Breeding, Selection, Evaluation, Introduction and Propagation of Hardy Woody Plants for the Northern Great Plains

BREEDING, SELECTION, EVALUATION, INTRODUCTION AND PROPAGATION OF HARDY WOODY PLANTS FOR THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Sponsoring Institution

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Project Status

COMPLETE

Funding Source

MCINTIRE-STENNIS

Reporting Frequency

Annual

Accession No.

0233454

Grant No.

(N/A)

Cumulative Award Amt.

(N/A)

Proposal No.

(N/A)

Multistate No.

(N/A)

Project Start Date

Oct 1, 2013

Project End Date

Sep 30, 2018

Grant Year

(N/A)

Program Code

[(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV
1310 BOLLEY DR
FARGO,ND 58105-5750

Performing Department
Plant Sciences

Non Technical Summary
In the Northern Great Plains and specifically in North Dakota, there is a limitation on the diversity of tree and shrub species that survive and thrive within the state. There are also many disease and pest issues related to many of the urban and landscape tree and shrub standards such as Dutch Elm Disease (DED) and the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Research including evaluations of tree and shrub species is critical to determine pest and disease risks and select species that are tolerant of the growing conditions (climate and soil). These evaluations also will focus on species with desirable aesthetic qualities. One limiting factor with ornamental plant production is plant propagation. To have a successful introduction to the nursery trade, an efficient and economically feasible protocol for propagation must be established. New introductions require large clonal plant populations that are readily available for licensed nurseries. Historically, nurseries developed their own propagation protocols. However, as a result of limited research facilities and personnel, commercial nurseries rely heavily on universities for information to assist in production. Thus, research on propagation will be conducted along with evaluations so that nursery growers will have the necessary propagation information along with species recommendations. Propagation research will focus on stem cuttings; plant tissue culture, grafting and softwood shoot forcing techniques. All of the techniques result in clonal propagative material and are essential for increases population numbers of current and potential future introductions. The current impact of the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program is with the 51 introductions being propagated for sale by commercial wholesale firms in three countries; Australia, Canada and the United States (14 states, including 35 nurseries). Increasing woody plant species for use in shelter and landscaping applications would have a significant impact on residents specifically in North Dakota and throughout the region. There would also be a positive financial impact to the nurseries growing woody plants in North Dakota by providing new plant materials that has been selected and evaluated for the Northern Great Plains to be produced for sale. Providing new information on propagation of selected species will have a significant impact on the nursery industry within the state and region. Research will assist in providing methods to reduce the need for grafting and potentially will increase woody plant survivability and longevity.

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
203	2110	1080	90%
203	2160	1080	10%

Knowledge Area
203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs; 2160 - Arboreta and botanical gardens;

Field Of Science
1080 - Genetics;

Keywords

micropropagation, grafting, shoot forcing, accessions, magnolia,

ornamental

Goals / Objectives
Goals: To develop and evaluate hardy woody plants for the Northern Great Plains that are adapted to this region. Objectives: 1. Identify sources of native, introduced and foreign woody plant germplasm with potentially desirable traits for selection and/or breeding purposes. 2. Evaluate accessions of woody species, cultivars, and seed sources to a) determine ease of establishment, winter and drought hardiness, soil adaptation, pest susceptibility, aesthetic characteristics and survival for potential introduction for the commercial nursery trade. 3. Establish practical means of propagating selected clones and other plants that are not available or limited in the nursery trade. Expected Outputs: This Program will release new woody plant cultivars to the commercial nursery trade that are adapted for the Northern Great Plains region. This Program will disseminate research information to scientific, commercial and public sectors. Data will be presented at scientific meetings, peer reviewed scientific journals. Information will also be presented to the commercial and public sectors utilizing tradeshow conferences, trade journal publications as well as research field day at the NDSU Dale E. Herman Research Arboretum.

Project Methods
This research program has three main focuses: 1. Breeding, 2. Evaluation/selection, and 3. Propagation to accomplish the research objectives. Breeding - Hardy Magnolia Collaboration with Dennis Ledvina, private magnolia breeder, has been established to assist in developing the Hardy Magnolia Breeding program at NDSU. Research will be conducted to continue and enhance Dennis hardy Magnolia breeding program, which will focus on developing cultivars suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 - 4 along with increased aesthetic ornamental qualities (enhanced flower color, fragrance, flower number and size, etc.). Bud wood will be collected from the germplasm collection of Dennis Ledvina to establish a clonal germplasm collection at the NDSU Research Arboretum. The bud wood will be grafted onto Magnolia kobus rootstocks and will provide future breeding stock for the NDSU program. Breeding efforts will be conducted at Dennis Ledvinas personal collection along with the Spring Welcome(R) Magnolia located at the NDSU Research Arboretum. Future crosses will be made from established Magnolia germplasm collection that will be established at the NDSU Research Arboretum. Breeding - Maple Numerous selections of Japanese Maples will be obtained for utilization in a hybridization-breeding program. The NDSU Woody Plant Improvement release called Northern SpotlightTM (A. pseudosieboldianum cult. KorDak) will be utilized as a parent in a breeding program. Hybrid crosses will be conducted between Northern SpotlightTM and Japanese Maple Selections. Seeds will be gathered and grown out in the NDSU Horticulture Greenhouses for 1 - 2 years. These seedlings will be field planted at the NDSU Research Arboretum and evaluated for survival and ornamental traits. Evaluation/Selection - New or Underutilized Woody Plant Species for Adaptation to the Northern Plains There are numerous species that have not been evaluated and have potential for use in this climate. There is also great potential for evaluating plants from USDA hardiness zone 5 that have potential for use in USDA hardiness zone 4. With selection of northern seed sources within a native range, accessions can be selected for potential use in hardiness zone 4. Propagation This project will evaluate selected species during the different seasons of the year and the response to softwood shoot production utilizing shoot forcing techniques. Shoot forcing will evaluate seasonal (spring, summer, fall, and winter) effects on softwood shoot production. Rooting percentages of produced softwood shoots will be determined and a comparison done with rooting of softwood shoots directly in a greenhouse with softwood shoots rooted in tissue culture. Broad-spectrum nutrient and hormone screenings will be conducted for tissue culture propagation utilizing the forced softwood shoots Grafting rootstock capability studies will also be conducted on select species to determine if grafting compatibility will be an issue and if it affects hardiness of the plant. Economic analysis of each propagation system will be conducted to determine viability of the system for nursery production.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences with this project include two primary groups, members with the ND Nursery, Greenhouse, and Landscape Association (NDNGLA) and members with the ND Urban & Community Forestry Association (NDUCFA). Members in the NDNGLA include wholesale and retail commercial nursery producers, retail garden centers and commercial landscapers. Member of NDUCFA include commercial tree care companies, city foresters (municipal) and city park foresters. Business owners and homeowners are individuals that are part of the target audience for this project. The market segment that this project is involved with is the commercial ornamental landscape woody plant market. Efforts to reach these individuals and groups include: Educational booth about project activities and woody plant releases at the annual combined NDNGLA and NDUCFA convention. Education booth about project activities and woody plant releases at the annual Northern Green Trade Show Exposition which services the nursery production, landscape and tree care industry in the Upper Midwest. Presentations at annual NDSU Horticulture Farm and Dale E. Herman Research Arboretum Field Days. Presentation for various groups including garden clubs, ND and MN Extension workshops. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activities This project has provided those associated with this research (undergraduate/graduate students and research specialist) with opportunities for training with learning specific grafting techniques, proper cutting propagation and tissue culture experience. Professional Development Participation with Magnolia Society International annual conference provided key contacts for magnolia germplasm and pollen sources. Travel to other regional and national arboreta (University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Morten Arboretum) have provided research collaboration opportunities with exchange of germplasm for trialing. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Invited Presentations Magnolia Society International 2017 Annual Conference Invited Keynote Speaker Sponsored by: Magnolia Society International Date: 6 May 2017 Presentation Title: Breeding, Selection and Evaluation for Cold Climate Conditions Western Nursery and Landscape Association Invited Live Webinar (Recorded) Sponsored by: Western Nursery and Landscape Association Date: 1 February 2017 Presentation Title: Woody Plant Improvement at North Dakota State University Results have been disseminated through research journal publications, articles in newsletters and presentations within the state of ND (ND Nursery and Greenhouse Association annual meeting, ND Urban and Community Forestry Association annual meeting), within the region and at national conferences (American Society for Horticultural Science, International Plant Propagators' Society). Information has also been disseminated through onsite field days where updated woody plant improvement efforts have been presented. Results and propagation protocols have been shared direction with commercial propagation nurseries within ND, regionally and nationally. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Woody Plant Improvement Program has been servicing the Northern Great Plains for 60 years, beginning germplasm trial evaluations in 1954. The program has evaluated 200+ genera and 3,000+ species and cultivars of trees and shrubs. The goals of the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program are selection, evaluation and introduction of cold hardy superior woody plants for the landscape industry. The NDSU woody plant improvement project has introduced 57 superior ornamental woody plants for production and sale with increased disease tolerance and winter hardiness for landscapes throughout the Northern Great Plains. NDSU woody plant introductions have a nursery wholesale sale value of over $2.1 million and a $6.1 million value in retail sales for 2017 alone. Introductions are currently being propagated for sale by commercial wholesale firms in four countries; Australia, Canada, England, and the United States (14 states, including 35 nurseries). Goal - Selection of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Germplasm was acquired including collection and purchase of seed from regional native woody plant populations. Seed was also collected from breeding efforts, specific select pollen crosses, with Dennis Ledvina's (Private Magnolia Breeder; Green Bay, WI) private magnolia collection. 2) Data collected Seed germination experiments were conducted on several species acquired to develop protocols that can be utilized by the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program as well as commercial nursery producers. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Germination container type, size and growing medium type had a significant impact on seed germination capability of different woody species evaluated. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Information on germination container type, size and growing medium type is better understood for seed germination of several different woody species. Goal - Evaluation of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Numerous woody plant accessions were planted at the NDSU Research Arboretum including a hybrid maple (Acer palmatum x A. pseudosieboldianum) trial, rose trial and hybrid magnolia trial. Several species were also evaluated for asexual propagation capabilities including tissue culture (birch, dogwood, and elm), grafting (magnolia, elm, birch and oak) and cutting propagation (maple, elm, magnolia, birch and sycamore). 2) Data collected Data collected for species in evaluation trials included winter survivability of plant and plant parts (stems, vegetative and flower buds), annual growth rate and stem caliper. Data collected for species in propagation trial included propagation rate, root number, rooting time for tissue culture and cutting propagation. Data collected on grafting evaluations including success rate (survivability) and growth rate. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Tissue culture media formulations were developed for birch, elm, wisteria and American Hophornbeam. Cutting propagation treatments were found to be significant for time of year and rooting hormone utilized on rooting success rates. Grafting results indicate that time of year and rootstock species had a significant impact on survivability. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Tissue culture protocols have been developed and shared with commercial nurseries for scaling up of desired woody plant selections including birch, elm and American Hophornbeam. Cutting propagation protocols are being formulated for several species (maple, elm, magnolia, birch and sycamore). Grafting protocols are being developed for several species (magnolia, elm, birch and oak). Results are shared with commercial woody plant propagators to increase profit and availability of specific selections and species for rootstocks. Goal - Introduction of cold hardy superior plants for the landscape industry 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted To date 57 superior ornamental woody plants have been introduced to the commercial landscape. During this project period, six new selections have been introduced: Northern Empress® Japanese Elm (Ulmus davidiana var. japonica 'Burgundy Glow') - 2014 Cinnamon Curls® Dwarf Korean Birch (Betula costata 'CinnDak') - 2014 Lavaburst® Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra 'LavaDak') - 2015 September Flare® Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'SeptDak') - 2015 Emerald Flare® Tianshan Birch (Betula tianshanica 'EmerDak') - 2016 Summer Aspire™ Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata 'SumDak') - 2017 Five of the selections are registered and trademarked with the USPTO with Summer Aspire™ in the process of being registered and trademarked with the USPTO. Propagation studies were conducted to determine effective methods of propagation of each of the six releases including grafting, cutting, and tissue culture. 2) Data collected Data was collected on long-term evaluation for season effects including winter survivability. Growth parameters were collected including growth rate, height, stem caliper, and other specific traits dependent on selection. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Tissue culture protocols were developed for Northern Empress® Japanese Elm and Cinnamon Curls® Dwarf Korean Birch. Cultures were increased in number and made available to several commercial tissue culture labs (AgriForest Biotechnologies Ltd, for commercial production. Differences in grafting were found with Lavaburst® Ohio Buckeye and September Flare® Sugar Maple. Summer budding onto a northern source of sugar maple rootstock is essential for long-term survivability for September Flare® Sugar Maple. While Lavaburst® Ohio Buckeye requires a side or cleft graft onto hardy Aesculus sp. Rootstocks (not specific to Ohio Buckeye - Aesculus glabra). Side grafting was found to be successful for Emerald Flare® Tianshan Birch utilizing B. tianshanica and B. papyrifera seedlings as rootstocks. Side grafting was found to be successful for Summer Aspire™ Japanese Tree Lilac utilizing S. reticulata seedlings as rootstocks. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized The introductions that have been made from this program to the commercial landscape industry has aided in the diversification of cultivars and species within the landscape. This diversification is essential with combatting current and new threats from pest and disease. These selections have also aided in increase profits for commercial and retail nurseries.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: West T.P. 2018. Woody Plant Evaluation, Selection and Breeding in a Changing Climate. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 1191:27-29.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: West T.P. 2018. New Plant Forum. The Scoop 41(4):37.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: West T.P. 2016. New Plant Forum. The Scoop 39(4):67-68.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: West T.P. 2015. Regional Picks, Unusual Autumn Stars for Northern Plains. Fine Gardening 165:76.

Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience consists of commercial nurseries within the state of ND, regional area nurseries and national nurseries. This market segment is responsible for the commercial production of introductions that have and are being released through the woody plant improvement program. Other targets include ND residents by providing information on suitable woody plants for landscaping use within the state of ND. Changes/Problems:There have been no major changes or problems with this research project that required any type of significant deviation from research schedule or goals. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activities This project has provided those associated with this research (undergraduate/graduate students and research specialist) with opportunities for training with learning specific grafting techniques, proper cutting propagation and tissue culture experience. Professional Development Participation with Magnolia Society International annual conference provided key contacts for magnolia germplasm and pollen sources. Travel to other regional and national arboreta (University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Morten Arboretum) have provided research collaboration opportunities with exchange of germplasm for trialing. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Invited Presentations Magnolia Society International 2017 Annual Conference Invited Keynote Speaker Sponsored by: Magnolia Society International Date: 6 May 2017 Presentation Title: Breeding, Selection and Evaluation for Cold Climate Conditions Western Nursery and Landscape Association Invited Live Webinar (Recorded) Sponsored by: Western Nursery and Landscape Association Date: 1 February 2017 Presentation Title: Woody Plant Improvement at North Dakota State University Results have been disseminated through research journal publications, articles in newsletters and presentations within the state of ND (ND Nursery and Greenhouse Association annual meeting, ND Urban and Community Forestry Association annual meeting), within the region and at national conferences (American Society for Horticultural Science, International Plant Propagators' Society). Information has also been disseminated through onsite field days where updated woody plant improvement efforts have been presented. Results and propagation protocols have been shared direction with commercial propagation nurseries within ND, regionally and nationally. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal - Selection of cold hardy woody plants More germplasm materials are planned to be obtained either through collection or breeding efforts. Collaborative relationships will continue to be developed and strengthened with regional, national and international arboreta. Goal - Evaluation of cold hardy woody plants Short and long-term evaluation of germplasm will be conducted including propagation studies. Goal - Introduction of cold hardy superior plants for the landscape industry More introductions to the commercial landscape industry from the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program are planned to be made during 2017. As new introductions are made, plant names will be registered for trademarking with the USPTO.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Woody Plant Improvement Program has been servicing the Northern Great Plains for 60 years, beginning germplasm trial evaluations in 1954. The program has evaluated 200+ genera and 3,000+ species and cultivars of trees and shrubs. The goals of the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program are selection, evaluation and introduction of cold hardy superior woody plants for the landscape industry. The NDSU woody plant improvement project has introduced 57 superior ornamental woody plants for production and sale with increased disease tolerance and winter hardiness for landscapes throughout the Northern Great Plains. NDSU woody plant introductions have a nursery wholesale sale value of over $1.7 million and a $5.2 million value in retail sales for 2016 alone. Introductions are currently being propagated for sale by commercial wholesale firms in four countries; Australia, Canada, England, and the United States (14 states, including 35 nurseries). Goal - Selection of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Germplasm was acquired including collection and purchase of seed from regional native woody plant populations. Seed was also collected from breeding efforts, specific select pollen crosses. 2) Data collected Seed germination experiments were conducted on several species acquired to develop protocol that can be utilized by the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program as well as commercial nursery producers. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Germination container type, size and growing medium type had a significant impact on seed germination capability of different woody species evaluated. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Information on germination container type, size and growing medium type is better understood for seed germination of several different woody species. Goal - Evaluation of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Numerous woody plant accessions were planted at the NDSU Research Arboretum. Several species were also evaluated for asexual propagation capabilities including tissue culture, grafting and cutting propagation which included Betula sp. (birch), Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry), Magnolia sp. (magnolia), and Ulmus sp. (elm). 2) Data collected Data collected for species in evaluation trials included winter survivability of plant and plant parts (stems, vegetative and flower buds), annual growth rate and stem caliper. Data collected for species in propagation trial included propagation rate, root number, rooting time for tissue culture and cutting propagation. Data collected on grafting evaluations including success rate (survivability) and growth rate. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Cutting propagation treatments were found to be significant for time of year and rooting hormone utilized on rooting success rates. Grafting results indicate that time of year and rootstock species had a significant impact on survivability. Late summer side grafting for Cornus mas was found to be successful for propagation. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Cutting propagation and grafting protocols are being formulated for several species including Betula sp. (birch) Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry), Magnolia sp., and Ulmus sp. (elm). Results are shared with commercial woody plant propagators to increase profit and availability of specific selections and species for rootstocks. Goal - Introduction of cold hardy superior plants for the landscape industry 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted To date 57 superior ornamental woody plants have been introduced to the commercial landscape. One new selection was introduced in 2017. The selection was Supper Aspireä Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata 'SumDak'). This selection is in the process of having the name Summer Aspireä trademarked and registered with the USPTO. Grafting studies were conducted to determine type of graft and effect on survivability and rootstock compatibility; as well as season timing effects on survivability. 2) Data collected Data was collected on long-term evaluation for season effects including winter survivability. Growth parameters were collected including growth rate, height, stem caliper, and other specific traits dependent on selection. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Side grafting was found to be successful utilizing S. reticulata seedlings as rootstocks. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized The introduction that has been made from this program to the commercial landscape industry has aided in the diversification of cultivars and species within the landscape. This diversification is essential with combatting current and new threats from pest and disease. This selection has the potential to increase profits for commercial and retail nurseries.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Remediation of flow-through trout raceway effluent via aquaponics. J. of North Amer. Aquaculture 79(1):53-60.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: West, T.P., G. Morgenson, L. Chaput and D.E. Herman. 2017. Ulmus davidiana Planch. var. japonica Burgundy Glow (Sarg. ex Rehder) Nakai (Northern Empress� Japanese Elm): A New Burgundy-leafed Fall Color Landscape Tree. HortSci. 52:198-199.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: West, T.P. 2017. Northern Empress� Japanese elm and Cinnamon Curls� dwarf Korean birch: new ornamental woody plant releases. Acta Hort. 1185(7-10), DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1185.2, https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1185.2
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Plotke, K. and T.P. West. 2017. Utilizing electrolyte freeze tests to measure Magnolia cold hardiness survival. HortSci. 52(9):S326. Abstract selected as poster presentation at the 2017 ASHS Annual meeting in Kona, HI.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Swanson, M. and T.P.West. 2017. Cornus mas L. hardiness evaluation based on controlled freeze testing. HortSci. 52(9):S429-S430. Abstract selected as poster presentation at the 2017 ASHS Annual meeting in Kona, HI.

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience consists of commercial nurseries within the state of ND, regional area nurseries and national nurseries. This market segment is responsible for the commercial production of introductions that have and are being released through the woody plant improvement program. Other targets include ND residents by providing information on suitable woody plants for landscaping use within the state of ND. Changes/Problems:There have been no major changes or problems with this research project that required any type of significant deviation from research schedule or goals. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activities This project has provided those associated with this research (undergraduate/graduate students and research specialist) with opportunities for training with learning specific grafting techniques, proper cutting propagation and tissue culture experience. Professional Development Participation with Magnolia Society International annual conference provided key contacts for magnolia germplasm and pollen sources. Travel to other regional and national arboreta (University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Morten Arboretum) have provided research collaboration opportunities with exchange of germplasm for trialing. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through research journal publications, articles in newsletters and presentations within the state of ND (ND Nursery and Greenhouse Association annual meeting, ND Urban and Community Forestry Association annual meeting), within the region and at national conferences (American Society for Horticultural Science). Information has also been disseminated through onsite field days where updated woody plant improvement efforts have been presented. Results and propagation protocols have been shared direction with commercial propagation nurseries within ND, regionally and nationally. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal - Selection of cold hardy woody plants More germplasm materials are planned to be obtained either through collection or breeding efforts. Collaborative relationships will continue to be developed and strengthened with regional, national and international arboreta. Goal - Evaluation of cold hardy woody plants Short and long-term evaluation of germplasm will be conducted including propagation studies. Goal - Introduction of cold hardy superior plants for the landscape industry More introductions to the commercial landscape industry from the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program are planned to be made during 2017. As new introductions are made, plant names will be registered for trademarking with the USPTO.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Woody Plant Improvement Program has been servicing the Northern Great Plains for 60 years, beginning germplasm trial evaluations in 1954. The program has evaluated 200+ genera and 3,000+ species and cultivars of trees and shrubs. The goals of the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program are selection, evaluation and introduction of cold hardy superior woody plants for the landscape industry. The NDSU woody plant improvement project has introduced 56 superior ornamental woody plants for production and sale with increased disease tolerance and winter hardiness for landscapes throughout the Northern Great Plains. NDSU woody plant introductions have a nursery wholesale sale value of over $1.56 million and a $4.93 million value in retail sales for 2015 alone. This value is an increase of over 22% as compared to 2014 wholesale sale value. Introductions are currently being propagated for sale by commercial wholesale firms in four countries; Australia, Canada, England, and the United States (14 states, including 35 nurseries). Goal - Selection of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Germplasm was acquired including collection and purchase of seed from regional native woody plant populations. Seed was also collected from breeding efforts, specific select pollen crosses. 2) Data collected Seed germination experiments were conducted on several species acquired to develop protocol that can be utilized by the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program as well as commercial nursery producers. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Germination container type, size and growing medium type had a significant impact on seed germination capability of different woody species evaluated. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Information on germination container type, size and growing medium type is better understood for seed germination of several different woody species. Goal - Evaluation of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Numerous woody plant accessions were planted at the NDSU Research Arboretum. Several species were also evaluated for asexual propagation capabilities including tissue culture, grafting and cutting propagation which included Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry), Magnolia sp., Ulmus sp., and Viburnum sp. 2) Data collected Data collected for species in evaluation trials included winter survivability of plant and plant parts (stems, vegetative and flower buds), annual growth rate and stem caliper. Data collected for species in propagation trial included propagation rate, root number, rooting time for tissue culture and cutting propagation. Data collected on grafting evaluations including success rate (survivability) and growth rate. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Cutting propagation treatments were found to be significant for time of year and rooting hormone utilized on rooting success rates. Grafting results indicate that time of year and rootstock species had a significant impact on survivability. Late summer side grafting for Cornus mas was found to be successful for propagation. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Cutting propagation and grafting protocols are being formulated for several species including Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry), Magnolia sp., Ulmus sp., and Viburnum sp. Results are shared with commercial woody plant propagators to increase profit and availability of specific selections and species for rootstocks. Goal - Introduction of cold hardy superior plants for the landscape industry 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted To date 56 superior ornamental woody plants have been introduced to the commercial landscape. One new selection was introduced in 2016. The selection was Emerald Beaconä Tianshun Birch (Betula tianshanica 'EmerDak'). This selection is in the process of having the name Emerald Beaconä trademarked and registered with the USPTO. Grafting studies were conducted to determine type of graft and effect on survivability and rootstock compatibility; as well as season timing effects on survivability. 2) Data collected Data was collected on long-term evaluation for season effects including winter survivability. Growth parameters were collected including growth rate, height, stem caliper, and other specific traits dependent on selection. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Side grafting was found to be successful utilizing B. tianshanica and B. papyrifera seedlings as rootstocks. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized The introduction that has been made from this program to the commercial landscape industry has aided in the diversification of cultivars and species within the landscape. This diversification is essential with combatting current and new threats from pest and disease. This selection has the potential to increase profits for commercial and retail nurseries.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Buzby, K., T.P. West, N.L. Waterland and L-S. Lin. 2016. Remediation of flow-through trout raceway effluent via aquaponics. J. of North Amer. Aquaculture 79(1):53-60. Carlson, C.H. and T.P. West. 2016. Nodal encapsulation of Cercidiphyllum japonicum Sieb & Zucc. and Cercidiphyllum magnificum Nakai. Propagation of Ornamental Plants 16(3):84-89. West, T.P. and J.R. Franco Coronado. 2016. Micropropagation of Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch), An Underutilized Ornamental Landscape Tree. Propagation of Ornamental Plants. 16(2):56-61. West, T.P., G. Morgenson, L. Chaput and D.E. Herman. 2016. Betula costata CinnDak (Cinnamon Curls� Dwarf Korean Birch): A New Dwarf Compact Landscape Tree. HortSci. 51(7):950-952.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: West, T. (2016). Selection, Evaluation and Introduction of Betula spp. by the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program. (In Press). HortSci. 51(9):S207. Abstract selected as invited oral presentation at the 2016 ASHS Annual meeting in Atlanta, GA. Maren, N.A., West, T. (2016). Protoplast viability in the lilacs and prospects for cell manipulation. (In Press). HortSci. 51(9):S222-S223. Abstract selected as invited oral presentation at the 2016 ASHS Annual meeting in Atlanta, GA.

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience consists of commercial nurseries within the state of ND, regional area nurseries and national nurseries. This market segment is responsible for the commercial production of introductions that have and are being released through the woody plant improvement program. Other targets include ND residents by providing information on suitable woody plants for landscaping use within the state of ND. Changes/Problems:There have been no major changes or problems with this research project that required any type of significant deviation from research schedule or goals. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training activities This project has provided those associated with this research (undergraduate/graduate students and research specialist) with opportunities for training with learning specific grafting techniques, proper cutting propagation and tissue culture experience. Professional Development Participation with Magnolia Society International annual conference provided key contacts for magnolia germplasm and pollen sources. Travel to other regional and national arboreta (University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Morten Arboretum) have provided research collaboration opportunities with exchange of germplasm for trialing. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated through research journal publications, articles in newsletters and presentations within the state of ND (ND Nursery and Greenhouse Association annual meeting, ND Urban and Community Forestry Association annual meeting), within the region and at national conferences (American Society for Horticultural Science). Information has also been disseminated through onsite field days where updated woody plant improvement efforts have been presented. Results and propagation protocols have been shared direction with commercial propagation nurseries within ND, regionally and nationally. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal - Selection of cold hardy woody plants More germplasm materials are planned to be obtained either through collection or breeding efforts. Collaborative relationships will continue to be developed and strengthened with regional, national and international arboreta. Goal - Evaluation of cold hardy woody plants Short and long-term evaluation of germplasm will be conducted including propagation studies. Goal - Introduction of cold hardy superior plants for the landscape industry More introductions to the commercial landscape industry from the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program are planned to be made during 2016. As new introductions are made, plant names will be registered for trademarking with the USPTO.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Woody Plant Improvement Program has been servicing the Northern Great Plains for 60 years, beginning germplasm trial evaluations in 1954. The program has evaluated 200+ genera and 3,000+ species and cultivars of trees and shrubs. The goals of the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program are selection, evaluation and introduction of cold hardy superior woody plants for the landscape industry. The NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program has introduced 55 superior ornamental woody plants for production and sale with increased disease tolerance and winter hardiness for landscapes throughout the Northern Great Plains with an approximate nursery wholesale sale value of over $1.2 million and a $4.2 million approximate value in retail sales for 2014 alone. Introductions are currently being propagated for sale by commercial wholesale firms in four countries; Australia, Canada, England, and the United States (14 states, including 35 nurseries). Goal - Selection of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Germplasm was acquired including collection and purchase of seed from regional native woody plant populations. Seed was also collected from breeding efforts, specific select pollen crosses, with Dennis Ledvina's private magnolia collection. 2) Data collected Seed germination experiments were conducted on several species acquired to develop protocol that can be utilized by the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program as well as commercial nursery producers. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Germination container type, size and growing medium type had a significant impact on seed germination capability of different woody species evaluated. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Information on germination container type, size and growing medium type is better understood for seed germination of several different woody species. Goal - Evaluation of cold hardy woody plants 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted Numerous woody plant accessions were planted at the NDSU Research Arboretum including a hybrid maple (Acer palmatum x A. pseudosieboldianum) trial, rose trial and hybrid magnolia trial. Several species were also evaluated for asexual propagation capabilities including tissue culture, grafting (magnolia, elm, birch and oak) and cutting propagation (maple, elm, magnolia, birch and sycamore). 2) Data collected Data collected for species in evaluation trials included winter survivability of plant and plant parts (stems, vegetative and flower buds), annual growth rate and stem caliper. Data collected for species in propagation trial included propagation rate, root number, rooting time for tissue culture and cutting propagation. Data collected on grafting evaluations including success rate (survivability) and growth rate. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Tissue culture media formulations were developed for birch, elm, wisteria and American Hophornbeam. Cutting propagation treatments were found to be significant for time of year and rooting hormone utilized on rooting success rates. Grafting results indicate that time of year and rootstock species had a significant impact on survivability. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized Tissue culture protocols have been developed and shared with commercial nurseries for scaling up of desired woody plant selections including birch, elm and American Hophornbeam. Cutting propagation protocols are being formulated for several species (maple, elm, magnolia, birch and sycamore). Grafting protocols are being developed for several species (magnolia, elm, birch and oak). Results are shared with commercial woody plant propagators to increase profit and availability of specific selections and species for rootstocks. Goal - Introduction of cold hardy superior plants for the landscape industry 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted To date 55 superior ornamental woody plants have been introduced to the commercial landscape. Two new selections were introduced in 2015. These selections were Lavaburst?Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra 'LavaDak' and September Flare?Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'SeptDak'). These two selections are in the process of having their names trademarked and registered with the USPTO. Grafting studies were conducted to determine type of graft and effect on survivability and rootstock compatibility; as well as season timing effects on survivability. 2) Data collected Data was collected on long-term evaluation for season effects including winter survivability. Growth parameters were collected including growth rate, height, stem caliper, and other specific traits dependent on selection. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results Differences in grafting were found with the two new introductions. Summer budding onto a northern source of sugar maple rootstock is essential for long-term survivability for September Flare Sugar Maple. While Lavaburst Ohio Buckeye requires a side or cleft graft onto hardy Aesculus sp. Rootstocks (not specific to Ohio Buckeye - Aesculus glabra). 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized The introductions that have been made from this program to the commercial landscape industry has aided in the diversification of cultivars and species within the landscape. This diversification is essential with combatting current and new threats from pest and disease. These selections have also aided in increase profits for commercial and retail nurseries.

Publications

Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: West, T.P. and N.J. Jahnke. 2015. Micropropagation of Blue Moon wisteria. Propagation of Ornamental Plants 15(1):28-33.
Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Maren, N.A., J. Rothleutner and T.P. West. 2015. Optimizing polyploidization of in virto-grown Prunus x cistena. Hortscience 50(9):S164-S165. Abstract selected as invited oral presentation at the 2015 ASHS Annual meeting in New Orleans, LA. West T.P. and N.A. Maren. 2015. Utilizing anti-auxin to increase axillary shoot proliferation rate of Japanese elm. HortScience 50(9):S166. Abstract selected as invited oral presentation at the 2015 ASHS Annual meeting in New Orleans, LA.

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

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience consists of commercial nurseries within the state of ND, regional area nurseries and national nurseries. This market segment is responsible for the commercial production of introductions that have and are being released through the woody plant improvement program. Other targets include ND residents by providing information on suitable woody plants for landscaping use within the state of ND. Changes/Problems: There have been no major changes or problems with this research project that required any tupe of significant deviation from research schedule or goals. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This research project is not intended to provide training and/or professional development opportunities. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information has been disseminated to communities of interest through publications including research journals, trade journals and conference proceedings. Information has also been disseminated through onsite field days where updated woody plant improvement efforts have been presented. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? No accomplishments have been achieved to date. There were significant activities to report. Collaboration with Dennis Ledvina, private magnolia breeder, has been established to assist in developing the Hardy Magnolia Breeding program at NDSU. Research including breeding/plant improvement efforts was conducted to enhance the hardy Magnolia breeding program, which will focus on developing cultivars suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 - 4 along with increased aesthetic ornamental qualities (enhanced flower color, fragrance, flower number and size, etc.). Bud wood has been and will continue to be collected in the future from the germplasm collection of Dennis Ledvina to establish a clonal germplasm collection at the NDSU Research Arboretum. The bud wood will be grafted onto Magnolia kobus rootstocks and will provide future breeding stock for the NDSU program. Breeding efforts have been conducted and will continue in the future at Dennis Ledvina's personal collection along with the Spring Welcome® Magnolia located at the NDSU Research Arboretum. Future crosses will be made from established Magnolia germplasm collection that will be established at the NDSU Dale E. Herman Research Arboretum. Pollen was collected from Northern Glow® Hybrid maple from the University of Wisconsin - Madison Arboretum located in Madison, WI and initial breeding crosses were made with the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement release called Northern SpotlightTM (A. pseudosieboldianum 'KorDak'). The resulting seedlings will be evaluated for the potential for new germplasm being developed for potential new introductions of hybrid maples. Propagation research was initiated during this period and further evaluation is ongoing involving tissue culture, vegetative stem cutting, grafting and shoot forcing techniques.

Publications

Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: West, T.P. 2013. North Dakota State University cold climate breeding. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 1055:343-345. Jahnke, N. and T.P. West. 2014. Effects of Nutrient Salt Formulations and 6-Benzylaminopurine on Micropropagation of Blue Moon Wisteria. HortScience 49(9):S335. T.P. West. 2014. Selection, Evaluation, and Introduction of Hardy Superior Woody Plants By the NDSU Woody Plant Improvement Program. HortScience 49(9):S383.
Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: West, T.P., S.L. DeMarais and C.W. Lee. 2014. Germination of non-stratified Japanese tree lilac seeds as influenced by seed capsule maturity and moisture content. HortTechnology 24(2):177-180.
Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: C. Carlson. 2014. Micropropagation of the Relict Genus Cercidiphyllum (Cercidiphyllaceae).
Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: . Propagation of American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana (Mill.) K. Koch.)
Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: West, T.P. 2014. Highlights from Expo New Plant Forum. The Scoop 37(2):63-54.