness, and favorable flowering traits. A plot of third generation hybrids derived from the best selections was planted in a replicated pattern and survival was high and growth adequate. Next generation hybrid birch continued to grow well at the Arlington site and should allow evaluation of pest resistance and white bark character during the next several years. Advanced hybrid cranberry selections were observed in growers field plantings however another year will be necessary before uniform fruiting will be available for yield estimates. One selection noted for large fruit, high re-bud on fruiting uprights, and high vine vigor was successfully scaled-up to commercially-relevant plots in a participating grower's field. Some plots of the HyRed cultivar growing in commercial field plots that had been previously highly fertilized to promote rapid establishment showed signs of severe to moderate leaf drop in the spring at areas with heavy snow cover over the ice in the winter. However, yields from these plots did indicate that the HyRed cultivar was able to recover from such stress and produce acceptable yields (more than 200 barrels per acre) as well as adequate vine growth and high rebud in the fall. PARTICIPANTS: Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association; Wisconsin Nursery Association; More than 30 cranberry growers; Three Midwest nurseries; Three University of Wisconsin Experimental farms; and personnel associated with these units; Dr. William Hoch, Montana State University TARGET AUDIENCES: The genetic improvement of woody ornamentals is designed to benefit both the nursery industry, landscape industry, and consumers in the Midwestern states by providing plants of high market value and lower maintenance requirements. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Fruit yield data was not collected from a number of field plantings of cranberry selections due to an unusual pattern of leaf drop following a combination of high snow levels covering overwintering ice and higher than normal fertilization rates the previous summer.
Impacts These planned systematic breeding programs for woody crops are in the final stages of evaluation and promise to produce new ornamental selections with major pest resistances and new ornamental traits as well as cranberry selections with high adaptation to Midwest production conditions. Three viburnum selections are now being evaluated by participating nursery growers. One patented cranberry selection (HyRed) has been released and more than six other selections are under intensive commercial evaluation.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs OUTPUTS: Progress in evaluating hybrid plants from three genera important in the green industry in Wisconsin and the Midwest and from one fruit genus (cranberry) has continued to progress. This year, the focus was on evaluation of existing hybrid germplasm with the potential of release of new cultivars for commercial use. Plots containing progeny from crosses were maintained at three different sites in Wisconsin, all involving UW research stations. One of the plots was new (at the Arlington Research station) and contains the hybrid progeny of Spireae performed in 2006. Survival was excellent and the plants will be evaluated for sterility (low invasiveness) and ornamental traits next year (2008). Superior selections may be released (under Material Transfer Agreements) for evaluation as early as 2009. Three selections of hybrid Viburnum were distributed (under Material Transfer Agreements) to three cooperating nurseries for evaluation under commercial growing conditions. Results should
be apparent in two years. Next generation hybrid birch grew well at the Arlington site and should allow evaluation of pest resistance and white bark character during the next several years. Propagation of two selections of the first-generation hybrid birch was unsuccessful and will be repeated in 2008; these selections are of interest to Wisconsin growers but can only be evaluated under commercial growing conditions if clonal propagation is successful. Advanced hybrid cranberry selections were scaled-up to commercially-relevant plots in participating grower's fields and will allow evaluation of yield and fruit traits during the next three growing seasons. In addition, plots of the HyRed cultivar growing in commercial fields were evaluated for yield in comparison to adjacent plots of established cultivars. HyRed yield estimates showed that this cultivar has the potential to yield at or above the best standard cultivars now grown in Wisconsin.
PARTICIPANTS: Nursery growers (4) Wisconsin Nursery Association Faculty (3) Montana State university CALS research stations (2) WARF Cranberry growers (25) Cranberry processor (1)
TARGET AUDIENCES: Wisconsin nursery growers and landscape professionals Wisconsin cranberry growers and processors
Impacts These planned systematic breeding programs for woody crops are in the final stages of evaluation and promise to produce new ornamental selections with major pest resistances and new ornamental traits as well as cranberry selections with high adaptation to Midwest production conditions. One patented selection (HyRed) has been released and more than six other selections are under intensive commercial evaluation.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs The participatory genetic improvement programs for cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and four ornamental genera (Betula, Viburnum, Rhododendron and Spiraea) continue to progress. In the cranberry program, four activities were the foci for this year. (1) We planted partial-bed scale-up of promising selections for yield and potential insect resistance. These selections were bred during the original round of hybridization in 2000 and in later years. (2) We finalized the evaluation of hybrids now planted in test plots. Over the last several years, the more than 2000 progeny have been evaluated for fruiting characteristics including yield, flavor and quality. (3) We continued evaluation of tetraploid cranberry selections under commercial field conditions. The most promising hybrids were planted in performance-sized plantings and evaluated for bud set, fruit size and other fruit quality characteristics. (4) The monitoring of the 30 grower plantings of the patented release,
HyRed, continued. The interspecific hybrids of birch and viburnum, planted in replicated field test plots for the past 5 years, continued to be evaluated. For birch, differences in susceptibility to bronze birch borer, birch leafminer, Japanese beetle and stress were observed. Two selections also showing vigor and good plant form will be scaled-up for grower testing. In addition, using selections of interspecific hybrid birch as parents, cross pollinations were performed and plants of a new generation were out-planted in evaluation plot to select for the ornamental white bark trait. For viburnum, traits including pest (viburnum leaf beetle) and disease (viburnum wilt and leaf spot) resistance, flower form and fragrance, plant form, fall coloration, winter hardiness, and ease-of-propagation using semi-softwood cuttings were evaluated. Two selections of viburnum were deemed worthy of experimental release to grower-cooperators for evaluation of in-nursery performance. Triploid
rhododendrons were generated by hybridizing diploid and tetraploid parents (originally generated in microculture). The resultant seedlings are being evaluated for sexual sterility and seedlessness as well as ornamental character. Twelve populations of hybrid Spiraea japonica triploid seedlings were created using diploid elite cultivars as one parent and naturally-occurring and artificially-generated tetraploid non-commercial selections as the other parent. Five hundred seedlings were planted in pots and will be planted in a field test site. Chromosomal analyses indicated triploidy in all seedlings tested. The few seedlings that flowered showed infertile pollen and sterile seed capsules. Such hybrids should be useful in plantings minimizing any invasive tendencies that this ornamental has shown in some regions.
Impacts These planned systematic breeding efforts for woody crops are promising to yield new selections with a combination of pest and disease resistances and important ornamental or edible fruit traits. One patented fruit cultivar has been released and four selections of ornamentals are being released for testing in producer's production systems.
Publications
- Pereiro-Netto, A. and McCown, B.H. 2006. Reguladores de crescimento in vitro. (In vitro Growth Regulation) in: Silva jr., J.F. and Ledo, A.S. (eds.), A cultura da mangaba. (The Hancornia speciosa crop). Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracuja, Brazil. Pp. 135-152.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs The participatory genetic improvement programs for cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the two ornamental genera, Betula and Viburnum, continue to progress. In addition, a sub-project involving the genus Rhododendron was initiated. In the cranberry program, five activities were the foci for this year. (1) We planned partial-bed scale-up of promising selections for yield and potential insect resistance. These selections were bred during the original round of hybridization in 2000 and in later years. (2) We continued the evaluation of hybrids now planted in test plots. Over the last several years, the more than 2000 progeny have been evaluated for fruiting characteristics including yield, flavor and quality. We are now taking the next step and scaling-up more than 30 promising selections for yield evaluations. (3) We continued evaluation of tetraploid cranberry selections under commercial field conditions. These plants continued to show impressive bud set, fruit size
and other fruit quality characteristics and several selections were selected and planted in performance-sized plantings. (4) The monitoring of the release of the patented cultivar, HyRed, continued. Performance has met expectations in all but 4 of the 30 plantings. (5) A subproject exploring some of the putative health benefits of cranberry-rich diets was initiated. A detailed examination of the polyphenolics of HyRed revealed oligomeric anthocyanins with structural heterogeneity much greater than originally anticipated. Mass spectroscopy was utilized to further detail this pigment complexity. In addition, swine genetically selected for arterioschlerosis disease propensity were fed diets rich in HyRed cranberries and the progression of the disease followed. Initial results showed a significant reduction in LDL and artery abnormalities. The interspecific hybrids of birch and viburnum, planted in replicated field test plots for the past 5 years, continued to be evaluated traits
including pest and disease resistance, flower form and fragrance, plant form, fall coloration, winter hardiness, and ease-of-propagation using semi-softwood cuttings. Up to six selections of viburnum were deemed worthy of experimental release to grower-cooperators for evaluation of in-nursery performance. Significant differences in ease-of-propagation between genotypes was detected. Using selections of F-1 interspecific hybrid birch as parents, cross pollinations were performed and plants of an F-2 generation were out-planted in evaluation plots. Triploid rhododendron were generated by hybridizing diploid and tetraploid parents (originally generated in microculture). The resultant seedlings show high vigor and will be evaluated for sexual sterility and seedlessness.
Impacts These planned systematic breeding efforts for woody crops are promising to yield new selections with a combination of pest and disease resistances and important ornamental or edible fruit traits. Additional new introductions to the commercial trade are anticipated.
Publications
- McCown, B.H. and E.L. Zeldin. 2005. Biotechnology of cranberry. In: Biotechnology of Fruits and Nuts, R.E. Litz, editor. CABI International, Wallingford, Oxon. pp 247-262.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs The participatory genetic improvement programs for cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the two ornamental genera, Betula and Viburnum, continue to evolve. In the cranberry program, five activities were the foci for this year. (1) We planned partial-bed scale-up of promising selections for yield and potential insect resistance. These selections were bred during the original round of hybridization in 2000. The scale-up methodology developed for this planting was trialed this year and promises to make shifts to larger test plots more efficient. (2) We continued the evaluation of hybrids now planted in test plots. Over the last several years, the more than 2000 progeny have been evaluated for fruiting characteristics including yield, flavor and quality. We are now taking the next step and scaling-up more than 30 promising selections for yield evaluations. (3) We continued evaluation of tetraploid cranberry selections under commercial field conditions. These plants
consistently show impressive bud set, fruit size and other fruit quality characteristics; however fruit set and new planting vigor need further evaluation under field conditions, with particular attention paid to pollination details. (4) We continue to perform new but limited hybridizations using the advanced germplasm (including the newly introduced cultivar, HyRed) that was generated in previous years. For example, one hypothesis we are exploring is that maximizing the time for fruit development (early flowering + late maturation) will lead to a maximization of fruit size. (5) The monitoring of the release of the patented cultivar, HyRed, continued. More than a dozen grower cooperators now have field plantings which are planted under strict guidelines to assure both genetic fidelity and useful performance data. The interspecific hybrids of birch and viburnum, planted in replicated field test plots for the past 3 years, continued to be evaluated for traits including pest and disease
resistance, flower form and fragrance, plant form, fall coloration, and winter hardiness. New this year was an evaluation of viburnum for ease-of-propagation. Semi-softwood cuttings were collected from stock plant blocks of the hybrids and rooted under commercial conditions. Although rooting was generally of high quality, the survival of the rooted, bareroot cuttings after cold storage will be evaluated to determine the full extent of ease-of-propagation differences. All the traits continue to show genetic segregation, thus potentially allowing for the selection of truly superior selections for release to the industry.
Impacts These planned systematic breeding efforts for woody crops are promising to yield new selections with a combination of pest and disease resistances and important ornamental or edible fruit traits. Additional new introductions to the commercial trade are anticipated.
Publications
- Hoch, W.A. and McCown, B.H. 2004. Resistance to the birch leafminer (Fenusa pusilla) within the Betula section Costatae is recessive and displays a gene dosage effect. Acta Hortic. 630:53-55.
- Hoch, W.A., Weston, P.A., and McCown, B.H.. 2004. The potential of breeding for resistance to the introduced pest, viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni). Acta Hortic. 630:65-69.
- McCown, B.H. and Zeldin, E.L. 2004. Chapter 8.2, Cranberry. IN: Litz, R.E. (ed.), Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops. CABI Publishing, Oxon, UK, pp. 247-262 .
- McCown, B.H. and Hoch, W.A. 2004. A birch and viburnum breeding program: Combining new and old approaches. HortScience 39:720.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs Three projects involving the genetic improvement of woody perennial crops were pursued- one involving the fruit crop cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the other two involving the ornamental genera birch (Betula) and viburnum (Viburnum). Field evaluation plots of hybrids of all three crops have been established and observation on these plots continued this year. Among the more than 2000 unique cranberry hybrids observed, favorable traits for high and low fruit pigment content, strong fruit bud set on fruiting uprights, and interesting fruit flavor qualities were all detected. In addition, propagation stock of the newly released and patented selection HyRed was distributed to more than 20 grower-cooperators. Birch selections that had shown pest resistance in the past continued to be resistant this year, even when exposed to a strong summer drought stress; variation in susceptibility to borer was apparent. In the northern Wisconsin plot of viburnum hybrids,
segregation for winter hardiness was apparent. In the replicate southern Wisconsin plot of viburnum, variation in susceptibility to Verticillium and to viburnum borer was apparent. The viburnums all set flower buds at the end of this growing season, thus evaluation for flower/fruit traits can begin next year.
Impacts These planned systematic breeding efforts for woody crops are promising to yield new selections with a combination of pest and disease resistances and important ornamental or edible fruit traits. Additional new introductions to the commercial trade are anticipated.
Publications
- Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 2003. Application of polyploidy to cranberry breeding and biotechnology. Acta Hortic. 626:133-139.
- Hoch, W., Singass, E. and McCown, B. 2003. The role of anthocyanins in senescing leaves: Testing the resorption protection hypothesis. HortScience 38:683.
- McCown, Brent H. 2003. Biotechnology in horticulture: 100 years of application. HortScience 38:1026-1030.
- McCown, B.H. and Zeldin, E.L. 2003. HyRed, an early, high fruit color cranberry hybrid. HortScience 38:304-305.
- Pereira-Netto, A.B., B.H. McCown and R.P. Pharis. 2003. Inhibition of growth of microcultured Hancornia speciosa shoots by 3-hydroxylated gibberellins and one of their C-3 deoxy precursors. Plant Cell Reports 21: 491-496.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs Two subprojects involving the genetic improvement of woody perennial crops were pursued- one involving the fruit crop cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the other the landscape ornamental genus, Viburnum. With cranberry, both conventional breeding and genetic engineering approaches were taken. (1) Over 2000 second generation offspring from inter-selection crosses have been planted in field evaluation plots. A new release, `HyRed', was introduced and is gaining wide acceptance by growers. In every year sampled, 'HyRed' showed anthocyanin pigment levels at least twice that of comparable `Stevens' plots. (2) Previously, cranberry was genetically transformed with the bar gene, conferring tolerance to the phosphinothricin-based herbicide glufosinate. Stable transmission and expression of herbicide tolerance was observed in both inbred and outcrossed progeny of the cranberry transclone. Mendelian inheritance of the gene was observed in the outcrossed progeny and some
outcrossed individuals demonstrated significantly enhanced tolerance over the original transclone. Southern analysis indicated that the difference in tolerance levels was not due to rearrangement of the transgene. (3) Three promising colchicine-induced polyploid individuals were selected for breeding to improve fertility in subsequent generations. Significant improvement in fruit set was observed, especially in outcrossed plantings. Large fruit size in polyploid cranberries appears to result from fewer seeds set per berry than with diploid cranberries. With Viburnum, field evaluation plots of interspecific hybrids were maintained. A high degree of genetic heterozygosity is apparent as judged by plant form and leaf character differences. A study of fall coloration in these viburnum hybrids and other woody plants determined that at least for temperate native plants, the primary physiological purpose of fall pigmentation is resorption protection: anthocyanins enhance nutrient recovery in
autumn by shading leaves from potentially damaging light levels.
Impacts These results suggest that through a planned, systematic breeding program employing both conventional and biotechnological breeding approaches, both cranberry and viburnum can be significantly improved leading to commercially valuable new plants.
Publications
- Zeldin, E.L., Jury, T.P., Serres, R.A., and McCown, B.H.. 2002. Tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate in transgenic cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) and enhancement of tolerance in progeny. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 127:502-507.
- Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 2002. Towards the development of a highly fertile polyploid cranberry. Acta Hortic. 574:175-180.
- McCown, B. 2002. Plant biotechnology: A global overview of problems and potentials. Proc. International Plant Propagators' Society 51:80.
- Hoch, W.A., Weston, P.A., and McCown. B.H. 2002. The potential of breeding for resistance for the introduced pest, viburnum leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni). Proc. XXVIth International Horticultural Congress and Exhibition, pp. 456-457.
- Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 2002. Application of polyploidy to cranberry breeding and biotechnology. Proc. XXVIth International Horticultural Congress and Exhibition, pp. 84.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs Effort was focused on continuing the genetic improvement of the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Solander ex Ait.). Previously, cranberry was genetically transformed with the bar gene, conferring tolerance to the phosphinothricin-based herbicide glufosinate. A transclone when grown outdoors in coldframes survived foliar sprays of 500 ppm glufosinate, while untransformed plants grown in coldframes were killed at 300 ppm. Stable transmission and expression of herbicide tolerance was observed in both inbred and outcrossed progeny of the above cranberry transclone. Mendelian inheritance of the gene was observed in the outcrossed progeny and some outcrossed individuals demonstrated significantly enhanced tolerance over the original transclone, with no significant injury at levels up to 8000 ppm. Southern analysis of the original transclone and two progeny selections with enhanced tolerance showed an identical banding pattern, indicating that the difference in
tolerance levels was not due to rearrangement of the transgene. Initial results indicate that the enhanced tolerance of these first generation progeny was retained when second generation selfed progeny were tested. These results demonstrate the feasibility of successfully transforming cranberry for the expression of an introduced herbicide tolerance gene. In a second subproject, the color of the fruit of cranberry is being improved through breeding and selection. A new release, `HyRed', was introduced and is gaining wide acceptance by growers. Sampling of the pots continued this year and compared to previous analyses. Fruit were sampled periodically from 4 to 7 year old plots located in both central and northern Wisconsin and color analyses were performed. In every year, 'HyRed' showed TAcy readings at least twice that of comparable `Stevens' plots. In addition, 'HyRed' showed prominent early coloration even in late August and increased in pigment content at a greater rate than
'Stevens' through the September ripening period. Fruit of 'HyRed' develops excellent coloration even when covered deeply within the vine mat, thus resulting in few poorly colored berries.
Impacts The results suggest that with proper timing of herbicide application, the use of phosphinothricin-based herbicides combined with herbicide tolerance developed in transformed plants can enhance the ability of cranberry growers to control serious perennial weeds in cranberry beds. In addition, new highly colored selections should be able to dependably capture any available color incentives plus allow the ability to harvest early for an extended harvest season, thus optimizing harvest and handling operations and reducing the risk of unpredictable late-season weather events.
Publications
- McCown, B. 2001. Genetic engineering of horticultural crops: Potential vs. reality. Proc. International Plant Propagators' Society 50:4-7.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs Genetic improvement of bioenergy crops (Populus, poplar), fruits (Vaccinium, cranberry), woody ornamentals, and phytopharmaceutical herbs (Hydrastis, goldenseal) was accomplished using a combination of plant breeding and biotechnological approaches. Microculture techniques including micropropagation and ploidy manipulation, as well as genetic engineering using biolistics were perfected and proven for use with perennial crops. Commercially-relevant pest resistance using the Bt gene was accomplished for poplar and cranberry and herbicide tolerance using the bar gene was accomplished for cranberry. A breeding program for cranberry was initiated and continues to progress with the goal of developing high yielding selections with early and intense anthocyanin pigment development. A selection has been tested for more than 5 years in commercial situations in Wisconsin will be released. Color as measured by TACY is more than 200% greater than 'Stevens' by Late September, but
the color is also high by mid-September allowing for early harvest if desired. Estimated yields are comparable or greater than 'Stevens'. Cranberries genetically engineered for tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate have been used as parents in outcrosses to non-engineered parents. The inserted genes are faithfully and stably transmitted to progeny. Both bioreactor-based and shoot culture-based micropropagation systems were developed and tested for two selections of goldenseal. The novel bioreactor system utilized the multiplication of nodules under a rotating liquid culture environment.
Impacts The use of biotechnological approaches to supplement the breeding of perennial crops was shown to be a highly practical strategy. A new selection of cranberry was developed which may be particularly useful in the short growing season regions similar to Wisconsin.
Publications
- Bernd-Souza, R.B., Grossi de Sa, M.F., Ellis D.D. and McCown, B.H. 2000. A rat pancreatic ribonuclease fused to a late cotton pollen promoter severely reduces pollen viability in tobacco plants. Genet. Mol. Biol. 23:435-443.
- McCown, B.H. 2000. Recalcitrance of woody and herbaceous perennial plants: Dealing with genetic predeterminism. In vitro Cell. Dev. Biol.- Plant 36:149-154.
- McCown, B. 2001. Genetic engineering of horticultural crops: Potential vs. reality. Proc. Int. Plant Prop. Soc.
- Wan-Chin Yu, W.C., Joyce, P.J., Cameron, D.C. and McCown, B.H. 2000. Sucrose utilization during potato microtuber growth in bioreactors. Plant Cell Rep. 19:407-413.
- Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H.. 2000. Towards the development of a highly fertile polyploid cranberry. Proc. ISHS 7th International Symposium on Vaccinium culture, p. 30, Chillan, Chile.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs Optimization of techniques for the rapid clonal propagation using microculture were further developed for a number of perennial crops. With potato (Solanum) microtubers, the major limitation to obtaining microtubers of a size suitable for field planting was the sucrose supply in the bioreactor. Sucrose was superior to glucose and fructose as a carbon source, however sucrose was rapidly degraded to its constituent monosaccharides in any bioreactors containing live potato tissue. With goldenseal (Hydrastis) nodule cultures, the limiting step was the conversion of nodules to rooted plantlets. With Hancornia shoot cultures, the limiting factor was the non-responsiveness of the culture to cytokinins for axillary bud stimulation. Ethylene dynamics were identified as a major part of the response of Hancornia to the high culture temperatures used to stimualte growth. In some of the above cases, suitable means of overcoming the major limiting factors were determined. Genetic
improvement of cranberry (Vaccinium) continued by use of biotechnology-assisted plant breeding. Data on the components of yield were collected from field plots of seedling lines and the following components were pinpointed as major: number of fruit per upright, upright size, and percent rebud on fruiting uprights. These components will be further studied in future years. Major advances were made in improving the fertility of tetraploid cranberry lines.
Impacts Whitebarked birch trees are among the most widely planted urban trees in the world. Significant effort, including the use of toxic pesticides, is expended every year to control pests on these trees. Genetic resistance will reduce or eliminate these costs and losses. The modes of pest resistance identified in this research may have application to other tree and crop pest problems.
Publications
- McCown, B.H. and McCown, D.D. 1999. A general approach for developing a commercial micropropagation system. In vitro Cell. Develop. Biol. 35:276-277.
- Pereira-Netto, A.B. De and McCown, B.H.. 1999. Thermally induced changes in shoot morphology of Hancornia speciosa microcultures: evidence of mediation by ethylene. Tree Physiology 19:733-740.
- McCown, B.H. 1999. Book Review: Tree Biotechnology. Towards the Millenium. M.R. Davey, P.G. Alderson, K.C. Lowe, and J.B. Power (eds.), Nottingham University Press. Tree Physiology 14:959.
- McCown, B.H. 1999. Recalcitrance in woody and perennial plants: Dealing with genetic predeterminism. In Vitro Cell. Develop. Biol. 35:11A.
- Jury, T.P., Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 1999. Optimization of regenerating target tissue useful in bombardment of woody plants. In Vitro Cell. Develop. Biol. 35:61A.
- Maddox, R.M., Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 1999. Use of nodule cultures grown in bioreactors for mass propagation of goldenseal. In Vitro Cell. Develop. Biol. 35:51A.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs Three major research thrusts were pursued: (1) Breeding of cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, for early fruit maturity, high color, and high yields under Wisconsin conditions continued. The field evaluation plots began to provide data useful for components of yield determinations. Average fruit size per upright appears to be a genotype-specific trait and remains stable while number of fruit per upright and thus the total fruit yield per upright can vary. Genotypes were identified that carry a high number of fruit per upright while maintaining fruit size, thus outyielding standard commercial cultivars. (2) Breeding and analysis of ornamental white-barked birch (Betula) for leafminer resistance advanced with significant field plantings of F-1 progeny and the further detailing of two pest resistance mechanisms- phytochemical inhibition of larval growth and a hypersensitive response. Analyses of F-1 progeny from hybrids between parents differing in resistance showed that
the phytochemical resistance is heritable. (3) The use of a nodule culture system to micropropagate goldenseal (Hydrastis) advanced with the successful development of protocolos for mass nodule culture and proliferation of a number of genotypes. The conversion of these nodular units to viable field propagules remains problematic. Morphological analysis of the nodular developmental pathway is underway.
Impacts These projects all have relevance on both basic biology and applied application fronts. For each, grower groups are cooperatively and actively engaged in the projects and await the practical results for application in their commercial operations. The nodule developmental pathway is not well understood nor is the presence of hypersensitive responses in woody plants, however both offer significant potential in solving problems in various plant industries. Further detailing of these phenomena appears warranted.
Publications
- Kleiner, K.W., Raffa, K.F., Ellis, D.D. and McCown, B.H. 1998. Effect of nitrogen availability on the growth and phytochemistry of hybrid poplar Dan the efficacy of the Bacillus thuringiensis cry1A(a) d-endotoxin on gypsy moth. Can J. For. Res. 1055-1067.
- Hoch, W.A., Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 1998. Resistance mechanisms to birch leafminer (Fenusa pusilla) in the genus Betula. Abstracts of the Annual Meeting of the Amer. Soc. Plant Physical., p .149.
- Hoch, WA, Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 1998. Breeding for leafminer resistance within the genus Betula. HortScience 33:500.
- McCown, B.H. 1998. A general approach for developing a commercial micropropagation system. In Vitro Cell Develop. Biol. 34:24A.
- Zeldin, E.L., Serres, R.A. and McCown, B.H. 1998. Herbicide tolerance of transgenic 'Stevens' cranberry plants depends on the test environment. HortScience 33:516.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs The project continued the evaluation of hybrids and genotypes of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and white-barked birch (Betula) generated in previous years, accomplished a major field planting of new hybrids and seedlings, and detailed the herbicide tolerance levels of cranberries previously genetically-engineered for tolerance to `Liberty' herbicide. Cranberry progeny from a cross of `Stevens' and a `Ben Lear' selection continued to show a wide range of fruit color characteristics. One hybrid selection previously noted as uniquely highly colored and showing high vigor and ability to refruit on bearing uprights continued to be impressive. This and other selections were planted in larger plots for yield evaluations. Hybrid populations of six major crosses of cranberry selections were generated and planted in discovery plots. When the most promising cranberry transclone was planted under simulated field conditions, it showed levels of herbicide tolerance that were
lethal to weeds common in cranberry beds. Unlike previous reports, our work investigating the mechanisms of resistance to the birch leafminer (Fenusa pusilla) has shown that this pest is unable to distinguish between suitable and non-suitable species. The occurrence of two independent mechanisms of tolerance to birch leafminer was verified and seedling populations were established to study the inheritance and physiology of the hypersensitive response mechanism. The hypersensitive mechanism was observed in one seedling line which was derived from parents which do not show this mecahnism of resistance.
Impacts (N/A)
Publications
- Serres. R.A., Zeldin. E.L., and McCown, B.H. 1997. Applying biotechnological approaches to Vaccinium improvement: A review. Acta Hortic. 446:221-226.
- Zeldin, E.L. and McCown, B.H. 1997. Intersectional hybrids of lingonberry (V. vitis-idaea section vitis-idaea) and cranberry (V. macrocarpon, section oxycoccus) to V. reticulatum section macropelma. Acta Hortic. 235-238.
- Charest, P.J., DeVantier, Y., Jones, C., Sellmer, J.C., McCown, B.H., and Ellis, D.D.. 1997. Direct gene transfer in poplar. In: N. Klopfenstein and Y. Chun (eds.), Micropropagation, Genetic Engineering, and Molecular Biology of Poplar, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. pp.60-64.
- Ellis, D. and Raffa, K. 1997. Expression of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis B-endotoxin in poplar. In: N. Klopfenstein and Y. Chun (eds.), Micropropagation Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology of Poplar, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. pp. 178-186
- McCown, B.H. 1997. Poplar shoot cultures: Their generation and use in biotechnology. In: N. Klopfenstein and Y. Chun (eds.), Micropropagation, Genetic Engineering, and Molecular Biology of Poplar, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. pp. 5-9.
- Pilate, G., Ellis, D.D., and Hawkins, S. 1997. Transgene expression in the field-grown poplar. In: N. Klopfenstein and Y. Chun (eds.), Micropropagation Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology of Poplar, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. pp.84-89.
- Raffa, K.F., Kleiner, K.W., Ellis, D.D., and McCown, B.H. 1997. Environmental risk assessment and deployment strategies for genetically-engineered poplars. In: N. Klopfenstein and Y. Chun (eds.), Micropropagation, Genetic Engineering, and Molecular Biology of Poplar, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. pp. 249-263.
- Serres, R., McCown, B., and Zeldin, E. 1997. B-Glucuronidase Activity in Transgenic Cranberry is Affected by Endogenous Inhibitors and Plant Development. Plant Cell Rep. 16:641-646.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs Two continuing subprojects involving the genetic improvement of woody crops werepursued, one involving cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the other ornamental white-barked birches (Betula). The second and final year of the first field test of genetically-engineered cranberries was conducted. Lepidopteran pest insects that emerged from overwintering eggs attacked cranberry plants engineered with a Bt gene, however when compared to controls, a reduction in the number of pests maturing through eclosure was observed. Other traits such as cranberry fruit quality that are not highly amenable to biotechnological approaches are being improved through hybrid breeding. Using an accelerated breeding regime, hybrid progeny at four field test sites were evaluated for early and intense fruit color development. Fruit color appears highly heritable and a number of selections were isolated for bulking and further observation. A project to create white-barked birches with resistance
to the leaf-miner pest was continued. In studying resistant birch species and hybrid crosses, two mechanisms of strong resistance were observed. A hypersensitive response to the insertion and presence of leafminer eggs prevented the hatching of the eggs in some genotypes while in other selections, the eggs hatched but the larva died after a short period of feeding.. Crosses between resistant, non-white barked and susceptible, white-barked birch species were made and seed collected and germinated. These progeny will be screened fo.
Impacts (N/A)
Publications
- Serres, R., B. McCown, and E. Zeldin. Beta-Glucuronidase Activity in Transgenic Cranberry is Affected by Endogenous Inhibitors and Plant Development.Plant Cell Rep. (in press)
- McCown, B.H. 1996. Biotechnological approaches to modifying plant form. In: R.L.Geneve, J.E. Preece and S.A. Merkle (eds.), Biotechnology of Ornamental Plants, CAB International, New York, pp. 199-214.
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