Source: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY submitted to NRP
INTEGRATION OF MOLECULAR AND CLASSICAL PERENNIAL GRASS BREEDING FOR TURFGRASS IMPROVEMENT AND BIOFUEL PRODUCTION
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0201283
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2010
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
3 RUTGERS PLZA
NEW BRUNSWICK,NJ 08901-8559
Performing Department
Plant Biology
Non Technical Summary
Turfgrass touches millions of Americans lives daily in physical and social ways that make it an important and positive element in a myriad of environments. Although turfgrass is an important component of our economy and a benefit to the environment, it also accounts for a large percentage of pesticides, water and fertilizer applied annually. One of our objectives is to confirm that DNA markers associated with disease and stress tolerance can be directly used for marker-assisted selection in a classical breeding program to improve selection efficiency of turfgrass germplasm. This will hasten development of cultivars that will require less pesticide and cultural inputs as well as providing the framework for understanding disease resistance and stress tolerance at the molecular level. Although perennial grasses such as switchgrasses are expected to be used as a biofuel crop on marginal land there has been little to no extensive research to evaluate their performance on marginal land. Therefore, it is unknown how perennial grasses will perform on marginal land and how different soil types influence yield characteristics such as cellulose and lignin content, plant height, disease, drought etc. This knowledge is critical to the successful development of biofuels so that enough biomass can be generated domestically to offset foreign oil dependency. Marginal cropland typically has poor quality soils with low amounts of N which can reduce biomass yield. Like turfgrasses, switchgrass is not a food crop and until recently has not been widely studied at the genomic level. In order for switchgrass and other perennial grasses to be successful and economical for biofuel production on marginal land we need to understand the mechanisms of stress tolerance, i.e. response to Nitrogen, Phosphorous, drought, and how environmental conditions like marginal land influence cellulose and lignin content in plant tissue. It is our goal to identify optimum breeding and selection techniques and utilize genomic approaches to identify the best performing switchgrass plants on marginal land (with low N) in Northeastern US and identify germplasm with improved performance on marginal land to use in a breeding program. The research will set the stage for future studies into the basic research of stress tolerance mechanisms as well as give us a better awareness of improving and developing methods and technologies that enhance selection of turfgrass and switchgrass for cultivar development. Additionally it is our hope to apply and expand this integration of molecular and classical breeding to other grass species and important agronomic traits that impact our environment.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1031621104010%
1031621106010%
1111620108110%
1111621108110%
1311620108110%
2011620104010%
2011621104010%
2021620108110%
2021621108110%
2151621106010%
Knowledge Area
103 - Management of Saline and Sodic Soils and Salinity; 111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water; 215 - Biological Control of Pests Affecting Plants; 202 - Plant Genetic Resources; 201 - Plant Genome, Genetics, and Genetic Mechanisms; 131 - Alternative Uses of Land;

Subject Of Investigation
1620 - Warm season perennial grasses; 1621 - Cool season perennial grasses;

Field Of Science
1040 - Molecular biology; 1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1081 - Breeding;
Goals / Objectives
The objectives of this project are to: 1) Continue our current work on confirming DNA markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass; 2) Use classical breeding methods to improve disease resistance in creeping, colonial and velvet bentgrass; 3) Initiate mapping work in other turfgrass species (such as perennial ryegrass) using next generation sequencing technology in order to more efficiently develop markers for complex traits that are difficult to select for in the field but vital to the continued use of these species for turfgrass improvement; 4) Identify optimum breeding and selection techniques to identify the best performing switchgrass plants on marginal land (with low N) in Northeastern US and identify germplasm with improved performance on marginal land to use in a breeding program; 5) Initiate mapping studies in switchgrass in order to more efficiently develop molecular markers for complex traits (such as yield, lignin and cellulose content) that are difficult to select for in the field but vital to the continued use of these species for biofuel production. The specific outcomes of this project are to: Identify QTL markers for disease resistance in turfgrass species. Develop linkage maps of turfgrasses and switchgrass, locate QTL, and utilize MAS for quantitatively inherited traits. DNA markers isolated in this study will be made available to the public for use in locating additional genes associated with other important quantitative traits. DNA markers will allude to the genomic organization and evolution of the genus compared to other grasses. It will provide the necessary framework to utilize recent genomic technologies utilized in other important agronomic crops. Additionally, this project has the potential to result in improved turfgrass cultivars for commercial release. This will directly benefit golf course superintendents, sod farmers, and turfgrass seed companies. The environment and public at large will also benefit from a reduction in fungicide use on the large amount of agricultural land used by sod farms and golf courses. For the switchgrass project we will identify proper selection procedures to optimize selection of germplasm for biomass production on marginal land with limited nitrogen; We will identify clones and cultivars that respond positively to added nitrogen and which produce high biomass yields in marginal land with low amounts of N; We will identify superior clones and/or families to use in population improvement programs to develop new cultivars with better performance on marginal land; We will outreach to stakeholders in the form of seminars, fact sheets, peer-reviewed scientific articles, trade-journal articles and workshops. This project is unique in that it specifically provides strategies for integrating feedstock production onto marginal land, which will be critical to the enhancement of our economy and critical to the increased use of biomass fuel sources. This project will improve the current state of knowledge of biomass yield of perennial grasses on marginal land and will provide a crucial step in the implementation of perennial grass biomass production in stressful environments.
Project Methods
We will use standard methods for mapping studies to genotype backcross and pseudo F3 generations for SSR markers. We will confirm QTLs by using one-way ANOVA and interval QTL mapping to provide definitive SSR QTL markers that can be directly utilized for marker assisted selection in turfgrass breeding programs. Genotyping all of the polymorphic SSR markers and comparing linkage groups of subsequent generations is more useful than screening populations for the putative QTLs only. This will give better and more definitive QTL validation results over the one-way ANOVA. This confirmation step is critical to identify true QTLs and crucial to the successful implementation of these markers into a marker assisted selection program. Furthermore, due to the fact that this project is partially complete, the time frame for results can be attained more quickly. We will use traditional breeding and selection techniques to improve disease resistance in creeping, colonial and velvet bentgrass. We have been investigating several selection techniques to improve disease resistance in bentgrass species. Selecting plants based on turf plot evaluations has only resulted in moderate improvements in resistance for certain diseases such as brown patch. However, we have found that selecting plants based on mowed spaced-plant evaluations has resulted in greater improvements in disease resistance compared to turf plot selection. We will utilize Illumina sequencing technology to conduct transcriptome sequencing analysis. We will compare sequence differences between non-stressed and salinity stressed leaf tissue in order to identify differences between these two tissues in perennial ryegrass. We hope to use these polymorphisms as markers for screening germplasm. DNA will be isolated from the parents and progeny of a mapping population and markers (identified through transcriptome sequencing) will be tested in the mapping population in order to identify genes associated with salinity tolerance in perennial ryegrass. It is our aim to apply this technique to other species and other traits including drought and heat tolerance and disease resistance. We will identify optimum breeding and selection techniques and utilize molecular approaches to identify germplasm with improved performance and quality on marginal land. Measurements that relate to or affect biomass yield will be collected including tiller number, plant height, disease, heading date, and dry matter yield. We will use the heritability estimates to determine selection procedures to optimize the selection of superior germplasm and determine the expected gain from selection. Markers will be developed that are associated with lignin and cellulose concentration in an effort to identify markers that can be used for marker assisted selection. This will improve screening efforts to identify germplasm and hasten the development of cultivars with high ratios of cellulose to lignin.

Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this reporting period includes grass breeders, sod growers, golf course superintendents, landscape contractors, other seed industry personnel, farmers, biomass energy producers, other plant scientists. Changes/Problems:One challenge that occured was the fact that there were insufficient funds to complete some of the marker work proposed in this project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?At least two graduate students were trained during this project period. In addition to that, numerous student summer help were also trained during this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results were disseminated through peer reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings and presentations at National Meetings. Results were also disseminated to stakeholders at field days. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Bentgrass breeding project: Firstly, our creeping bentgrass linkage map project was published in 2014. Three regions (LG 1, 4 and 5) were consistently associated with dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. These results are promising and put us one step closer to utilizing these markers directly in our traditional bentgrass breeding program. Since that time we have also screened the bentgrass mapping population for drought (published in 2014) and most recently heat stress. The paper on heat tolerance QTL will be published in the spring of 2016. These markers can be utilized in the breeding program for marker-assisted selection and to aid in the understanding of the mechanisms of disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. This will improve the efficiency of selection for improved characteristics, improve our understanding of how these traits are inherited and hasten the development of pest and stress tolerant turfgrass cultivars. During the project we have developed six new creeping bentgrass cultivars with improved dollar spot, anthracnose and copper spot resistance, four experimental selections of colonial bentgrass are being increased with improved brown patch resistance and two experimental selections of velvet bentgrass are being evaluated by seed companies for seed production. During the project we have planted 11,796 creeping, 12,264 colonial and 11,085 velvet bentgrasses in spaced plant nurseries, planted 8,860 turf plots and selected 1,446 plants for experimental selections of these three bentgrass species. We plan to continue population improvement of creeping, colonial and velvet bentgrasses for disease resistance and stress tolerance. Breeding for salinity tolerance project: We are now in our fourth cycle of selection for salinity tolerance in perennial ryegrass. The paper published on heritability of salinity tolerance published this year was a feature article in Crop Science Society News. During the project we have screened close to 12,000 plants, selected almost 1500 clones and developed 15 experimental selections of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescues. There has been a lot of interest in this project from seed companies. Several germination screening procedures for salinity tolerance were evaluated but unfortunately this trait seems to be more controlled by various environmental factors and water availability than genetic factors. However, we did make selections with improved germination compared to the control and these were planted in a spaced-plant nursery to evaluate for adult plant tolerance to salinity this spring. Switchgrass improvement project: During this project, we have conducted numerous studies to evaluate switchgrass germplasm to determine the best cultivars and selections for NJ growing conditions (Cortese and Bonos, 2012; Cortese et al., 2014). We also conducted a genetic diversity study of switchgrass germplasm emphasizing germplasm from the Eastern US (Cortese et al., 2010). We also conducted a study to evaluate the effect of selection for increased germination in switchgrass, however, we found that selection was not effective in improving germination in switchgrass (Cortese and Bonos, 2015). Additionally, we conducted several studies to determine the biomass potential of switchgrass grown on marginal land. This study included the evaluation of 45 switchgrass clones, 14 switchgrass cultivars, and warm-season grass mixtures in paired fields (marginal vs. prime farmland) in 7 locations throughout the country. All of the plots were established in 2009 with the exception of one of our marginal sites in Somerset, NJ. Tiller counts, disease resistance and biomass yield were collected for two years. The data has been analyzed and needs to be written in peer-reviewed manuscripts. The take home message from the research indicate that breeding for biomass yield on marginal lands will require evaluation of breeding materials in those environments in order to successfully develop productive cultivars for marginal land use. We hope this data will help determine cultivar and mixture performances on marginal land vs. prime farmland to ultimately breed grasses for improved productivity on marginal land. This knowledge is critical to the Northeast and nationwide for successful development of biofuels if the US is expecting to reduce its foreign oil dependency while continuing to feed the growing population. This information will help determine the most effective selection strategies and identify breeding lines with optimum yields on marginal land for the subsequent development of new cultivars. We will also outreach to farmers in the NE interested in growing biofuel crops, by providing planting and cultivar recommendations for optimum productions. We plan to disseminate the information through written (fact sheets, peer-reviewed journals) and oral presentations (seminars, workshops, field days etc).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Koch, M. W. Meyer and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Inheritance of salinity tolerance in perennial ryegrass. Crop Science 55(4): 1834-1842.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Honig, J.H., J. Vaicunias, V. Avellero, C. Kubik, W.A. Meyer and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Classification of bentgrass (Agrostis) cultivars and accessions based on microsatellite (SSR) markers. Genet Resour Crop Evol. DOI 10.1007/s10722-015-0307-6.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Serapiglia, M., C. A. Mullen, A. A. Boateng, L.M. Cortese ,S.A. Bonos, L. Hoffman. 2015. Evaluation of the impact of compositional differences in switchgrass genotypes on pyrolysis product yield. Industrial Crops and Products 74:957-968.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Cortese, L.M. and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Germination in three switchgrass populations after two cycles of divergent selection for seed weight. Agronomy Journal, doi: 10.2134/agronj2015.0240; Date posted: October 21, 2015.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Jespersen, D., E. Merewitz, Y. Xu, J. Honig, S. Bonos, W. Meyer, B. Huang. 2015. Quantitative trait loci associated with physiological traits for heat tolerance in creeping bentgrass. Accepted to Crop Science Nov. 2, 2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Eric Watkins, Stacy A. Bonos, Chengyan Yue, Kristen Nelson, Brian Horgan, Paul Koch, James A. Murphy, Bingru Huang, William A. Meyer and Bruce B. Clarke. 2015. Germplasm improvement of low-input fine fescues in response to consumer attitudes and behaviors. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Stacy A. Bonos, Jennifer Vaiciunas, Udi Zelzion, Debashish Bhattacharya, William A. Meyer, Eric Koch and Joshua Honig. 2015. Transcriptome analysis of salt-stressed perennial ryegrass. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lindsey Hoffman, Eric N Weibel, Jamie L Crawford, Ryan V Crawford, Julie L. Hansen, Marvin H. Hall, Donald R. Viands and Stacy A Bonos. 2015. Selection of switchgrass for reclaimed mineland. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: David Jespersen, Joshua Honig, Stacy A Bonos, William A. Meyer and Bingru Huang. 2015. Quantitative trait loci associated with delayed heat-induced senescence in creeping bentgrass. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Trent Matthew Tate, William A. Meyer, Stacy A Bonos, Patrick E. McCullough and Carrie Mansue. 2015. Evaluation of tenacity selected fine fescues to eleven rates of tenacity from 0-8966 grams a.I. ha-1. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: 6. Vincenzo Averello, Christine Kubik, Jennifer Vaiciunas, William A. Meyer, Stacy A Bonos and Joshua Honig. 2015. Genetic diversity of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Screb.) Darbysh.) cultivars using microsatellite (SSR) markers. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lindsey Hoffman, Eric N Weibel and Stacy A Bonos. 2015. Impact of anthracnose infection on biomass composition and yield of switchgrass cultivars. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hoffman, L., Lee, G., Weibel, E.N., Bonos, S.A. 2015. Impact of Anthracnose on Biomass Yield and Quality of Switchgrass. Poster session presented at Switchgrass III: Prairie and Native Grass International Conference; 2015 Sep 30-Oct 2; Knoxville, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Serapiglia, M., C. A.. Mullen, A. A. Boateng, L. M. Cortese, S. A. Bonos, L. Hoffman. 2015. Evaluation of the impact of compositional differences in switchgrass genotypes on pyrolysis product yield. Oral presentation presented at Switchgrass III: Prairie and Native Grass International Conference; 2015 Sep 30-Oct 2; Knoxville, TN.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lee, G., L. Hoffman, E. Weibel, and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Impact of anthracnose on biomass yield and composition of switchgrass. Northeast Woody/Warm Season Biomass Consortium Annual Meeting. Morgantown, West Virginia August 5-7, 2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hoffman, L., L. Cortese, L. Beirn, J. Crouch, and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Breeding switchgrass for improved resistance to anthracnose disease.p. 14. In Proceedings of the 24th Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. January 16, 2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Meyer, W., S. Bonos, E.N. Weibel, A. Grimshaw, H. Que, R. Bara, M. Mohr, D. Smith and T. Tate. 2015. Overcoming the challenges of breeding cool-season turfgrasses for low-input turf. p. 16. In Proceedings of the 24th Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. January 16, 2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Jespersen, D., F. Belanger, J. Honig, W. Meyer, S. Bonos and B. Huang. 2015. Development and confirmation of candidate gene markers for selection of heat tolerance. p. 19. In Proceedings of the 24th Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. January 16, 2015.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Grimshaw, A., W. Meyer and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Evaluation of hard fescue (Festuca brevipila) for summer patch (Magnaporthae poae). p. 35. In Proceedings of the 24th Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. January 16, 2015.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this reporting period includes grass breeders, sod growers, golf course superintendents, landscape contractors, other seed industry personnel, farmers, biomass energy producers, other plant scientists. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two graduate students have been trained on this project. Several undergraduate students have also beentrained. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated to stakeholders at annual conferences through oral and poster presentations, seminars and field days. Close to 700 and 150 stakeholders have been reached in the bentgrass/salinity and switchgrass projects, respectively. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue population improvement for gemplasm development and cultivar development. Publish completed projects. Develop grant proposals to continue important objectives outlayed in the project goals.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1.) A paper was published on the identification of DNA markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. Several linkage groups,(1, 4 and 5) contained at least two overlapping QTL regions to different isolates indicating that these regions may play a significant role in dollar spot resistance. 2) Population improvement including genotypic and phenotypic recurrent selection are being used to improve creeping, colonial and velvet bentgrass. (SeeOther Productsfor details). 3) A training population containing 564 individual clones was established in the summer of 2013 and will be evaluated for salinity tolerance in the summer of 2015. This population is anticipated to serve as a training population to utilize for genomic selection in perennial ryegrass. 4)Several studies were planted in previous years on prime and marginal sites to identify the best selection procedures for the identification of germplasm with improved performance on marginal land. As part of another NIFA funded project we have identified 22 clones of switchgrass with both high yields on reclaimed mine land and high yield in prime soil. We plan to recombine these selections and use population improvement to concentrate genes important for high biomass yield in marginal environments. Several other grant proposals have been submitted for additional funding to support these efforts. 5)A mapping population of switchgrass segregating for disease resistance was conducted in 2012. These were planted in the field in spring of 2013 and evaluated for anthracnose disease in 2014. Additional funding is being sought to conduct more indepth analysis of this population. Fifty clones of switchgrass that were previously analyzed for biomass quality traits in multiple environments; thisis currently being prepared for publication.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Merewitz, E., F., Belanger, S. Warnke, B. Huang and S.A. Bonos. 2014. Quantitative Trait Loci associated with Drought Tolerance in Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). Crop Science 54:2314-2324.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Cortese, L.M., Z. Helsel and S.A. Bonos. 2014. Biomass energy characteristics of switchgrass cultivars grown in New Jersey. American Journal of Bioenergy 3(2):95-108.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Honig, J.A., C. Kubik, W. Meyer, K. Amundsen, S.E. Warnke and S.A. Bonos. 2014. PCR marker-based genetic linkage map of creeping bentgrass and identification of QTL for dollar spot resistance. Molecular Breeding. 34(1):185-203.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Cross, J.W., S.A. Bonos, B. Huang and W.A. Meyer. 2013. Evaluation of heat and drought tolerance as components of summer stress on tall fescue genotypes. HortScience. 48(12):1562-1567.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Honig, J.H., J. Vaicunias, V. Avellero, C. Kubik, W.A. Meyer and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Classification of bentgrass (Agrostis) cultivars and accessions based on microsatellite (SSR) markers Submitted to Crop Science Oct. 25, 2014.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Koch, E. W.A. Meyer and S.A. Bonos. 2015. Germination and early establishment of perennial ryegrass cultivars under varying levels of salinity. Submitted to Crop Science, Nov. 21, 2014.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Koch, E. and S.A. Bonos. 2014. Breeding perennial ryegrass for improved salt tolerance. TPI Turf News. July/Aug 2014. p. 49-51.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Koch, E.D., S. Bonos, J. Honig, and J. Vaiciunas. 2014. The effect of endophyte on salinity tolerance in perennial ryegrass. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hoffman, L.M., L. Cortese, M. Salazar, and S. Bonos. 2014. Genotype x Environment Interaction of Lignocellulosic Characteristics of Switchgrass Grown on Marginal and Prime Soil. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Koch, E.D., S. Bonos, J. Honig and J. Vaiciunas. 2014. Breeding and evaluation of perennial ryegrass (L. perenne L.) for improved salinity tolerance. p. 19-20. In Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 17, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Weibel, E.N., T.J. Lawson, J.B. Clark, J.A. Murphy, B.B. Clarke, W.A. Meyer and S.A. Bonos. 2014. Performance of bentgrass cultivars and selections in New Jersey turf trials. 2013 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings 45:1-46.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Grimshaw, A.L., T.M. Tate, D.A. Smith, R.F. Bara, M.M. Mohr, E. N. Weibel, S.A. Bonos, and W.A. Meyer. 2014. Performance of fine fescue cultivars and selections in New Jersey Turf trials. 2013 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings 45:47-80.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Grimshaw, A.L., E. D. Koch, M.M. Mohr, R.F. Bara, D.A. Smith, E.N. Weibel, J.B. Clark, J.A. Murphy, S.A. Bonos and W.A.Meyer. 2014. Performance of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and selections in New Jersey turf trials. 2013 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings 45:81-146.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Honig, J.A., C. Kubik, V. Averello, J. Vaiciunas, W.A. Meyer, and S.A. Bonos. 2014. Genetic diversity of bentgrass (Agrostis) cultivars and accessions using microsatellite SSR markers. p. 30. In Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 17, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Bonos, S.A., L. Cortese, E. Weibel and H. Mayton. 2014. Breeding switchgrass for anthracnose resistance. p. 35. In Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 17, 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Mayton, H., L. Cortese, E. Weibel, and S. Bonos. 2013. Potential for genetic improvement of resistance to anthracnose in switchgrass. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Koch, E. and S.A. Bonos. 2013. Quantifying the effects of salinity stress on germination of perennial ryegrass. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: golf course superindents, athletic field managers, landscapers, farmers, scientists, biofuel industry personnel Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two graduate students are being trained on this project. A third graduate student graduated this year on the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Through presentations at national conferences, regional workshops, and field days What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Bentgrass Breeding Project: As stated in the accomplishments, a spaced-plant nursery of each of the bentgrass species was established in 2013 in preparation for new cultivar selections in 2014. We plan to continue population improvement and phenotypic recurrent selection to achieve our main breeding objective: to develop improved, pest resistant, and stress tolerant, cool-season turfgrasses that could be utilized for turfgrass situations throughout the Northeast and other parts of the country. We will continue collection, selection and evaluation of bentgrass germplasm for disease resistance, drought, traffic and salinity tolerance. Salinity Screening Project: Cycles of selection for salt tolerance will be continued for perennial ryegrass, slender creeping red fescue and creeping bentgrass. A rainout shelter for conducting salinity tolerance research was erected in the spring of 2010. Germplasm screening has been conducted every year since then and will continue in upcoming years. Several screening procedures will be investigated this year in the greenhouse and the growth chamber. Additionally we would like to answer the question of whether mature plant salinity tolerance is related to germination salinity tolerance. The ultimate goal is to develop new cultivars with both germination tolerance and mature plant tolerance to salinity stress. Switchgrass breeding project: A previous study (reported on last year) evaluating switchgrass cultivars, clones, and mixtures on marginal land and prime farmland was established in the spring of 2009. These trials were evaluated in 2010 and 2011 for biomass characteristics including establishment, tiller number, plant height, lodging, and biomass yield. This study is part of a large study including 7 other states. This data is currently being summarized and several publications will be prepared for publication this year and following. We will also be evaluating the germplasm planted in 2013 and utilizing population improvement and recurrent selection techniques to develop improved switchgrass cultivars with high biomass production and favorable agronomic characteristics for successful utilization of this species in the Northeast for biofuel production.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Bentgrass breeding project: Firstly, our creeping bentgrass linkage map project was accepted for publication this year (see products). We found three regions (LG 1, 4 and 5) that were consistently associated with dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. These results are promising and put us one step closer to utilizing these markers directly in our traditional bentgrass breeding program. We are currently working to extend this technique to other important agronomic traits such as other diseases, drought and heat tolerance. These markers can be utilized in the breeding program for marker-assisted selection and to aid in the understanding of the mechanisms of disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. This will improve the efficiency of selection for improved characteristics, improve our understanding of how these traits are inherited and hasten the development of pest and stress-tolerant turfgrass cultivars. In the bentgrass breeding project we are concentrating on identifying new sources of disease resistance, including dollar spot, copper spot and anthracnose diseases, and we are working to incorporate resistance to these three diseases into one cultivar. Population improvement including phenotypic and genotypic recurrent selection has been used to combine disease resistance traits. Two of the three cultivars (Proclamation and Luminary) released this year have improved resistance to the three diseases mentioned above. Now our goal is to incorporate wear tolerance and salinity tolerance into new cultivars. Previously a spaced-plant nursery was planted in the spring of 2012 containing a total of 2640 plants. These plants were used to develop nine new experimental selections this year. This nursery included plants from the best performing single plot progeny turf plots from the 2008, 2009 and 2010 turf plots. It also included new sources of resistance to dollar spot screened in mowed spaced plant evaluation trials and new germplasm sources collected from Merion Country Club in 2011. A new creeping bentgrass nursery containing 2676 plants was established in the spring of 2013 for crossing blocks for next year. This trial contained the best performing plots from the 2009, 2010, and 2011 turf plots exhibiting the best disease resistance and clones exhibiting improved salt tolerance. For colonial bentgrass, brown patch resistance and drought tolerance were the major emphasis of the breeding program this year. A 2012 spring-planted nursery containing 2832 plants and a fall planted nursery containing approximately 50 clones selected for improved brown patch resistance were used to develop 5 new experimental selections this past year. Another nursery was established in the fall of 2013 containing 2220 plants in preparation for next years crossing blocks. Additionally, a mowed spaced-plant trial was established in the spring of 2013 containing 1188 plants. These plants were selected from plots with improved tolerance to dacthal herbicide. These plants will be screened for another cycle for dacthal tolerance. Our focus in velvet bentgrass has been to improve disease resistance including dollar spot, copper spot and brown patch diseases, and wear tolerance. A velvet bentgrass nursery established in the fall of 2012 containing 1932 plants was used to develop 6 new experimental selections this year. Another spaced-plant nursery was established in the fall of 2013 containing 1188 plants in preparation for next year's crossing blocks. Additionally, in September of 2013, three bentgrass trials (two putting green [540 – velvet; 690 - creeping plots], and one fairway [595 plots]) were established at the Plant Biology Research and Extension Farm in North Brunswick, NJ for a total of 1825 turf plots. Breeding for salinity tolerance project: We have several projects related to breeding for salt tolerance in cool-season turfgrasses. In the fall of 2012, 384 perennial ryegrass clones, 276 tall fescue clones and 126 creeping bentgrass clones were identified with improved salt tolerance and planted into a spaced-plant nursery in the fall of 2012 for seed production. From this material, two tall fescue crossing blocks containing 84 total plants and three perennial ryegrass crossing blocks containing 132 plants were moved this past year. There has been a lot of interest in this project from seed companies. Approximately 76 creeping bentgrass clones identified with improved salinity tolerance are now being screened for heat and drought tolerance in two fields, one in New Brunswick, NJ and one in Athens, GA. Eric Koch, a Ph.D. candidate in the plant biology graduate program, has taken the responsibility for conducting the research related to developing germination screening procedures for salinity tolerance. For this project, 864 perennial ryegrass plots were seeded into a rainout shelter in the fall of 2011, 2012 and 2013. Three replicates received fresh water and three replicates received a salt water solution of 10 ds m-1. Germination ratings were collected during establishment. Selections with improved germination compared to the control were selected and will be planted in a spaced-plant nursery to evaluate for adult plant tolerance to salinity this spring. A growth chamber experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of salinity on germinating perennial ryegrass cultivars. An additional growth chamber screening study for seedling screening is currently being designed. Switchgrass improvement project: We are also interested in developing switchgrass for potential biofuel production. To this end, two spaced-plant nurseries containing 4,880 plants were established in the late spring of 2013 with switchgrass germplasm present at the NJAES. This past season 1 crossing block consisting of 40 plants was developed. Additionally, approximately 100 clones were harvested at the Adelphia Research Farm. Another clonal study with 30 switchgrass clones replicated five times in three locations, one prime and two marginal sites, was completed. These clones were analyzed for lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose content. Heritability estimates were calculated. We found heritability to be fairly high for cellulose content but fairly low for lignin and hemicelluse content. Furthermore there was much more genotype x environment interaction for lignin and hemicellulose than for cellulose content in switchgrass clones. Additionally, the lignocellulosic content tended to be more variable across years in marginal environments than in prime soil environments. Diseases are also becoming a problem as more and more acres of switchgrass are planted in the Northeast. We have observed differences in anthracnose resistance among cultivars and selections and ecotypes in breeding nurseries. Controlled crosses between resistance and susceptible clones were made in the summer of 2012. Progeny of the controlled crosses were planted in the spring of 2013. These progeny will be evaluated in upcoming years to determine the inheritance of disease resistance in switchgrass. Another study to determine the influence of anthracnose disease on biomass yield was established in the summer of 2013. The trial consisted of 16 cultivars established in a randomized complete block design. Plots will be maintained with and without fungicides to determine the extent to which anthracnose affects biomass yield in switchgrass if any. We plan to continue to evaluate switchgrass clones in multiple stressful environments for the development of future switchgrass selections. We are hopeful to continue population improvement techniques to develop high yielding biofuel switchgrass cultivars for the Northeastern US.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Bonos, S.A. and D.R. Huff. 2013. Cool-season turfgrass breeding. In J. Stier, B. Horgan and S.A. Bonos Eds. Turfgrass Monographs 3rd Edition. Pgs 591-660.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cross, James, Eric Koch, D.A.Smith, M. Mohr, Eric Weibel, Ron Bara, S.A. Bonos and W.A.Meyer. 2013.Response of Fine Fescue Turf Species to Simulated Wear in New Jersey. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal. Vol 12:731-738.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Honig, J.A., S.A. Bonos and W.A. Meyer. 2012. Classification of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars and accessions based on microsatellite (simple sequence repeat) markers. HortScience 47(9):13561366.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Bonos, S.A., E.N. Weibel, E.Koch, W.A. Meyer, S. Sosa and L. Cortese. Breeding perennial grasses for a sustainable future. p. 14-15. In Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 11, 2013.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Weibel, E.N., T.J. Lawson, W. K. Dickson, J. B. Clark, J.A. Murphy, B. B. Clarke, W. A. Meyer, and S. A. Bonos. 2013. Performance of bentgrass cultivars and selection in New Jersey Turf Trials. 2012 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings 44:1-46.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Tate, T., D.A. Smith, R.F. Bara, M.M. Mohr, E. N. Weibel, S.A. Bonos and W.A. Meyer. 2013. Performance of fine fescue cultivars and selections in New Jersey Turf Trials. 2013 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings. 44;47-82.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Koch, E.D., M.M. Mohr, R.F. Bara, W.K. Dickson, D.A. Smith, E. Szerszen, S.A. Bonos and W.A. Meyer. 2013. Performance of perennial ryegrass cultivars and selections in New Jersey Turf Trials. 2013 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings 44:147-176.


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Bentgrass breeding project: In the bentgrass breeding project we are concentrating on identifying new sources of disease resistance, including dollar spot, copper spot and anthracnose diseases, and we are working to incorporate resistance to these three diseases into one cultivar. Population improvement including phenotypic and genotypic recurrent selection was used to combine disease resistance traits. This past year an epidemic of dollar spot was observed on the 2010 putting green trial. The disease reaction among cultivars and selections was different in years past. There is a possibility that this could be a new race or just a different race than the ones currently present at the research farm where screening is conducted. In 2012, 5,472 creeping and colonial bentgrasses and 1,932 velvet bentgrasses were established in spaced-plant nurseries. This past year in the spring of 2012, five new creeping, six velvet and two colonial bentgrass crossing blocks were developed. The 4500 creeping, colonial and velvet bentgrasses planted in tiller plots in 2011 were evaluated for disease resistance in 2012. A total of 1,745 bentgrass turf plots were established in 2012 at putting green and fairway height. Breeding for salinity tolerance project: Mowed spaced-plant trials consisting of 2964 perennial ryegrass, 2,340 tall fescue and 684 creeping bentgrass plants were evaluated for salinity tolerance in 2012. Ninety-six creeping bentgrass plants, 384 perennial ryegrass plants and 276 tall fescue plants were selected for salinity tolerance. These clones are currently in spaced-plant nurseries for seed production and will be harvested in 2013. The progeny will be further evaluated for salinity tolerance to determine whether selection improves tolerance to saline conditions. Additionally, we are initiating several studies to identify the important variables of salinity tolerance during germination and establishment. We will be comparing different soil types and growing media to determine the best selection techniques for identifying tolerant plants. Switchgrass improvement project: Fifty superior clones of switchgrass were planted in the three locations; two marginal sites, a class IV Kleinsville shale, and a class V Evesboro sand and the prime farmland site a class II Freehold sandy loam in June of 2009. Additionally, 14 switchgrass cultivars were established in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the three locations mentioned above in the early summer of 2009. We have identified clones of switchgrass with good performance on several biomass traits across locations. We also recently completed a selection study for heavy seed to improve germination rates. Two cycles of selection for heavy seed resulted in higher germination rates in switchgrass. Results have been disseminated to stakeholders at annual conferences through oral and poster presentations, seminars and field days. Approximately, 800 and 100 stakeholders have been reached in the bentgrass/salinity and switchgrass projects, respectively. PARTICIPANTS: Three graduate students, a technician and two student employees have participated in this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Turfgrass managers, Golf Course Superintendents, Farmers looking to develop switchgrass into a bioenergy crop. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The experimental bentgrasses with pyramided resistance to dollar spot and other diseases maintained better resistance than standard cultivars. Approximately 9 new experimental selections with these characteristics are currently being increased as new cultivars, with one new cultivar being released this year. These new cultivars can be used on golf courses effectively to reduce fungicide inputs and dramatically increase the quality of putting greens and fairways on golf courses with limited pesticide inputs. We have one new experimental selection of perennial ryegrass with salinity tolerance currently being increased as a new cultivar. The development of cultivars with improved salinity tolerance at both seedling and mature plant stages will be beneficial to turf managers who could use effluent water through all stages of grow in and establishment. We have identified that location (growing environment) significantly influenced establishment, plant height, tiller number, disease resistance and biomass yield in switchgrass. This is important information as it will help to guide breeding and selection efforts to determine number replications that need to be evaluated, locations of breeding nurseries and selection criteria. This will help to improve breeding efficiencies and hasten cultivar development. With this research we will be able to recommend and develop cultivars with superior performance on marginal land. One of the major limitations in switchgrass production is poor germination and establishment. Two cycles of selection for heavy seed improved germination rates in three populations of switchgrass. This information provides breeders with a quick and easy selection technique to improve switchgrass germination and will result in the development of new cultivars with improved germination which can help to reduce herbicide inputs at establishment.

Publications

  • Cortese, L.M. and S.A. Bonos. 2012. Evaluation of bioenergy traits in ten populations of switchgrass grown in New Jersey. Bioenergy Research DOI: 10.1007/s12155-012-9271-6.
  • Sosa, S., P. Adler, M. Casler, C. Ernst, A. Boe, H. Mayton and S. A. Bonos. 2012. The effect of warm-season grass mixtures on biomass yield in marginal land. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Cortese, L. and S.A. Bonos. 2012. Germination and emergence in three switchgrass cultivars divergently selected for seed weight. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Koch, E., M. Koch, E. Weibel, and S.A. Bonos. 2012. Screening perennial ryegrass cultivars for germination under salinity stress. p.40-41. In Proceedings of the 21th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 6, 2012.
  • Bonos, S.A., E. Weibel, T.J. Lawson, J. Honig, M. Majewski, E. Koch, M. Koch and L. Cortese. 2012. Improvements in breeding for disease resistance in bentgrass using classical and molecular approaches. p.19-20. In Proceedings of the 21th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 6, 2012.
  • Kostromytska, O., A. Koppenhoffer, C. Rodriquez-Saona and S.A. Bonos. 2012. Annual bluegrass weevil IPM: Plant resistance/tolerance and semiochemicals for monitoring and management. p.14. In Proceedings of the 21th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 6, 2012.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Creeping bentgrass mapping project: Previously, a genetic linkage map of creeping bentgrass and four putative QTLs for dollar spot resistance were identified. The proposed QTLs and markers flanking the QTLs were genotyped in 100 progeny of a new mapping population made from the same parents as the original population. Three markers were found to be significantly associated with dollar spot resistance using a one way ANOVA. Two of the markers were SSR markers located in close proximity to two of the QTLs previously identified. The third marker, BRSC4_008N240, also found in close proximity to a QTL, encodes for an Auxin Response Factor 8 (ARF 8) which has been shown to activate defense related genes. Bentgrass breeding project: In the bentgrass breeding project we are concentrating on identifying new sources of disease resistance, including dollar spot, copper spot and anthracnose diseases, and we are working to incorporate resistance to these three diseases into one cultivar. Selected clones from the previous year were utilized to develop five new synthetic selections in the spring of 2011. We identified approximately 30 creeping bentgrass progeny plots with improved dollar spot, copper spot and anthracnose resistance. Tillers from these plots were planted in two nurseries in the spring of 2011 containing a total of 3540 plants. Additionally in the spring of 2011, 4500 creeping, colonial and velvet bentgrasses were planted in tiller plots. These plants were inoculated with dollar spot disease and will be evaluated for disease resistance and improved turf quality in the upcoming years. Breeding for salinity tolerance project: Salinity tolerant plants screened in 2010 under field conditions were used to create two experimental perennial ryegrass selections containing 84 plants and 80 plants were used to establish a slender creeping red fescue experimental selection. Seed from these selections were planted in turf plots in the fall of 2011 to evaluate for turf quality. Additionally, in the spring of 2011, two mowed spaced-plant trials were planted in the spring and summer of 2011 containing 2964 perennial ryegrass and 684 creeping bentgrass plants. These will be evaluated in the summer of 2012 for salinity tolerance. Switchgrass improvement project: Two marginal sites, a class IV Kleinsville shale, and a class V Evesboro sand, were utilized for this project. The prime farmland site was conducted on a class II Freehold sandy loam. Fifty superior clones of switchgrass, were planted in the three locations described above in June of 2009. Additionally, 14 switchgrass cultivars were established in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the three locations mentioned above in the early summer of 2009. This past year, tiller counts, disease resistance and biomass yield were collected for the second year on these trials. Results have been disseminated to stakeholders at annual conferences through oral and poster presentations, seminars and field days. Close to 400, 700 and 100 stakeholders have been reached in the bentgrass, salinity and switchgrass projects, respectively. PARTICIPANTS: One Ph.D. candidate working on the salinity project defended his thesis in Dec. 2011 and will graduate in the spring of 2012. One undergraduate student was trained in plant breeding this summer. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
These three markers associated with dollar spot resistance confirm the potential for using molecular markers for screening for dollar spot resistance in a plant breeding program to enhance selection of resistant germplasm. These markers can also be used to improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in disease resistance. QTLs for other traits will be used for other important stresses such as drought, heat, salt, etc. This will benefit the environment by reducing pesticide inputs and water use and improve turf quality for the public. The experimental bentgrasses with pyramided resistance to dollar spot and copper spot diseases maintained better resistance than standard cultivars. Approximately 3 new experimental selections with these characteristics are currently being increased as new cultivars, with one new cultivar being released this year. These new cultivars can be used on golf courses effectively to reduce fungicide inputs and dramatically increase the quality of putting greens and fairways on golf courses with limited pesticide inputs. All of these sources will be combined with the current bentgrass germplasm base at NJAES to improve the genetic diversity of bentgrass species. We have identified that location (growing environment) significantly influenced establishment, plant height, tiller number, disease resistance and biomass yield in switchgrass. This is important information as it will help to guide breeding and selection efforts to determine number replications that need to be evaluated, locations of breeding nurseries and selection criteria. This will help to improve breeding efficiencies and hasten cultivar development. Certain cultivars perform better on marginal land compared to other cultivars. Some cultivars do not exhibit extreme differences between environments while others are extremely variable in different environments. Kanlow and Carthage are two examples of cultivars that have broad adaptation. This information is important for identifying potential cultivars for use in marginal land in the Northeast. With this research we will be able to recommend cultivars with optimum performance for these conditions. Several switchgrass clones with high tiller density, anthracnose resistance, and rust resistance have been identified. These clones can be used as parents to develop new cultivars of switchgrass that are adapted to marginal lands in the Northeast US. These newly developed cultivars should have increased yields and reduced pesticide inputs while growing on marginal land.

Publications

  • Maughan, M., G. Bollero, D.K. Lee, R. Darmody, S. Bonos, L. Cortese, J. Murphy, R. Gaussoin, M. Sousek, D. Williams, L. Williams, F. Miguez and T. Voigt. 2011. Miscanthus x giganteus productivity: The effects of management in different environments. GCB Bioenergy doi: 10.1111/j.1757-1707.2011.01144.x.
  • Koch, M.J., B. Huang and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Salinity tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and selections. Crop Science 51(6): 2846-2857.
  • Koch, M.J. and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Salinity tolerance of cool-season turfgrass cultivars under field conditions. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2011-0725-01-RS.
  • Kubik, C., Honig, J. and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Characterization of 217 simple sequence repeat markers in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). Molecular Ecology Resources 16 MAR 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03006.x.
  • Njambere, E.N., B. B. Clarke, S. A. Bonos, J. A. Murphy, R. Buckley, S. Tirpak, and N. Zhang. 2011. First report of brown ring patch caused by Waitea circinata var. circinata on Poa annua and Agrostis stolonifera in New Jersey. Plant Disease. Vol. 95, No. 1, January 2011, p. 78.
  • Bonos, S.A., S. Sosa, M. Casler, P. Adler, H. Mayton, C. Ernst, G. Kedzierski, and J. Armstrong. 2011. Biomass characteristics of 14 switchgrass cultivars grown in marginal vs. prime soil. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Koch, E., M. Koch, E. Weibel and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Germinating perennial ryegrass under saline conditions. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI. Cortese, L., Z. Helsel, A. Patel and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Biomass yield and energy characteristics of switchgrass cultivars grown in New Jersey. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Cortese, L. and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Broad sense heritability of bioenergy traits in 50 switchgrass clones grown on marginal land. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Saxena, P., S.A. Bonos, W.A. Meyer. 2011. Inheritance of rapid lateral tillering rate and rhizome formation in tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.]. In Agronomy Abstracts, Madison, WI.
  • Honig, J.A., S.A. Bonos, and W.A. Meyer. 2011. Characterization of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars, experimental selections, collections and hybrids using microsatellite markers. p.23. In Proceedings of the 20th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 13-14, 2011.
  • Koch, M.J. and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Correlation of three salinity tolerance screening methods for cool-season turfgrasses. HortScience 46(8):1198-1201.
  • Koch, M.J., E.N. Weibel, and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Breeding cool-season turfgrasses for increased salinity tolerance. p. 25. In Proceedings of the 20th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 13-14, 2011.
  • Cortese, L.M. and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Evaluation of bioenergy characteristics of fifty switchgrass clones on prime and marginal soils in New Jersey. p. 34. In Proceedings of the 20th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 13-14, 2011.
  • Koch, E., M. Koch, E. Weibel and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Germinating perennial ryegrass under saline conditions. p. 40. In Proceedings of the 20th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 13-14, 2011.
  • Sosa, S., L. Cortese, E. Weibel and S.A. Bonos. 2011. Comparison of switchgrass stand establishment in marginal vs. prime farmland in seven states. p. 51. In Proceedings of the 20th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 13-14, 2011.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: For the creeping bentgrass mapping project: A genetic linkage map of 7418-3 (susceptible parent) creeping bentgrass was created based 241 SSR, 45 AFLP, 35 CISP and 64 ILP alleles. Two hundred and thirty-four SSR, 26 AFLP, 27 CISP and 41 ILP alleles were used to create the L93-10 (resistant parent) map. Linkage Group (LG) length varied from 62 cM to 169 cM, and marker distribution ranged from 8 to 46 markers per LG (Fig. 1). Four putative QTL for dollar spot resistance were identified. One on LG 5, one on LG 6 and two on LG 7. The proposed QTLs are being genotyped in other mapping populations to confirm the association of the QTL markers for dollar spot resistance and determine the feasibility of utilizing these markers in a practical turfgrass breeding program. For the bentgrass breeding project: In the bentgrass breeding project we are concentrating on identifying new sources of disease resistance. In addition to dollar spot disease, copper spot and anthracnose diseases are becoming an increasing concern of creeping bentgrasses under lower pesticide management conditions. We have been working to incorporate resistance to these three diseases into one cultivar. We identified approximately 30 creeping bentgrass progeny plots with improved dollar spot, copper spot and anthracnose resistance in 2010. Additionally, we selected approximately 15 progeny plots with improved drought tolerance. Tillers from these plots will be planted in a nursery in the spring of 2011 and will be used to develop new experimental selections. All of these sources will be combined with the current bentgrass germplasm base at NJAES to improve the genetic diversity of these species. For the switchgrass improvement project: Two marginal sites - one site is located in Somerset county, NJ and is a class IV Kleinsville shale, and the second marginal site is located in Jackson, NJ and is a class V Evesboro sand were utilized for this project. The prime farmland site is located in Freehold (Adelphia), NJ and is a class II Freehold sandy loam. Fifty clones of switchgrass were identified from germplasm in the Rutgers switchgrass breeding program. These clones were planted in the three locations described above in June of 2009. Significant differences were observed between switchgrass clones for tiller number, lodging, anthracnose and rust resistance. Additionally, 14 switchgrass cultivars were established in randomized complete block designs with three replications in the three locations mentioned above in the early summer of 2009. Two of the sites (Freehold and Jackson) established very well. The third site (Somerset-Marginal) did not. Percent cover ranged from 95-99% cover at Adelphia NJ. The southern lowland cultivars (Alamo, BoMaster, Performer) had the lowest establishment percentages in Somerset and Jackson, NJ. Shawnee and Pathfinder (Central Upland cultivars) had the highest percent establishment at Somerset, NJ. Results have been disseminated to stakeholders at annual conferences through oral and poster presentations, seminars and field days. Close to 400 and 100 stakeholders have been reached in the bentgrass and switchgrass projects, respectively. PARTICIPANTS: A technician, Eric Weibel works 70% on this project. He coordinates labor, collects and analyzes data. Additionally, 5 graduate students and 2 undergraduate students are being trained in the project. TARGET AUDIENCES: For the turfgras project: sod growers, seed companies, landscape contractors, golf course superindentents and homeowners are the target audiences. For the switchgrass project: greenhouse growers, extension personnel, and farmers are the target audiences. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Six commercially available creeping bentgrass cultivars and five experimental selections with dramatic improvements in resistance to dollar spot resistance have been released. These new cultivars have ranked at the top of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program's national bentgrass test for the past six years (www.ntep.org) at multiple locations throughout the country. They are currently being used on top-tier golf courses including those hosting major golf championships like the US Open. The use of these resistant cultivars in the marketplace has helped to significantly reduce pesticides applied to the environment. It has also reduced fungicide applications by as much as 86%. The QTLs for dollar spot resistance, once validated, can be used in a practical breeding program to more effectively select plants for improved resistance. This will improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in disease resistance and QTLs for other traits will be used for other important stresses such as drought, heat, salt, etc. This will benefit the environment by reducing pesticide inputs and water use and improve turf quality for the public. We have identified that location (growing environment) significantly influenced establishment, plant height, tiller number, and disease resistance in switchgrass. This is important information as it will help to guide breeding and selection efforts to determine number replications that need to be evaluated, locations of breeding nurseries and selection criteria. This will help to improve breeding efficiencies and hasten cultivar development. Certain cultivars perform better on marginal land compared to other cultivars. Some cultivars do not exhibit extreme differences between environments while others are extremely variable in different environments. Kanlow and Carthage are two examples of cultivars that have broad adaptation. This information is important for identifying potential cultivars for use in marginal land in the Northeast. With this research we will be able to recommend cultivars with optimum performance for these conditions. Several switchgrass clones with high tiller density, anthracnose resistance, and rust resistance have been identified. These clones can be used as parents to develop new cultivars of switchgrass that are adapted to marginal lands in the Northeast US. These newly developed cultivars should have increased yields and reduced pesticide inputs while growing on marginal land. With this project we plant to: 1) determine which switchgrass cultivars perform well on marginal land 2) optimize selection procedures for selecting switchgrass plants with high biomass yield on marginal land 3) identify superior clones and/or families to use in population improvement programs to develop new cultivars with better performance on marginal land. 4) outreach to stakeholders in the form of seminars, fact sheets, peer-reviewed scientific articles, trade-journal articles and workshops.

Publications

  • Saxena, P., B. Huang, S.A. Bonos and W.A. Meyer. 2010. Effect of photoperiod and temperature on the production rate of tillers and rhizomes in tall fescue. p. 50. In Proceedings of the 19th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 11, 2010.
  • Bonos, S.A. 2011. Gene action of dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. Phytopathology. 159:12-18.
  • Honig,J., S.A. Bonos, and W.A.Meyer. 2010.Isolation and characterization of 88 polymorphic microsatellite markers in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) HortScience 45(11):1759-1763.
  • Koch, M.J. and S.A Bonos. 2010. A greenhouse salinity screening technique for perennial ryegrass. Crop Science 50:2613-2619.
  • Cortese, L.M., J. Honig, C. Miller and S.A. Bonos. 2010. Genetic diversity of twelve switchgrass populations using molecular and morphological markers. Bioenergy Research 3:262-271.
  • Bonos, S.A. and L.M. Cortese. 2010. Comparison of switchgrass cultivars and genotypes grown on marginal land in the northeastern US. Northeast Sun Grant Conference. May 24, 2010. Syracuse, NY.
  • Bonos, S.A., E. Weibel, M. Koch, R. Shortell and L. Cortese. 2010. Breeding bentgrass species for improved disease resistance and stress tolerance. p.13. In Proceedings of the 19th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 11, 2010.
  • Beirn, L., B.B. Clarke, S.A. Bonos and J. Crouch. 2010. A new threat to switchgrass: anthracnose leaf and stem blight. p. 37. In Proceedings of the 19th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 11, 2010.
  • Cortese, L. and S.A. Bonos. 2010. Yield comparison of four switchgrass cultivars and corn grown in New Jersey. p. 40. In Proceedings of the 19th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 11, 2010.
  • Merewitz, E., S. Bonos and B. Huang. 2010. Identification of quantitative trait loci for drought tolerance characteristics in creeping bentgrass. p. 46. In Proceedings of the 19th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 11, 2010.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The future of turfgrass breeding involves combining molecular markers and classical genetics into a turfgrass breeding program. For the molecular studies, we evaluated four creeping bentgrass mapping populations including backcross and second generation populations (F2, F3 BC1P1 and BC1P2) for dollar spot resistance to two isolates of the dollar spot fungus. We are currently evaluating these populations to a third isolate of the fungus. We are in the process of confirming these QTLs by genotyping two backcross and 1 F3 populations for these markers to see if they remain linked or associated with dollar spot resistance. We completed the evaluation of 100 progeny from the original mapping population for drought tolerance in the growth chamber and under field conditions. This was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. We are also currently using that same technique to evaluate the mapping population for heat tolerance under both growth chamber and field environments. We are in the second year of this study. We conducted a classical genetic study using generation mean analysis (six generations including parental, F2, F3 and two backcross generations) to confirm the inheritance results observed with the QTL analysis. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block split plot design and included two isolates and two crosses. This research has been submitted for publication. For the classical genetic bentgrass improvement project, we identified 32 creeping bentgrass lines with improved dollar spot and copper spot resistance. These were planted into a 1536 plant spaced-plant nursery in the spring of 2009. These clones will be utilized to develop new synthetic selections in the spring of 2010. Over 93 creeping bentgrass clones with improved dollar spot resistance were used to develop 5 new experimental selections. These crossing blocks, along with open pollinated plants with good floret fertility were planted in a putting green bentgrass trial this fall. These plots will be evaluated for dollar spot disease, other important diseases and turf quality this upcoming year. All of this new breeding material was combined with the current bentgrass germplasm base at NJAES to improve the genetic diversity of these species. In September of 2009, four bentgrass trials (one putting green [792 plots], two fairway [840 plots] and one low maintenance fairway [90 plots]) were established at the Plant Biology Research and Extension Farm at Hort Farm II in North Brunswick containing a total of 1722 turf plots. These will be evaluated in the upcoming years for turf quality, disease resistance, mowing and traffic tolerance. Information was disseminated through turfgrass research field days where there were over 750 practitioners and at the New Jersey Green Industry Show where there were approximately 350 practitioners in attendance. Information was also disseminated to the academic community at the National Agronomy Meeting where there were approximately 150 researchers in attendance and at the Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium for which there were 150 people in attendance. PARTICIPANTS: This project is being completed with the help of graduate students, undergraduate student workers, technicians and several faculty. Students are gaining knowledge in the area of experimental design, laboratory sampling and equipment use, data collection, data analysis and manuscript writing. This gives the students experience and training that can be used to further their professional development and make them more marketable individuals in the workforce. Collaborators on the project in include Bruce Clarke, William Meyer and Bingru Huang, faculty members in the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology at Rutgers University. TARGET AUDIENCES: There are two main target audiences for this project. The first are the turfgrass practitioners. The tolerant cultivars developed will significantly reduce pesticide inputs on golf courses. The turfgrass practictioners need to be made aware of the availability of the new cultivars and how the use of these cultivars will improve management efforts and reduce pesticides to the environment. The second target audience are scientists. This research will result in markers that can be used in breeding programs and will result in improvements in our understanding of how resistance in inherited in creeping bentgrass. This will facilitate and enhance the development new cultivars. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
We have developed a linkage map of creeping bentgrass using approximately 270 SSR markers and 50 Conserved Intron Spanning Primers. We are planning to have the whole map completed in the next few months which will subsequently be prepared for publication. Last year we reported the identification of three major and one minor QTL markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass to an isolate identified as the Crenshaw isolate. We also identified one QTL for another isolate identified as the PRG isolate. This QTL was different than the other 4 QTLs identified. We found that these QTLs seem to be epistatic with opposite effects on resistance i.e. two were associated with susceptibility and two were associated with resistance. A classical genetic study using generation mean analysis, recently submitted for publication, confirmed the results found with the QTL analysis and indicated that inheritance of dollar spot resistance is either behaving in a simple additive fashion or has equal opposing epistatic effects. The complementary results of these two experiments help us better understand how resistance is inherited in creeping bentgrass. We are in the last phases of confirming the QTL. Once QTLs are confirmed, we are hopeful that these markers will be useful to breeding programs in the future. Marker-assisted selection could be incorporated into any practical turfgrass breeding program to quickly screen germplasm for resistant plants and improve breeding capabilities. This information will be useful to the advancement of turfgrass breeding and genetics. We also reported last year that seven QTLs were identified on four linkage groups for physiological traits associated with drought tolerance. We are currently evaluating the mapping population for heat tolerance and are in the second year of evaluation. Breeding for improvements in tolerance to physiological stresses has been slow. We are hopeful that this research will result in new markers to use in a marker-assisted selection breeding program for many traits including disease, heat and drought tolerance. One new creeping bentgrass cultivar with improved dollar spot resistance through conventional breeding was released for commercial sale this past year (This is in addition to the one reported last year). These cultivars exhibited improved disease resistance and turf performance as published by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) (www.ntep.org). The utilization of these cultivars on golf courses could reduce pesticide usage by 70-80 percent resulting in a cleaner environment and a budget savings to the golf course.

Publications

  • Bonos, S.A., E. N. Weibel, T.J. Lawson and B.B. Clarke. 2009. Tolerance of creeping bentgrass cultivars and selections to anthracnose in New Jersey. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2009-0806-01-BR.
  • Rotter, D., K. Amundsen, S.E. Warnke, S.A. Bonos, W.A. Meyer and F.C. Belanger. 2009. Colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capilaris) genetic linkage mapping reveals the chromosomal location of genes for dollar spot resistance. Crop Science 49:1609-1619.
  • S. Duller, D. Thorogood and S.A. Bonos, 2009, Breeding objectives in amenity grasses. In:B. Boller, U.K. Posselt and F. Veronesi (eds). Fodder crops and amenity grasses, Handbook of Plant Breeding Vol.6, Springer, N.Y., USA.
  • Bonos, S.A., M. Koch, J.A. Honig, T. Gianfagna and B. Huang. 2009. Evaluating cool-season turfgrasses for salinity tolerance. USGA Green Section Record Nov/Dec 2009: 6-9.
  • Koch, M.K. and S.A. Bonos. 2009. Greenhouse screening of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars for salinity tolerance. In Agronomy Abstacts.A.S.A.,Madison WI.
  • Merewitz, E., B. Huang and S. Bonos. 2009. Identification of quantitative trait loci for drought tolerance characteristics of creeping bentgrass. In Agronomy Abstacts.A.S.A.,Madison WI.
  • Bonos, S.A. and W.A. Meyer. 2009. An overview of the Rutgers turfgrass breeding program, 50 years and counting. In Agronomy Abstacts.A.S.A.,Madison WI.
  • Bonos, S.A. and J.A. Murphy. 2009. Bentgrass cultivars for golf course turf. Rutgers Cooperative Extension NJAES Bulletin E324.
  • Koch, M.J., E.N. Weibel, D.A. Smith, T.J. Lawson, W.K. Dickson, J.B. Clark, S.A. Bonos, J.A. Murphy, B.B. Clarke, and W.A. Meyer. 2009. Performance of bentgrass cultivars and selections in New Jersey turf trials. 2008 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings 40:1-34.


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The future of turfgrass breeding involves combining molecular markers and classical genetics into a turfgrass breeding program. For the molecular studies, we evaluated the creeping bentgrass mapping populations including backcross and second generation populations (F2, F3 BC1P1 and BC1P2) for dollar spot resistance to two isolates of the dollar spot fungus. We are now in the process of confirming these QTLs by genotyping two backcross and 1 F3 population. We have finished genotyping these populations for approximately two thirds of the molecular markers that were used to create the first linkage map of creeping bentgrass. We are also in the process of evaluating 100 progeny from the original mapping population for drought tolerance in the growth chamber and under field conditions. This was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. We are in the second year of this study. For the classical genetic bentgrass improvement project, we identified 32 creeping bentgrass clones from seven new sources with improved dollar spot resistance. These were planted into a 420 plant spaced-plant nursery in the fall of 2007. These clones will be utilized to develop new synthetic selections in the spring of 2009. Over 48 creeping bentgrass clones with improved dollar spot resistance were used to develop 3 new experimental selections. These crossing blocks, along with open pollinated plants with good floret fertility were planted in the putting bentgrass trial this fall. These plots will be evaluated for dollar spot disease, other important diseases and turf quality this upcoming year. In spring of 2008, a 3240 plant spaced-plant nursery of creeping bentgrass was established from 67 of the best performing turf plots in the 2006 greens test. All of these sources were combined with the current bentgrass germplasm base at NJAES to improve the genetic diversity of these species. In September of 2008, five bentgrass trials (three putting green [96-NTEP, 144- Sand green and 540 - Soil green]) and two fairway [80-NTEP, 630- fairway]) were established at the Plant Biology Research and Extension Farm at Hort Farm II in North Brunswick containing a total of 1490 turf plots. These will be evaluated in the upcoming years for turf quality, disease resistance, mowing and traffic tolerance. Information was disseminated through turfgrass research field days where there were over 750 practitioners and at the New Jersey Green Industry Show where there were approximately 300 practitioners in attendance. Information was also disseminated to the academic community at the National Agronomy Meeting where there were approximately 400 people in attendance and at the Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium for which there were 150 people in attendance. PARTICIPANTS: Bingru Huang - Professor and Turfgrass Physiologist in the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology at Rutgers University. Dr. Huang has been involved with the QTL study for drought and heat tolerance in creeping bentgrass. We are working together to phenotype the mapping population and add genes to the creeping bentgrass linkage map. Scott Warnke - Scientist at the United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service. Dr. Warnke is providing some funding to support the QTL work on heat tolerance in creeping bentgrass. Our project employees several undergraduate students and one graduate student that work directly on the project. This project provides students with training in molecular techniques and field evaluation of plant material in order to improve their professional development and give them skills that will make them marketable in the work place. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include: the academic community in turfgrass science and plant breeding; the turfgrass industry - seed companies and turfgrass managers. Efforts include: formal classroom instruction, experiential learning opportunities and extension and outreach activities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
We have developed a linkage map of creeping bentgrass using approximately 200 SSR markers and 30 Conserved Intron Spanning Primers. We have identified three major and one minor QTL markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass to an isolate identified as the Crenshaw isolate. We also identified one QTL for another isolate identified as the PRG isolate. This QTL was different than the other 4 QTLs identified. Classical genetic studies and QTL data indicate that two of the QTLs identified for the Crenshaw isolate were dominant for susceptibility while the two other QTLs were associated with resistance to dollar spot disease. The combination of selecting for the two resistant QTLs and against the one dominant susceptible QTL identified the majority of resistant plants in the mapping population. We are currently confirming the QTL so that they may be useful to breeding programs in the future. We are confirming the four putative QTLs identified in the original population by evaluating a second generation and two backcross populations for marker genotype and dollar spot phenotype. Once QTLs are confirmed, marker-assisted selection can be incorporated into any practical turfgrass breeding program to quickly screen germplasm for resistant plants and improve breeding capabilities. This information will be useful to the advancement of turfgrass breeding and genetics. Seven QTLs were identified on four linkage groups for physiological traits associated with drought tolerance. Significant overlap of the chromosome regions between relative water content and electrolyte leakage and between turf quality and relative water content was observed, suggesting that important markers in these regions could have great potential for future use in a marker-assisted selection breeding program. We are currently mapping genes important for drought and heat tolerance on our linkage map to determine the relationship of these genes with drought and heat tolerance phenotypes. One new creeping bentgrass cultivar with improved dollar spot resistance through conventional breeding was released for commercial sale this past year (This is in addition to the ones reported last year). These cultivars exhibited improved disease resistance and turf performance as published by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) (www.ntep.org). The utilization of these cultivars on golf courses could reduce pesticide usage by 70-80 percent resulting in a cleaner environment and a budget savings to the golf course.

Publications

  • Bonos, S.A. and E.N. Weibel. 2008. Gene action of dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass as affected by isolate and host genotype. p 38. In Proceedings of the 17th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 10-11, 2008.
  • Merewitz, E., B. Huang, and S. Bonos, 2008. Identification of QTL associated with drought tolerance in creeping bentgrass. Northeast Chapter American Society of Horticultural Scientists. Jan 3-5, 2008. New Brunswick, NJ.
  • Bonos, S.A., E.N. Weibel, J.A. Honig, and C. Kubik. 2008. Update on QTL markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. p 33. In Proceedings of the 17th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 10-11, 2008.
  • Merewitz, E., B. Huang, S. Bonos, and W. A. Meyer. 2008. Identification of QTL associated with drought tolerance in creeping bentgrass. p 34. In Proceedings of the 17th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 10-11, 2008.
  • Rotter, D., K. Amundsen, S.A. Bonos, W.A. Meyer, S. Warnke and F.C. Belanger. 2008. A genomics approach to understanding dollar spot resistance in colonial bentgrass. p 55-56. In Proceedings of the 17th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 10-11, 2008.
  • Refereed Kubik, C., J. Honig, W.A. Meyer and S.A. Bonos. 2009. Genetic diversity of creeping bentgrass cultivars using SSR markers. Tentatively Accepted for Publication to the International Turfgrass Society Research Journal November 14, 2008.
  • Non-refereed Bonos, S.A., M. Koch, B. Huang, and T. Gianfagna. 2008. Screening cool-season turfgrasses for salt tolerance. Turf News. May/June 2008. p. 40-42.
  • Abstracts Rotter, D., K. Amundsen, S. Bonos, W.A. Meyer, S. Warnke and F.C. Belanger. 2008. Colonial bentgrass genetic linkage mapping and identification of chromosomal location of genes responsible for dollar spot resistance. In Agronomy Abstacts.A.S.A.,Madison WI.
  • Koch, M., and S. Bonos. 2008. Greenhouse screening of perennial ryegrass cultivars for salinity tolerance. In Agronomy Abstacts.A.S.A.,Madison WI.
  • Bonos, S.A., E. Weibel, J. Honig C. Kubik and S. Warnke. 2008. The identification of SSR QTL markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. In Agronomy Abstacts.A.S.A.,Madison WI.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The future of turfgrass breeding involves combining molecular markers and classical genetics into a turfgrass breeding program. For the molecular studies, we evaluated the creeping bentgrass mapping populations including backcross and second generation populations (F2, F3 BC1P1 and BC1P2) for dollar spot resistance to a second isolate of the dollar spot fungus identified as PRG. This isolate was isolated from a perennial ryegrass host. It was conducted under field conditions using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The year 2007 was the second year of the evaluation. We also evaluated the mapping populations (F2, F3, BC1P1 and BC1P2) for salinity tolerance under field conditions using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The plants were watered with irrigation water containing a mixture of salts having an EC level 10. The plants were irrigated with overhead saline irrigation three times per week. We also evaluated 100 progeny from the original mapping population for drought tolerance in the growth chamber. This was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. For the classical genetic bentgrass improvement project, we identified 32 creeping bentgrass clones from seven new sources with improved dollar spot resistance. These were planted into a 420 plant spaced-plant nursery in the fall of 2007. Thirty-seven colonial bentgrass plants from 10 new sources were identified with improved brown patch resistance. These were planted in a 900 plant spaced-plant nursery in the fall of 2007. Approximately, 63 velvet bentgrass clones from 15 new sources were identified with improved brown patch and dollar spot resistance. These plants were established in a 1068 spaced-plant nursery in the fall of 2007. In spring of 2007, a 1920 plant spaced-plant nursery of creeping bentgrass was established from the top performing turf plots in the 2006 greens test. In the spring of 2007 approximately 4,896 creeping and velvet bentgrass plants were planted in tiller plots to evaluate for dollar spot and brown patch resistance. Collection trips from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York yielded 150 new bentgrass collections. In September of 2007, one bentgrass putting green (632) and one fairway (625) trial were established in North Brunswick NJ containing 1257 turf plots. Over 75 creeping bentgrass clones with improved dollar spot resistance were used to develop 3 new experimental selections. Over 120 colonial bentgrass plants with improved brown patch disease resistance were utilized to develop 4 experimental selections. Five experimental selections of velvet bentgrass were developed this past year with plants selected for improved copper spot and Pythium resistance. Information was disseminated through turfgrass research field days where there were over 700 practitioners. Information was also disseminated to the academic community at the National Agronomy Meeting where there were approximately 400 people in attendance and at the Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium with approximately 100 people in attendance. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Bingru Huang , turfgrass physiologist in the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, has been added as a participant with the QTL drought tolerance study. Emily Merewitz, a graduate student in the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, is conducting the QTL drought tolerance study. Mathew Koch, a graduate student in the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, is conducting the QTL salt tolerance study. Eric Weibel, a technician, is conducting the field work for classical bentgrass breeding projects. This research was incorported into a plant breeding class in which 10 undergraduate and graduate students were trained in QTL analysis.

Impacts
We have identified four QTL SSR markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass to an isolate identified as the Crenshaw isolate. We also identified one isolate to the PRG isolate that was different than the other 4 QTLs identified. This result indicates the need for QTL confirmation. Classical genetic studies and QTL data indicate that one of the QTLs identified for the Crenshaw isolate was dominant for susceptibility while the 3 other QTLs were associated with resistance to dollar spot disease severity. The combination of selecting for the three resistant QTLs and against the one dominant susceptible QTL identified the majority of resistant plants in the mapping population. We have also developed 200 SSR markers that will be made publicly available and can be used by scientists to link and compare other bentgrass mapping populations. This will be useful to confirm QTLs identified in other populations and further our understanding of disease resistance in creeping bentgrass. We are in the process of confirming the four putative QTLs identified in the original population by evaluating a second generation and two backcross populations for marker genotype and dollar spot phenotype. Once QTLs are confirmed, marker-assisted selection can be incorporated into any practical turfgrass breeding program to quickly screen germplasm for resistant plants and improve breeding capabilities. This information will be useful to the advancement of turfgrass breeding and genetics. Seven QTLs were identified on four linkage groups for physiological traits associated with drought tolerance. Significant overlap of the chromosome regions between relative water content and electrolyte leakage and between turf quality and relative water content was observed, suggesting that important markers in these regions could have great potential for future use in a marker-assisted selection breeding program. No QTLs were identified for salinity tolerance in the mapping population to date. Two new creeping bentgrass cultivars with improved dollar spot resistance through conventional breeding were released for commercial sale this past year (This is in addition to the ones reported last year). These cultivars exhibited improved disease resistance and turf performance as published by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) (www.ntep.org). The utilization of these cultivars on golf courses could reduce pesticide usage by 70-80 percent resulting in a cleaner environment and a budget savings to the golf course.

Publications

  • Bonos, S.A. and E.N. Weibel. 2007. Isolate effects on the inheritance of dollar spot resistance in crosses of creeping bentgrass. Northeast Division- American Phytopathological Society. Oct. 10-12, 2007. Cape May, NJ.
  • Rotter, D., Bharti, A.K., Li, H.M., Luo, C., Bonos, S.A., Bughrara, S., Jung, G., Messing, J., Meyer, W.A., Rudd, S., Warnke, S.E., and F.C. Belanger. 2007. Analysis of EST sequences suggests recent origin of allotetraploid colonial and creeping bentgrasses. Mol Genet. Genomics 278:197-209.
  • Rotter, D., Amundsen, K., Bonos, S.A., Meyer, W.A., Warnke, S.E., and F. C. Belanger. 2007. Colonial bentgrass genetic linkage mapping. In: Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Molecular Breeding of Forage and Turf. T. Yamada, ed. Springer, The Netherlands. In Press.
  • Bonos, S.A. and E.N. Weibel. 2007. The interaction of isolate and host genotype on dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. In Agronomy Abstracts. A.S.A., Madison, WI.
  • Merewitz, E., B. Huang, S.A. Bonos, and F. Belanger. 2007. Identification of quantitative trait loci (qtl) associated with drought tolerance in creeping bentgrass. In Agronomy Abstracts. A.S.A., Madison,WI.
  • Bonos, S.A., M. Koch, and E.N. Weibel. 2007. Breeding for salt tolerance in cool-season turfgrasses. p. 22-23. In the Proceedings of the 16th Annual Rutgers Symposium. Jan 11-12, 2007.
  • Bonos, S.A. and E.N. Weibel. 2007. The identification of brown patch resistance in colonial bentgrass. p. 40. In the Proceedings of the 16th Annual Rutgers Symposium. Jan 11-12, 2007.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
The objectives of the project are to create a genetic linkage map of creeping bentgrass using genomic SSRs (microsatellites) and subsequently identify DNA markers linked to dollar spot disease resistance. To do this, an intra-specific pseudo F2 mapping population of creeping bentgrass generated from a cross between a dollar spot resistant and a susceptible genotype was created. Approximately 180 microsatellite markers have been identified and are currently being characterized in the mapping population. The SSR data from these markers were transformed into a Single Dose Allele (SDA) format (presence vs. absence) for each parent and analyzed using JoinMap 3.0. The dollar spot susceptible parent linkage map consisted of 166 SDA markers assigned to 14 linkage groups covering 1576cM. The dollar spot resistant parent linkage map consisted of 174 SDA markers assigned to 14 linkage groups covering 755cM. This initial analysis indicates that these markers were enough to create a framework map however, more markers will be needed to saturate the linkage map. We are currently identifying SNPs from bentgrass cDNA sequences as well as other marker types such as AFLPs to further saturate the map. A field trial containing replicated plants of the 180 F2 progeny and 450 F3 and backcross progeny was planted in the fall of 2002 and inoculated with the dollar spot pathogen (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) in the spring of 2003. These populations were evaluated for the dollar spot disease in 2003 and 2004. Significant mid-parent heterosis was observed in both backcross populations in both years. This indicates that non-additive gene effects (i.e. dominant or epistatic) may play a role in disease resistance. The phenotype data from both 2003 and 2004 and molecular marker linkage map data was analyzed for quantitative trait loci using interval mapping in MAPQTL 5.0. One QTL was identified in the susceptible parent and three were identified in the resistant parent map. Kruskal-Wallis analysis confirmed the presence of the QTLs generated through interval mapping. All were statistically significant and accounted for between 9 and 15% of the variation indicating that these markers may be putative QTL for dollar spot resistance in our mapping population. However, these QTLs need to be validated. We are confirming the QTLs in two ways. We are have already analyzed three other generations (F3 and two backcross populations) for dollar spot disease. These are currently being genotyped with the SSR markers identified. We are also evaluating the mapping populations for dollar spot disease using a different isolate of the fungus in a different environment. We are hopeful that this information will confirm the presence of true QTLs in this population. We have also identified that the parents of the original mapping population are segregating for drought and salt tolerance. The mapping population will be evaluated for these two traits in the upcoming years. This information will be used to identify QTLs associated with drought and salt tolerance in creeping bentgrass.

Impacts
We have identified four QTL SSR markers for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. We have also developed 180 SSR markers that will be made publicly available and can be used by scientists to link and compare other bentgrass mapping populations. This will be useful to confirm QTLs identified in other populations and further our understanding of disease resistance in creeping bentgrass. We are in the process of confirming the four putative QTLs identified in the original population by evaluating a second generation and two backcross populations for marker genotype and dollar spot phenotype. Once QTLs are confirmed, marker-assisted selection can be incorporated into any practical turfgrass breeding program to quickly screen germplasm for resistant plants and improve breeding capabilities. This information will be useful to the advancement of turfgrass breeding and genetics. We have also recently developed several new creeping bentgrass cultivars with improved dollar spot resistance through conventional breeding that are now commercially available (This is in addition to the ones reported last year). These cultivars exhibited improved disease resistance and turf performance as published by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) (www.ntep.org). The utilization of these cultivars on golf courses would reduce pesticide usage resulting in a cleaner environment and a budget savings to the golf course. We are applying these techniques to also identify QTLs associated with abiotic stress tolerance including drought and salt tolerance in creeping bentgrass.

Publications

  • Bonos, S.A., Clarke, B.B. and W.A. Meyer. 2006. Breeding for disease resistance in the major cool-season turfgrasses. Annual Review of Phytopathology 44: 213-234.
  • Bonos, S.A. 2006. Heritability of dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. Phytopathology 96:808-812.
  • Rotter, D., S. Warnke, S. A. Bonos, W. Meyer and F. Belanger. 2006. Colonial bentgrass linkage mapping. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
  • Koch, M. and S.Bonos. 2006. Screening cool-season turfgrasses for salt tolerance. 2006. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
  • Bonos, S.A., C. Kubik, J. Honig and E. Weibel. 2006. The identification of quantitative trait loci for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. p. 24. In Proceedings of the 15th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 12-13, 2006.


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
The objectives of the project are to create a genetic linkage map of creeping bentgrass using genomic SSRs (microsatellites) and subsequently identify DNA markers linked to dollar spot disease resistance. To do this, an intra-specific pseudo F2 mapping population of creeping bentgrass generated from a cross between a dollar spot resistant and a susceptible genotype was created. Approximately 180 microsatellite markers have been identified and are currently being characterized in the mapping population. The SSR data for 140 SSR markers currently genotyped in the mapping population was transformed into a Single Dose Allele (SDA) format (presence vs. absence) for each parent and analyzed using JoinMap 3.0. The dollar spot susceptible parent linkage map consisted of 137 SDA markers assigned to 14 linkage groups (10 markers ungrouped) covering 734cM. The dollar spot resistant parent linkage map consisted of 128 SDA markers assigned to 14 linkage groups (9 markers ungrouped) covering 813cM. This initial analysis indicates that these markers were enough to create an initial map however, more markers will be needed to saturate the linkage map. The 40 additional polymorphic SSRs are currently being genotyped in the mapping populations and more SSRs are in the process of being identified. We are also currently testing other marker types to further saturate the map. A field trial containing replicated plants of the 180 F2 progeny and 450 F3 and backcross progeny was planted in the fall of 2002 and inoculated with the dollar spot pathogen (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) in the spring of 2003. These were evaluated for the dollar spot disease in 2003 and 2004. Significant mid-parent heterosis was observed in both backcross populations in both years. This indicates that non-additive gene effects (i.e. dominant or epistatic) may play a role in disease resistance. The phenotype data from both 2003 and 2004 and molecular marker linkage map data was analyzed for quantitative trait loci using interval mapping in MAPQTL 5.0. One QTL was identified in the susceptible parent and three were identified in the resistant parent map. Kruskal-Wallis analysis was conducted on these markers to confirm the presence of the QTLs generated through interval mapping. All were statistically significant and account for between 9 and 15% of the variation indicating that these markers may be putative QTL for dollar spot resistance in our mapping population. However, additional markers and the evaluation of additional populations is necessary. An initial physiological study to evaluate the relationship between dollar spot resistance and drought tolerance was also initiated. Data is currently being collected and should be completed in the next few months. The parents of the mapping population are also currently being evaluated for salt tolerance. If differences exist, a study will be initiated to study the salt tolerance of this population. The phenotypes of these two traits will be compared to the molecular marker data to identify QTLs associated with these traits in creeping bentgrass.

Impacts
We have identified four SSR markers that are potential QTLs for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. We have also developed 140 SSR markers that will be made publicly available and can be used by scientists to link and compare different creeping bentgrass mapping populations. This will be useful to confirm QTLs identified in other populations and further our understanding of disease resistance in creeping bentgrass. We are currently working with several institutions interested in this technology. Once these QTLs are confirmed, marker-assisted selection can be incorporated into any turfgrass breeding program to quickly screen germplasm for resistant plants. This could potentially save 18 months of field evaluations for disease resistance and will be useful to the advancement of turfgrass breeding and genetics. We have also recently developed several new creeping bentgrass cultivars with improved dollar spot resistance through conventional breeding that are now commercially available (This is in addition to the ones reported last year). These cultivars exhibited improved disease resistance and turf performance as published by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) (www.ntep.org). The utilization of these cultivars on golf courses would reduce pesticide usage resulting in a cleaner environment and a budget savings to the golf course. We plan to apply the techniques utilized to improve dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass to also improve abiotic stress tolerance including drought and salt tolerance in creeping bentgrass.

Publications

  • Bonos, S.A., C. Kubik and J.A. Honig. 2005. Development of a genetic linkage map of creeping bentgrass using SSR markers. p. 16. In Proceedings of the 14th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium. Jan 13-14, 2005.
  • Bonos, S.A., J. Honig, and C. Kubik. 2005. The identification of quantitative trait loci for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass using simple sequence repeats. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
  • Warnke, S., G. Jung, F. Belanger, S. Bonos, S. Bughrara. 2005. Intron spacing polymorphisms for comparative mapping of creeping bentgrass. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
  • Rotter, D., A. Bharti, H.M. Li, S.A. Bonos, S. Bughrara, G. Jung, J. Messing, W.A. Meyer, S. Warnke, and F.C. Belanger. 2005. Construction, sequencing, and characterization of two bentgrass Cdna libraries. 2005. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The objectives of the project are to create a genetic linkage map of creeping bentgrass using genomic SSRs (microsatellites) and subsequently identify DNA markers linked to dollar spot disease resistance. To do this, an intra-specific pseudo F2 mapping population of creeping bentgrass generated from a cross between a dollar spot resistant and a susceptible genotype was created. Approximately 170 microsatellite markers have been identified and are currently being characterized in the mapping population. The SSR data for 112 SSR markers currently genotyped in the mapping population was transformed into a Single Dose Allele (SDA) format (presence vs. absence) for each parent and analyzed using JoinMap 3.0. The dollar spot susceptible parent linkage map consisted of 90 SDA markers assigned to 14 linkage groups (7 markers ungrouped) covering 655cM. The dollar spot resistant parent linkage map consisted of 99 SDA markers assigned to 13 linkage groups (13 markers ungrouped) covering 726cM. This initial analysis indicates that more markers will be necessary to saturate the linkage map. The ultimate goal will be to identify 14 distinct linkage groups and cover a larger percentage of the genome. The 58 additional polymorphic SSRs are currently being genotyped in the mapping populations and more SSRs are in the process of being identified. We are also currently testing SRAP (Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism) markers as well as conserved grass EST-SSR markers to further saturate the map. A field trial containing replicated plants of the 180 F2 progeny and 450 F3 and backcross progeny was planted in the fall of 2002 and inoculated with the dollar spot pathogen (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) in the spring of 2003. These were evaluated for the second year this past summer (2004). Phenotypic dollar spot data of the mapping population showed a range in disease resistance among the progeny, however, disease pressure was less severe than 2003. The phenotype data from both 2003 and 2004 and molecular marker linkage map data was analyzed for quantitative trait loci using interval mapping in MAPQTL 5.0. One QTL was identified in the susceptible parent (GA138) and one was identified in the resistant parent (CB20) map. One-way ANOVA was conducted on these markers to confirm the presence of the QTLs generated through interval mapping. In this analysis each marker is considered the independent variable and the dollar spot disease trait is considered the dependent variable. F-values and differences in mean values among marker genotype classes are used to locate potential QTL markers. Both were significant (P<0.0023, and P<0.0005) respectively indicating that these markers may be putative QTL for dollar spot resistance in our mapping population. However, additional markers and the evaluation of additional populations is necessary. An initial physiological study to evaluate the relationship between dollar spot resistance and drought tolerance was also initiated. Data is currently being generated on this project and should be completed in the next few months.

Impacts
We have identified two SSR markers that are potential Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. Once these QTLs are confirmed, marker-assisted selection can be incorporated into any turfgrass breeding program to quickly screen germplasm for resistant plants. This could potentially save 18 months of field evaluation for the identification of disease resistant plants. This research once completed will be useful to the advancement of turfgrass breeding and genetics. We have recently developed several new creeping bentgrass cultivars with improved dollar spot resistance through conventional breeding that are now commercially available. After two years of evaluation these cultivars were able to maintain very good turfgrass quality with almost no incidence of dollar spot disease throughout the entire growing season. Compared to older cultivars that were not selected for dollar spot resistance these improved cultivars would be able to maintain excellent turf quality with 80-90% reduction in fungicide applications. The utilization of these cultivars on golf courses would reduce pesticide usage resulting a cleaner environment and a budget savings to the golf course.

Publications

  • Bonos, S.A., M.D. Casler, and W.A. Meyer. 2004. Genotype responses and plant characteristics associated with dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass. Crop Science 44: 1763-1769.