Progress 04/25/01 to 02/17/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Environmental stresses on plants consistently reduce crop production in all agricultural areas. Deficits of available soil water caused by untimely rainfall and temperature extremes are annual occurrences in the rain fed agricultural areas of the United States. Soil water deficits and temperature extremes are two stresses that cause major impact on growth and yield. We are identifying metabolic limitations responsible for reduced plant performance under water and temperature stresses. We are identifying and characterizing natural defense mechanisms used by plants to reduce water and temperature stress inhibition of growth and development. We are assessing the impact of temperature and water stresses on germplasm collections, developing improved management systems for existing
germplasm, and developing transformation technology for germplasm improvement. Comparison of average crop yields, with reported record yields, has shown that the major crops grown in the U.S. exhibit annual average yields three to seven-fold lower than record yields because of unfavorable environments. Analysis of yields from corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, oats, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets revealed that the average yield represented only 22% of the mean record yield. Crops with economically valuable reproductive structures showed the greatest discrepancy between average and record yields. Those crops having marketable vegetative structures exhibited approximately three-fold reductions in yield. These data suggest that plants have high productivity potentials, but are operating well below their genetic potential. Evaluation of crop losses between 1948 and 1989 by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation showed that on average, 69% of insurance indemnities could be attributed
to drought and excess heat in barley, canning beans, corn, forages, oat, peanut, rye, safflower, soybean, and wheat. Improved management and germplasm are essential if U. S. farmers are to remain competitive in the world market place. This project is assigned to the Plant Biological and Molecular Processes National Program 302. The program component entitled Biological Processes that Determine Plant Productivity and Quality states that crop production potential is much greater than currently realized, in part because crop plants do not use, or they inefficiently use, all of the available resources. Specifically, our research addresses Problem Area IIb Plant Tolerance to Environmental Stresses of the NP302 action plan. Our research concentrates on long-term discovery research to improve the manipulation of genes and gene expression for agricultural purposes. Our research goals include, but are not limited to, identifying sources of new genes; recognizing and modifying important genes
and the mechanisms for regulation of their expression; characterizing and manipulating the cell signals that govern the patterns of gene activities; altering the processes of recombination to improve transgene expression and provide specificity to its genomic location; and tailoring the temporal, spatial, and environmental regulation of transgenes to meet specific needs. Under this National Program our research is aimed at developing an understanding of the continuum from DNA to phenotype and the mechanisms that provide that continuum. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (FY 2001) Design primers for cyclins, begin cotton greenhouse study Isolate glutamine synthetase and begin thermal characterization Run calorimetric analysis of transgenic plants, begin crosses between plants expressing different antioxidants Characterize temperature effects on root development in cotton and corn Develop cDNA libraries and design probes for
microarray analysis and characterize expression characteristics, Isolate down regulated mutants and begin complementation testing and physiological characterization Evaluate BIOTIC irrigation of cotton and peanuts Year 2 (FY 2002) Complementation testing to determine the number of different loci recovered in the identified acquired thermotolerance mutants will be performed with standard genetic crossing techniques. For complementation testing of mutations in different ecotype backgrounds we will also cross the relevant parental lines and test tolerance of the progeny as controls. Plants will be transformed with genes associated with desiccation tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. Year 3 (FY 2003) The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. The impact of both water and thermal stress on root development in cotton (a
tap-root morphology) and corn (a fibrous root morphology) will be evaluated. The effect of transgenic expression/over expression of antioxidant enzymes, singly and in combination, on tobacco seedlings under low temperature stress will be investigated. Year 4 (FY 2004) In order to identify other genes that contribute significantly to acquired thermotolerance or are involved in the major signaling pathway regulating the development of thermotolerance, "T-DNA tagged" lines of Arabidopsis will be screened for loss-of-function mutations that confer reduced thermotolerance. This screen will enable identification of components involved in thermotolerance. The effect of enhanced antioxidant metabolism on seedlings under low temperature stress will be evaluated. The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with
cotton. Year 5 (FY 2005) Acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants will be provided to the Arabidopsis stock center. Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recover from water deficits. Identify thermal stress effects on root function. Year 6 (FY 2006) Functional genomics will be used to characterize the function of genes associated with adaptation to water-deficit stress. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. All accomplishments made under this project are fully consistent with relevant milestones listed in the Project Plan, and with the relevant research components as defined in the National Program 302 Action Plans. Accomplishments under this project contribute to the achievement of ARS Strategic Plan Goal 1, Objective 2, Performance Measures 6 and 7, in that project accomplishments contribute substantially to attainment of the Agency FY 2007 target of information will be available for more species to guide
manipulation of regulatory metabolic processes that influence plant growth, product composition, product quality, and profitability; and identified important quantitative trait loci that govern key agronomic traits for a variety of crop species and made progress on sequencing gene-rich regions of a limited number of plant genomes. During this project we have identified problems associated with sprinkler irrigation of cotton and have suggested management practices to improve yields (NP302 component II - determine where efficiency, productivity, and intrinsic product quality can be improved for the benefit of agriculture). Agricultural producers have used this information to schedule herbicide applications. The importance of matching the air temperature with optimum plant temperatures during herbicide application has been demonstrated (NP302 component II - determine where efficiency, productivity, and intrinsic product quality can be improved for the benefit of agriculture). Techniques
have been developed for the screening of germplasm collections to identify plants with improved stress tolerance (NP302 components I and II - new and better methods to assess genetic diversity and to bring desirable traits into breeding programs). The importance of membrane lipids and proteases in acquired thermotolerance has been identified through the use of EMS mutants (NP302 component II - study plant responses to the environment to learn how to help plants better tolerate drought, extreme temperatures, and other unfavorable conditions). Genes that are directly involved in the ability of certain plants to survive and fully recover from desiccation (complete water loss) have been identified, characterized and the function determined (NP302 component II - study plant responses to the environment to learn how to help plants better tolerate drought, extreme temperatures, and other unfavorable conditions). The development of a wireless infrared thermometry system to enhance utility of
BIOTIC irrigation scheduling in production environments. This technology is in use in production and research settings (NP302 component II - study plant responses to the environment to learn how to help plants better tolerate drought, extreme temperatures, and other unfavorable conditions). Research that was conducted to evaluate the impact of environmental stress on root system development in situ using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Cotton plants grown at root temperatures of 28 and 18 degrees Centigrade indicated that lateral root development was significantly (3-fold) higher in plants grown at 28C compared to those grown at 18C. These results suggest that MRI technology can be successfully used for increasing our knowledge of plant root responses to the environment. A handbook was developed and published to provide a pictorial and text description of a number of cotton root system disorders. The handbook was distributed to researchers, growers and consultants and
also posted on a web site. Field studies designed to determine the impact of water stress in mycorrhizal colonization by root systems of drought tolerant and drought susceptible winter wheat cultivars indicated that mycorrhizal colonization was significantly reduced for plants grown under water stressed conditions. However, the more drought tolerant cultivar had greater colonization when grown under water stressed conditions.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Dowd, S.E., Zaragoza, J, Rodriguez, J.R., Oliver, M.J., Payton, P.R. 2005. Windows.NET network distributed basic local alignment search toolkit (W.ND- BLAST). BMC Bioinformatics. 6:93. Available: http://www.biomedcentral. com/1471-2105/6/93.
- Alba, R., Fei, Z., Payton, P.R., Liu, Y., Debbie, P., Rose, J., Martin, G., Tanksley, S., Jahn, M., Giovannoni, J.J. 2004. Ests, cdna microarrays, and gene expression profiling: tools for dissecting plant physiology and development. Plant Journal. 36:697-714.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Environmental stresses on plants consistently reduce crop production in all agricultural areas. Deficits of available soil water caused by untimely rainfall and temperature extremes are annual occurrences in the rain fed agricultural areas of the United States. Soil water deficits and temperature extremes are two stresses that cause major impact on growth and yield. We are identifying metabolic limitations responsible for reduced plant performance under water and temperature stresses. We are identifying and characterizing natural defense mechanisms used by plants to reduce water and temperature stress inhibition of growth and development. We are assessing the impact of temperature and water stresses on germplasm collections, developing improved management systems for existing germplasm, and
developing transformation technology for germplasm improvement. Comparison of average crop yields, with reported record yields, has shown that the major crops grown in the U.S. exhibit annual average yields three to seven-fold lower than record yields because of unfavorable environments. Analysis of yields from corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, oats, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets revealed that the average yield represented only 22% of the mean record yield. Crops with economically valuable reproductive structures showed the greatest discrepancy between average and record yields. Those crops having marketable vegetative structures exhibited approximately three-fold reductions in yield. These data suggest that plants have high productivity potentials, but are operating well below their genetic potential. Evaluation of crop losses between 1948 and 1989 by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation showed that on average, 69% of insurance indemnities could be attributed to drought and
excess heat in barley, canning beans, corn, forages, oat, peanut, rye, safflower, soybean, and wheat. Improved management and germplasm are essential if U. S. farmers are to remain competitive in the world market place. This project is assigned to the Plant Biological and Molecular Processes National Program 302. The program component entitled Biological Processes that Determine Plant Productivity and Quality states that crop production potential is much greater than currently realized, in part because crop plants do not use, or they inefficiently use, all of the available resources. Specifically, our research addresses Problem Area IIb Plant Tolerance to Environmental Stresses of the NP302 action plan. Our research concentrates on long-term discovery research to improve the manipulation of genes and gene expression for agricultural purposes. Our research goals include, but are not limited to, identifying sources of new genes; recognizing and modifying important genes and the
mechanisms for regulation of their expression; characterizing and manipulating the cell signals that govern the patterns of gene activities; altering the processes of recombination to improve transgene expression and provide specificity to its genomic location; and tailoring the temporal, spatial, and environmental regulation of transgenes to meet specific needs. Under this National Program our research is aimed at developing an understanding of the continuum from DNA to phenotype and the mechanisms that provide that continuum. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2001) Design primers for cyclins, begin cotton greenhouse study Isolate glutamine synthetase and begin thermal characterization Run calorimetric analysis of transgenic plants, begin crosses between plants expressing different antioxidants Characterize temperature effects on root development in cotton and corn Develop cDNA libraries and design probes for microarray analysis and
characterize expression characteristics, Isolate down regulated mutants and begin complementation testing and physiological characterization Evaluate BIOTIC irrigation of cotton and peanuts Year 2 (FY 2002) Complementation testing to determine the number of different loci recovered in the identified acquired thermotolerance mutants will be performed with standard genetic crossing techniques. For complementation testing of mutations in different ecotype backgrounds we will also cross the relevant parental lines and test tolerance of the progeny as controls. Plants will be transformed with genes associated with desiccation tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. Year 3 (FY 2003) The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. The impact of both water and thermal stress on root development in cotton (a tap-root morphology) and
corn (a fibrous root morphology) will be evaluated. The effect of transgenic expression/over expression of antioxidant enzymes, singly and in combination, on tobacco seedlings under low temperature stress will be investigated. Year 4 (FY 2004) In order to identify other genes that contribute significantly to acquired thermotolerance or are involved in the major signaling pathway regulating the development of thermotolerance, "T-DNA tagged" lines of Arabidopsis will be screened for loss-of-function mutations that confer reduced thermotolerance. This screen will enable identification of components involved in thermotolerance. The effect of enhanced antioxidant metabolism on seedlings under low temperature stress will be evaluated. The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. Year 5 (FY 2005)
Acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants will be provided to the Arabidopsis stock center. Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recover from water deficits. Identify thermal stress effects on root function. Year 6 (FY 2006) Functional genomics will be used to characterize the function of genes associated with adaptation to water-deficit stress. Functional genomics will be used to characterize the function of genes associated with adaptation to high temperature stress. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants will be provided to the Arabidopsis stock center. Milestone Fully Met 2. Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recovered from water deficits. Milestone Not Met Other 3. Identify thermal stress effects on root function. Milestone Fully Met 3b List the
milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? This project is scheduled to terminate 4/24/06 and will be replaced by a new project currently being developed for peer review. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Desiccation Tolerance EST Collection. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, established a desiccation tolerance EST collection and the bioinformatics tools required for the accompanying EST database. The ESTs and database have greatly enhanced our understanding of the genetic components associated with desiccation tolerance in plants. The EST database plus a comprehensive profile of gene expression associated with desiccation tolerance has provided new insights into the role of LEA proteins in cellular protection and has provided numerous new gene targets for use in
altering the drought tolerance capacity of U.S. crops. In particular we have identified a transcription factor gene that offers the promise of altering the expression characteristics of a complete suite of dehydration tolerance genes. The bioinformatics and functional genomics aspects of this project have most recently provided evidence that the desiccation tolerance response in plants is not evolutionarily linked to the normal water stress response in plants further enhancing the probability of discovering novel ways to alter drought tolerance in crops. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Hydraulic Lift in Cotton. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, showed that hydraulic lift (transfer of water from wet soil zones to dry soil zones through the root system) was identified using echo probes in greenhouse-grown cotton using split root system techniques. Differences in the magnitude of hydraulic lift were also noted between
selected cotton varieties. The occurrence of hydraulic lift in cotton may have a significant impact on the ability of the plant to maintain viable roots in drying soil. Heat Tolerance Genes Identified. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, have identified 80 genes contributing to heat tolerance in plants using an acquired thermotolerance Bioassay. This discovery advances our understanding on the many cellular components impacting heat tolerance. The scientists evaluated sequence indexed tDNA mutants of Arabidopsis for high temperature sensitivity. This discovery, in combination with additional gene discoveries, will allow scientists to develop more heat-tolerant crops. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. All accomplishments made under this project are fully consistent with relevant milestones listed in the Project Plan, and with the relevant research components
as defined in the National Program 302 Action Plans. Accomplishments under this project contribute to the achievement of ARS Strategic Plan Goal 1, Objective 2, Performance Measures 6 and 7, in that project accomplishments contribute substantially to attainment of the Agency FY 2007 target of information will be available for more species to guide manipulation of regulatory metabolic processes that influence plant growth, product composition, product quality, and profitability; and identified important quantitative trait loci that govern key agronomic traits for a variety of crop species and made progress on sequencing gene-rich regions of a limited number of plant genomes. During this project we have identified problems associated with sprinkler irrigation of cotton and have suggested management practices to improve yields (NP302 component II - determine where efficiency, productivity, and intrinsic product quality can be improved for the benefit of agriculture). Agricultural
producers have used this information to schedule herbicide applications. The importance of matching the air temperature with optimum plant temperatures during herbicide application has been demonstrated (NP302 component II - determine where efficiency, productivity, and intrinsic product quality can be improved for the benefit of agriculture). Techniques have been developed for the screening of germplasm collections to identify plants with improved stress tolerance (NP302 components I and II - new and better methods to assess genetic diversity and to bring desirable traits into breeding programs). The importance of membrane lipids and proteases in acquired thermotolerance has been identified through the use of EMS mutants (NP302 component II - study plant responses to the environment to learn how to help plants better tolerate drought, extreme temperatures, and other unfavorable conditions). Genes that are directly involved in the ability of certain plants to survive and fully recover
from desiccation (complete water loss) have been identified, characterized and the function determined (NP302 component II - study plant responses to the environment to learn how to help plants better tolerate drought, extreme temperatures, and other unfavorable conditions). The development of a wireless infrared thermometry system to enhance utility of BIOTIC irrigation scheduling in production environments. This technology is in use in production and research settings (NP302 component II - study plant responses to the environment to learn how to help plants better tolerate drought, extreme temperatures, and other unfavorable conditions). Research that was conducted to evaluate the impact of environmental stress on root system development in situ using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Cotton plants grown at root temperatures of 28 and 18 degrees Centigrade indicated that lateral root development was significantly (3-fold) higher in plants grown at 28C compared to those
grown at 18C. These results suggest that MRI technology can be successfully used for increasing our knowledge of plant root responses to the environment. A handbook was developed and published to provide a pictorial and text description of a number of cotton root system disorders. The handbook was distributed to researchers, growers and consultants and also posted on a web site. Field studies designed to determine the impact of water stress in mycorrhizal colonization by root systems of drought tolerant and drought susceptible winter wheat cultivars indicated that mycorrhizal colonization was significantly reduced for plants grown under water stressed conditions. However,the more drought tolerant cultivar had greater colonization when grown under water stressed conditions. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the
constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? A bioinformatics database has been published at "http://199.133.147. 108/Bryobase" and is available to the genomics research community. Negotiations are currently underway on licensing BIOTIC irrigation scheduling technology.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Dowd, S.E., Zaragoza, J, Rodriguez, J.R., Oliver, M.J., Payton, P.R. 2005. Windows.NET network distributed basic local alignment search toolkit (W.ND- BLAST). BMC Bioinformatics. 6:93. Available: http://www.biomedcentral. com/1471-2105/6/93.
- Alba, R., Fei, Z., Payton, P.R., Liu, Y., Debbie, P., Rose, J., Martin, G., Tanksley, S., Jahn, M., Giovannoni, J.J. 2004. Ests, cdna microarrays, and gene expression profiling: tools for dissecting plant physiology and development. Plant Journal. 36:697-714.
|
Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Environmental stresses on plants consistently reduce crop production in all agricultural areas. Deficits of available soil water caused by untimely rainfall and temperature extremes are annual occurrences in the rainfed agricultural areas of the United States. Soil water deficits and temperature extremes are two stresses that cause major impact on growth and yield. We are identifying metabolic limitations responsible for reduced plant performance under water and temperature stresses. We are identifying and characterizing natural defense mechanisms used by plants to reduce water and temperature stress inhibition of growth and development. We are assessing the impact of temperature and water stresses on germplasm collections, developing improved management systems for existing germplasm, and developing
transformation technology for germplasm improvement. Comparison of average crop yields with reported record yields has shown that the major crops grown in the U.S. exhibit annual average yields three- to seven-fold lower than record yields because of unfavorable environments. Analysis of yields from corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, oats, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets revealed that the average yield represented only 22% of the mean record yield. Crops with economically valuable reproductive structures showed the greatest discrepancy between average and record yields. Those crops having marketable vegetative structures exhibited approximately three-fold reductions in yield. These data suggest that plants have high productivity potentials, but are operating well below their genetic potential. Evaluation of crop losses between 1948 and 1989 by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation showed that on average, 69% of insurance indemnities could be attributed to drought and excess heat in
barley, canning beans, corn, forages, oat, peanut, rye, safflower, soybean, and wheat. Improved management and germplasm are essential if U.S. farmers are to remain competitive in the world market place. This project is assigned to the Plant Biological and Molecular Processes National Program 302. The program component entitled Biological Processes That Determine Plant Productivity and Quality states that crop production potential is much greater than currently realized, in part because crop plants do not use, or they inefficiently use, all of the available resources. Specifically, our research addresses Problem Area IIb Plant Tolerance to Environmental Stresses of the NP302 action plan. Our research concentrates on long-term discovery research to improve the manipulation of genes and gene expression for agricultural purposes. Our research goals include, but are not limited to, identifying sources of new genes; recognizing and modifying important genes and the mechanisms for
regulation of their expression; characterizing and manipulating the cell signals that govern the patterns of gene activities; altering the processes of recombination to improve transgene expression and provide specificity to its genomic location; and tailoring the temporal, spatial, and environmental regulation of transgenes to meet specific needs. Under this National Program our research is aimed at developing an understanding of the continuum from DNA to phenotype and the mechanisms that provide that continuum. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Year 1 (FY 2001) Design primers for cyclins, begin cotton greenhouse study Isolate glutamine synthetase and begin thermal characterization Run calorimetric analysis of transgenic plants, begin crosses between plants expressing different antioxidants Characterize temperature effects on root development in cotton and corn Develop cDNA libraries and design probes for microarray analysis, and characterize
expression characteristics, Isolate down-regulated mutants and begin complementation testing and physiological characterization Evaluate BIOTIC irrigation of cotton and peanuts Year 2 (FY 2002) Complementation testing to determine the number of different loci recovered in the identified acquired thermotolerance mutants will be performed with standard genetic crossing techniques. For complementation testing of mutations in different ecotype backgrounds we will also cross the relevant parental lines and test tolerance of the progeny as controls. Plants will be transformed with genes associated with desiccation tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. Year 3 (FY 2003) The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. The impact of both water and thermal stress on root development in cotton (a tap-root morphology) and corn (a
fibrous root morphology) will be evaluated. The effect of transgenic expression/over expression of antioxidant enzymes, singly and in combination, on tobacco seedlings under low temperature stress will be investigated. Year 4 (2004) In order to identify other genes that contribute significantly to acquired thermotolerance or are involved in the major signaling pathway regulating the development of thermotolerance, "T-DNA tagged" lines of Arabidopsis will be screened for loss-of-function mutations that confer reduced thermotolerance. This screen will enable identification of components involved in thermotolerance. The effect of enhanced antioxidant metabolism on seedlings under low temperature stress will be evaluated. The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. Year 5 (2005) Acquired
thermotolerance deficient mutants will be provided to the Arabidopsis stock center. Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recover from water deficits. Identify thermal stress effects on root function. 3. Milestones: A. List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2004. How many milestones did you fully or substantially meet in FY 2004 and indicate which ones were not fully or substantially met, briefly explain why not, and your plans to do so. The milestones listed below were scheduled to be completed under Year 4. All milestones were completed. Antioxidant metabolism in cotton expressing the GST/GPX from tobacco was characterized. While GST activity was enhanced, there was no elevation of the GPX activity. The plants showed no improvement in low temperature metabolism. In order to identify other genes that contribute significantly to acquired thermotolerance or are involved in the major signaling pathway regulating the development of
thermotolerance, "T-DNA tagged" lines of Arabidopsis will be screened for loss-of-function mutations that confer reduced thermotolerance. This screen will enable identification of components involved in thermotolerance. The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changed in water stress tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. B. List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2005, 2006, & 2007). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? The Year 5 milestones are listed below with a description of the anticipated outcomes. The entire project is scheduled to be completed during FY 2005 and a new project will be developed to undergo OSQR review, and subsequent implementation beginning FY 2006. Acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants will be provided to the Arabidopsis stock
center. The thermotolerance deficient mutant AtTS02 that has a defective digalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase gene, and the mutant AtTS244 that has a defective FtsH protease gene will be donated to the stock center. Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recover from water deficits. New information concerning the possible reduction of cyclins in response to water stress and their recovery following the alleviation of water stress will be obtained. Identify thermal stress effects on root function. A better understanding of the impact of soil temperatures on root function and mycorrhizal interactions will be obtained. In 2006 and 2007 the planned research will greatly advance our understanding of proteins impacting inducible heat tolerance in plants. The involvement of proteins other than the heat shock proteins will be identified by analysis of t-DNA insertional mutants. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single most significant
accomplishment during FY 2004 : Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, have identified a novel gene essential for heat tolerance in plants. This discovery advances our understanding on the many cellular components impacting heat tolerance. The scientists used positional cloning to map the mutated gene within the thermosensitive mutant AtTS244. This discovery, in combination with additional gene discoveries, will allow scientists to develop more heat tolerant crops. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any. Many temperate plants develop a greater ability to withstand freezing after a prior exposure to low but non-freezing temperatures through a complex adaptive process of cold acclimation. Although many changes in gene expression, metabolism, and morphology occur during cold acclimation, little is known about the processes that are critical for the development of freezing tolerance. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm
Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, have identified mutants that increased levels of free proline, resulting in increased freezing tolerance without cold acclimation. These results indicate that proline can play an important role in the development of freezing tolerance during cold acclimation. C. Significant activities that support special target populations. None 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. During the first four years of this project we have identified problems associated with sprinkler irrigation of cotton and have suggested management practices to improve yields (NP302 component II - determine where efficiency, productivity, and intrinsic product quality can be improved for the benefit of agriculture). The importance of matching the air temperature with optimum plant temperatures during herbicide application has been demonstrated (NP302 component II - determine where efficiency, productivity, and
intrinsic product quality can be improved for the benefit of agriculture). Techniques have been developed for the screening of germplasm collections to identify plants with improved stress tolerance (NP302 components I and II - new and better methods to assess genetic diversity and to bring desirable traits into breeding programs). The importance of membrane lipids and proteases in acquired thermotolerance has been identified through the use of EMS mutants (NP302 component II - study plant responses to the environment to learn how to help plants better tolerate drought, extreme temperatures, and other unfavorable conditions). 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? A bioinformatics database has been published at http://199.133.147.
108/Bryobase and is available to the genomics research community. Negotiations are currently underway on licensing BIOTIC irrigation scheduling technology. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. John J. Burke. Identifying Genetic Diversity for Abiotic Stress Resistance. Texas Seed Trade Association. 2004. John Burke. Physiological Responses to High Temperatures. Texas Peanut Producers Board. 2004. Wanjura, D.F., Upchurch, D.R., Mahan, J.R., 2003. Crop water status control with temperature-time threshold irrigation. ASAE.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- WANJURA, D.F., UPCHURCH, D.R., MAHAN, J.R. CROP WATER STATUS CONTROL WITH TEMPERATURE-TIME THRESHOLD IRRIGATION. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS MEETINGS PAPERS. 2003. Paper No. 032136.
- Oliver, M.J. 2004. Male sterility and hybrid production systems. In: Christou, P., Klee, H., editors. Handbook of Plant Biotechnology. New Jersey:John Wiley and Sons. p. 1-6.
- Wood, A.J., Oliver, M.J. 2004. Molecular biology and genomics of the desiccation tolerant moss tortula ruralis. In: Wood, A.J., Oliver, M.J., Cove D.J. editors. New Frontiers in Bryology. Boston/Dordrecht/London:Kluwer. p. 80-99.
- McMichael, B.L., Burke, J.J., Hopper, N., Wedegaertner, T. 2004. The influence of various delinting and priming treatments on cotton seedling emergence, development and yield [abstract]. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 1-9, 2004, San Antonio, Texas. 2004 CDROM.
- Mcmichael, B.L., Upchurch, D.R. 2003. Can crop root systems be managed [abstract]? American Society of Agronomy. 2003 CDROM.
- Oliver, M.J., Dowd, S.E., Zaragoza, J., Mauget, S.A., Payton, P.R. 2004. Bioinformatic analysis of the rehydration transcriptome of turtula ruralis a desiccation tolerant bryophyte [abstract]. American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting. Paper No. 156.
- Xin, Z., Chen, J., Browse, J. 2004. Characterizarion of constitutively freezing tolerant mutants of arabidopsis suggests a critical role of proline in cold acclimation [abstract]. American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting. Paper No. 136.
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Environmental stresses on plants consistently reduce crop production in all agricultural areas. Deficits of available soil water caused by untimely rainfall and temperature extremes are annual occurrences in the rainfed agricultural areas of the United States. Soil water deficits and temperature extremes are two stresses that cause major impact on growth and yield. We are identifying metabolic limitations responsible for reduced plant performance under water and temperature stresses. We are identifying and characterizing natural defense mechanisms used by plants to reduce water and temperature stress inhibition of growth and development. We are assessing the impact of temperature and water stresses on germplasm collections, developing improved management systems for existing germplasm, and developing transformation technology for germplasm improvement. 2. How serious is the problem? Why
does it matter? Comparison of average crop yields with reported record yields has shown that the major crops grown in the U.S. exhibit annual average yields three- to seven-fold lower than record yields because of unfavorable environments. Analysis of yields from corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, oats, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets revealed that the average yield represented only 22% of the mean record yield. Crops with economically valuable reproductive structures showed the greatest discrepancy between average and record yields. Those crops having marketable vegetative structures exhibited approximately three-fold reductions in yield. These data suggest that plants have high productivity potentials, but are operating well below their genetic potential. Evaluation of crop losses between 1948 and 1989 by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation showed that on average, 69% of insurance indemnities could be attributed to drought and excess heat in barley, canning beans, corn,
forages, oat, peanut, rye, safflower, soybean, and wheat. Improved management and germplasm are essential if U.S. farmers are to remain competitive in the world market place. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? This project is assigned to the Plant Biological and Molecular Processes National Program 302. The program component entitled Plant Growth and Development, Productivity, and Environmental Response states that crop production potential is much greater than currently realized, in part because crop plants do not use, or they inefficiently use, all of the available resources. Our research concentrates on long-term discovery research to improve the manipulation of genes and gene expression for agricultural purposes. Our research goals include, but are not limited to, identifying sources of new genes; recognizing and modifying important genes and the mechanisms for regulation of their expression;
characterizing and manipulating the cell signals that govern the patterns of gene activities; altering the processes of recombination to improve transgene expression and provide specificity to its genomic location; and tailoring the temporal, spatial, and environmental regulation of transgenes to meet specific needs. Under this National Program our research is aimed at developing an understanding of the continuum from DNA to phenotype and the mechanisms that provide that continuum. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2003 year: Production of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in semi-arid regions requires supplemental irrigation to ensure maximum productivity. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, have shown that irrigation of cotton with sprinklers results in flower losses and yield reductions. They have shown that water results in a rapid hydration of the
cotton pollen that causes the pollen grain to rupture, thereby sterilizing the cotton flower. Yield increases can be obtained by using irrigation methods that prevent irrigation water from entering the open flowers. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: Plants have an inducible multi-component heat protection system that can reactivate partially denatured enzymes or remove fully denatured enzymes from the cell thereby preventing cell injury or death. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, have identified mutants in the multi-component protection system. The scientists have determined that one of the mutants occurred in the enzyme digalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase, a key enzyme in the synthesis and stability of chloroplast membranes. Other acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants are currently being used to identify additional genes responsible for heat protection in plants. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that
Support Special Target Populations: None 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. During the first three years of this project we have identified problems associated with sprinkler irrigation of cotton and have suggested management practices to improve yields. The importance of matching the air temperature with optimum plant temperatures during herbicide application has been demonstrated. Techniques have been developed for the screening of germplasm collections to identify plants with improved stress tolerance. The importance of membrane lipids in acquired thermotolerance has been identified through the use of EMS mutants. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? 2004: In order to identify other genes that contribute significantly to acquired thermotolerance or are involved in the major signaling pathway regulating the development of thermotolerance, "activation tagging" lines of
Arabidopsis will be screened for gain-of-function mutations that confer increased thermotolerance. This screen will enable identification of components involved in "master regulation" of thermotolerance. The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. 2005: A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. Acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants will be provided to the Arabidopsis stock center. 2006: Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recover from water deficits. Identify thermal stress effects on root function. 7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? A second printing of
the Cotton Root Disorder Handbook was provided to cotton producers, extension specialists, and crop consultants. 8. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: This does not replace your peer-reviewed publications listed below). Plant Talk in 2003 FarmJournal http://www.agweb.com/pub_get_article.asp?sigcat=farmjournalpageid=99872
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- MCCartor, K., Payton, P.R., Pathan, M.S., Rosenow, D.T., Nguyen, H.T. Transcriptional profiling of drought responses in sorghum. American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting. 2002. Supplement 76. P. 48.
- Burke, J.J., Xin, Z., Chen, J., Velten, J. Fine Mapping of Arabidopsis acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants. American Society of Plant Biologists. 2003. Abstract No. 198. p. 67.
- Oliver, M.J., Hudgeons, J.L., Payton, P.R. Microarray analysis of gene expression during desiccation and rehydration of tortula ruralis (Syntrichia ruralis). American Society of Plant Biologists annual meeting. 2003. Abstract No. 221. p. 71.
- Burke, J.J. Physiological limitations to cotton production on the high plains of Texas. National Cotton Beltwide Cotton Conference. 2003. CD-ROM. p. 1652.
- McMichael, B., Lascano, R.J. Laboratory evaluation of a commercial dielectric soil moisture sensor. American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting. 2002. CD-ROM. p. 1710.
- Nobles, M.M., MCInnes, K.J., Gardiner, N.T., MCMichael, B.L. Spatial association between root density and water flow paths in highly structured soil. American Society of Agronomy. 2002. CD-ROM, p. 1806.
- MCMichael, B.L., Burke, J.J. Genetic variability for early season root system development. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. 2003. CD-ROM. p. 1748.
- Burke, J.J. Sprinkler-induced flower losses and yield reductions in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Agronomy Journal. 2003. v. 95. p. 709-714.
- Tripathy, D., Payton, P., Wang, J., Klueva, N., Allen, R.D. EST and microarray analysis of genes expressed during drought stress in cotton bolls. 2003. Plant and Animal Genomes XI Conference, San Diego, CA. p. 773.
- Kornyeyev, D., Logan, B.A., Payton, P.R. Allen, R.D. Elevated chloroplastic glutathione reductase activities decrease chilling-induced photoinhibition by increasing rates of photochemistry, but not thermal energy dissipation, in trangenic cotton. Functional Plant Biology. 2003. v. 30. p. 101-110.
- Moore, S., Vrebalov, J., Payton, P.R., Giovannoni, J.J. Use of genomics tools to isolate key ripening genes and analyze fruit maturation in tomato. Journal of Experimental Botany. 2002. v. 53. p. 2023-2030.
- Payton, P.R., Alba, R., Moore, S.L. Gene expression profiling. Christou, P. , Klee, H. editors. John Wiley and Sons Ltd: Chapter 2. 2003. p. 13-24. Handbook of Plant Biotechnology.
- Alpert, P., Oliver, M.J. Drying without dying. Black, M., Pritchard, H.W., editors. CAB International. 2002. Desiccation and Survival in Plants: Drying Without Dying. p. 3-42.
- Phillips, J.R., Oliver, M.J., Bartels, D. Molecular genetics of desiccation and tolerant systems. Black, M., Pritchard, H.W., editors. CAB International. 2002. Desiccation and Survival in Plants: Drying Without Dying. p. 319-341.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it? Environmental stresses on plants consistently reduce crop production in all agricultural areas. Deficits of available soil water caused by untimely rainfall and temperature extremes are annual occurrences in the rainfed agricultural areas of the United States. Soil water deficits and temperature extremes are two stresses that cause major impact on growth and yield. We are identifying metabolic limitations responsible for reduced plant performance under water and temperature stresses. We are identifying and characterizing natural defense mechanisms used by plants to reduce water and temperature stress inhibition of growth and development. We are assessing the impact of temperature and water stresses on germplasm collections, developing improved management systems for existing germplasm, and developing transformation technology for germplasm improvement. 2. How serious is the problem? Why
does it matter? Comparison of average crop yields with reported record yields has shown that the major crops grown in the U.S. exhibit annual average yields three- to seven-fold lower than record yields because of unfavorable environments. Analysis of yields from corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, oats, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets revealed that the average yield represented only 22% of the mean record yield. Crops with economically valuable reproductive structures showed the greatest discrepancy between average and record yields. Those crops having marketable vegetative structures exhibited approximately three-fold reductions in yield. These data suggest that plants have high productivity potentials, but are operating well below their genetic potential. Evaluation of crop losses between 1948 and 1989 by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation showed that on average, 69% of insurance indemnities could be attributed to drought and excess heat in barley, canning beans, corn,
forages, oat, peanut, rye, safflower, soybean, and wheat. Improved management and germplasm are essential if U.S. farmers are to remain competitive in the world marketplace. 3. How does it relate to the national Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? This project is assigned to the "Plant Biological and Molecular Processes" National Program 302. The program component entitled "Plant Growth and Development, Productivity, and Environmental Response" states that crop production potential is much greater than currently realized, in part because crop plants do not use, or they inefficiently use, all of the available resources. Our research concentrates on long-term discovery research to improve the manipulation of genes and gene expression for agricultural purposes. Our research goals include, but are not limited to, identifying sources of new genes; recognizing and modifying important genes and the mechanisms for regulation of their expression;
characterizing and manipulating the cell signals that govern the patterns of gene activities; altering the processes of recombination to improve transgene expression and provide specificity to its genomic location; and tailoring the temporal, spatial, and environmental regulation of transgenes to meet specific needs. Under this National Program our research is aimed at developing an understanding of the continuum from DNA to phenotype and the mechanisms that provide that continuum. 4. What was your most significant accomplishment this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2002 year: Production of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrids is commonly preceded by the removal of the anthers from recipient flowers or interrupting the functioning of the anthers prior to dehiscence. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, TX, have used the extreme sensitivity of cotton pollen to the presence of water to develop a novel
emasculation technique for use in cotton breeding programs. They have shown that water causes a rapid hydration of the cotton pollen that results in the rupturing and subsequent death of the cell. This water- induced pollen death does not result in female sterility, and maintains fruit retention and seed set following subsequent pollination with pollen from another flower. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: Plants have an inducible multi-component heat protection system that can reactivate partially denatured enzymes or remove fully denatured enzymes from the cell, thereby preventing cell injury or death. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, TX, have identified mutants in the multi-component protection system. The scientists have determined that four distinct genetic mutations exist within the mutants isolated to date. These acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants are currently being used to identify the genes responsible
for heat protection in plants. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations: A myriad of environmental and management factors can negatively influence the development of cotton root systems. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, TX, spearheaded the development of a Cotton Root Disorder handbook in collaboration with University scientists at Texas Tech University, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, and the University of Arkansas. The handbook provides both a pictorial and a text description of numerous cotton root system disorders. The handbook was distributed to cotton producers (many of whom are on small farms) to assist in the daily management of their cotton crops. 5. Describe your major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact? During the first two years of this project we have identified problems associated with sprinkler irrigation of cotton and
have suggested management practices to improve yields. The importance of matching the air temperature with optimum plant temperatures during herbicide application has been demonstrated. Techniques have been developed for the screening of germplasm collections to identify plants with improved stress tolerance. 6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? 2003: The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. The impact of both water and thermal stress on root development in cotton (a tap-root morphology) and corn (a fibrous root morphology) will be evaluated. The effect of transgenic expression/over expression of antioxidant enzymes, singly and in combination, on tobacco seedlings under low temperature stress will be investigated. 2004: In order to identify other genes that contribute significantly to acquired thermotolerance or are involved in the major signaling pathway regulating the development of thermotolerance,
"activation tagging" lines of Arabidopsis will be screened for gain-of-function mutations that confer increased thermotolerance. This screen will enable identification of components involved in "master regulation" of thermotolerance. The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. 2005: Acquired thermotolerance deficient mutants will be provided to the Arabidopsis stock center. Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recover from water deficits. Identify thermal stress effects on root function. 7. What technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer other scientist)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption durability of the technology? A Cotton Root Disorder Handbook was
developed and provided to cotton producers, extension specialists, and crop consultants. 8. List your most important publications and presentations, and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your review publications which are listed below) "Raindrops on cotton can cut fiber yields" in Agricultural Research. 2001. v. 49(11). p. 23. "Leaders honored at Beltwide Cotton Conference" in Cotton Grower. February 2002. p. 42. "By Phone or By Plane, These Plants Will Tell You What They're Feeling." CAAR Communicator. December 2001
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Burke, J.J., O'Mahony, P.J. Protective role in acquired thermotolerance of developmentally regulated heat shock proteins in cotton seeds. Journal of Cotton Science. 2001. v. 5 p. 174-183.
- Burke, J.J. Moisture sensitivity of cotton pollen: An emasculation tool for hybrid production. 2002. Agronomy Journal. v. 94 p. 883-888.
- Peffley, E.B., Magnum, P.D., Burke, J.J. Response of isozymes in Allium to thermal and aerobic stress. Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 2001. v. 14. p. 91-95.
- Burke, J.J., Valco, T.D. Evaluation of sprinkler-induced flower losses and yield reductions. Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Conference. Cotton Physiology Conference. CD-ROM. Memphis, TN: National Cotton Council of America. 2002. p. 22
- Allen, V.G., Pond, K.R., Saker, K.E. Fontenot, J.P., Bagley, C.P., Ivy, R. L., Evans, R.R., Schmidt, R.E., Fike, J.H., Zhang, X., Ayad, J.Y., Brown, C.P., Miller, M.F., Montgomery, J., Mahan, J., Wester, D.B., Melton, C. TASCO: Influence of brown seaweed on antioxidants in forages and livestock- A review. Journal of Animal Science. 2001. v. 79(E Supplement). p. 21-31.
- Wanjura, D.F., Upchurch, D.R., Mahan, J.R., Burke, J.J. Cotton yield and applied water relationships under drip irrigation. Agricultural Water Management. 2002. v. 55. p. 217-237.
- Zak, J.C, McMichael, B. Agroecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal activity. Shiyomi, Masar, Koizumi, Hirushi, editors. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. Structure and Function In Agroecosystem Design and Management. 2001. p. 145-165.
- McMichael, B.L., Burke, J., Boman, R., Dotray, P. Hopper, N., Kaufman, H., Oosterhuis, D., Wheeler, T., Zak, J. Cotton Root Disorders. Cotton Incorporated, Pengrafix Solutions, Pensacola, FL. 2002.
- Payton, P.R, McCartor, K., Pathan, M.S., Rosenow, D.T., Nguyen, H.T. Transcriptional profiling of drought responses in sorghum. American Society of Plant Biologists. 2002. Abstract No. 76.
- Tripathy, D., Klueva, N., Wang, J., Payton, P., Allen, R.D. Transcription profiling of drought stressed induced expressed sequence tags during cotton boll formation. American Society of Plant Biologists. 2002. Abstract No. 42.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it?
Environmental stresses on plants consistently reduce crop production in all agricultural areas. Deficits of available soil water caused by untimely rainfall and temperature extremes are annual occurrences in the rainfed agricultural areas of the United States. Soil water deficits and temperature extremes are two stresses which cause major impact on growth and yield. We are identifying metabolic limitations responsible for reduced plant performance under water and temperature stresses. We are identifying and characterizing natural defense mechanisms used by plants to reduce water and temperature stress inhibition of growth and development. We are assessing the impact of temperature and water stresses on germplasm collections, developing improved management systems for existing germplasm, and developing transformation technology for germplasm improvement.
2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter?
Comparison of average crop yields with reported record yields has shown that the major crops grown in the U.S. exhibit annual average yields three- to seven-fold lower than record yields because of unfavorable environments. Analysis of yields from corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, oats, barley, potatoes, and sugar beets revealed that the average yield represented only 22% of the mean record yield. Crops with economically valuable reproductive structures showed the greatest discrepancy between average and record yields. Those crops having marketable vegetative structures exhibited approximately three-fold reductions in yield. These data suggest that plants have high productivity potentials, but are operating well below their genetic potential. Evaluation of crop losses between 1948-1989 by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation showed that on average, 69% of insurance indemnities could be attributed to drought and excess heat in barley, canning beans, corn, forages, oat, peanut, rye,
safflower, soybean, and wheat. Improved management and germplasm are essential if U.S. farmers are to remain competitive in the world market place.
3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Component(s)?
This project is assigned to the "Plant Biological and Molecular Processes" National Program 302. The program component entitled "Plant Growth and Development, Productivity, and Environmental Response" states that crop production potential is much greater than currently realized, in part because crop plants do not use, or they inefficiently use, all of the available resources. Our research concentrates on long-term discovery research to improve the manipulation of genes and gene expression for agricultural purposes. Our research goals include, but are not limited to, identifying sources of new genes; recognizing and modifying important genes and the mechanisms for regulation of their expression; characterizing and manipulating the cell signals that govern the patterns of gene activities; altering the processes of recombination to improve transgene expression and provide specificity to its genomic location; and tailoring the temporal, spatial, and environmental regulation of transgenes
to meet specific needs. Under this National Program our research is aimed at developing an understanding of the continuum from DNA to phenotype and the mechanisms that provide that continuum.
4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year?
A. Single Most Significant Accomplishment during FY 2001 year: Sprinkler irrigation of cotton is a common practice throughout the cotton belt of the United States. Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, have shown that water from sprinklers causes a rapid hydration of the cotton pollen which results in the rupturing and subsequent death of the cell. This water-induced pollen death results in significant yield reductions compared with irrigation practices that do not spray water into the cotton flower. Significant yield increases can be achieved through minor modifications of water application to cotton. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any: Daily fluctuations in air temperature can severely inhibit plant metabolism. Seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations reduce enzyme efficiences within crops. Initial evaluation of the thermal dependence of enzyme function by scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development
Unit, in Lubbock, Texas, have provided new insights into the importance of species-specific thermal optima in the response to the efficiency of herbicide action. Significant improvements in herbicide efficacy by matching plant temperatures for optimal metabolism with the environment temperatures during herbicide application have been shown. C. Significant Accomplishments/Activities that Support Special Target Populations: Temperature stress on crop production impacts all producers, regardless of farm size. Initial evaluation of germplasm collections by scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, Texas, have identified genetic diversity for high temperature tolerance. Germplasm with superior high temperature stress characteristics are identified and this information is provided to public breeding programs.
5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project including their predicted or actual impact.
During the first year of this project we have identified problems associated with sprinkler irrigation of cotton and have suggested management practices to improve yields. The importance of matching the air temperature with optimum plant temperatures during herbicide application has been demonstrated. Techniques have been developed for the screening of germplasm collections to identify plants with improved stress tolerance.
6. What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years?
2002: Complementation testing to determine the number of different loci recovered in the identified acquired thermotolerance mutants will be performed with standard genetic crossing techniques. For complementation testing of mutations in different ecotype backgrounds we will also cross the relevant parental lines and test tolerance of the progeny as controls. Plants will be transformed with genes associated with desiccation tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. 2003: The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. The impact of both water and thermal stress on root development in cotton (a tap-root morphology) and corn (a fibrous root morphology) will be evaluated. The effect of transgenic expression/over expression of antioxidant enzymes, singly and in combination, on tobacco seedlings under low temperature stress will
be investigated. 2004: In order to identify other genes that contribute significantly to acquired thermotolerance or are involved in the major signaling pathway regulating the development of thermotolerance, "activation tagging" lines of Arabidopsis will be screened for gain-of-function mutations that confer increased thermotolerance. This screen will enable identification of components involved in "master regulation" of thermotolerance. The transgenic plants will be evaluated for changes in water stress tolerance. A series of field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine changes in inoculation potential of mycorrhizae associated with cotton. Characterize cell division activity as plants experience and recover from water deficits.
7. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints if known, to the adoption & durability of the technology product?
Scientists within the Plant Stress and Germplasm Development Unit in Lubbock, TX, have identified an extreme sensitivity of cotton pollen to the presence of water. They have shown that water from sprinklers causes a rapid hydration of the cotton pollen which results in the rupturing and subsequent death of the cell. This water-induced pollen death results in significant yield reductions because of flower emasculation. Significant yield increases can be achieved through minor modifications of water application to cotton. This information has been provided to producers by presentations at the Beltwide Cotton Conference, through the popular press, and by presentation to commodity groups.
8. List your most important publications in the popular press (no abstracts) and presentations to non-scientific organizations and articles written about your work (NOTE: this does not replace your peer-reviewed publications which are listed below)
"Plants on the Internet" Science Update (AAAS) air date 6/21/01. "Check the Temperature. Scientists establish thermal application range for best wee control." Farm Journal. May/June 2001. p. 33.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Roxas, V.P., Lodhi, S.A., Garrett, D.K., Mahan, J.R., Allen, R.D. Stress tolerance in transgenic tobacco seedlings that overexpress glutathione s-transferase/glutathione peroxidase. Plant Cell Physiology. 2000. v. 41. p. 1229-1234.
- Burke, J.J. Phenotypic evaluation of acquired thermotolerance mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana using multiple bioassays. American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting. 2001. Abstract No. 373. Available from: http://www.rycomusa.com/aspp2001/public/P33/0231.html.
- Mahan, J.R., Light, G.G., Hopper, N. The role of metabolic and enzymic activities in low temperature germination and emergence in several cold tolerant cotton varieties. American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting. 2001. Abstract No. 377. Available from: http://www.rycomusa.com/aspp2001/public/P33/0327.html.
- Oliver, M.J., Velten, J.P., Robinson, A.F., Burke, J.J. Genetically engineered nematode resistance in cotton using cellular ablation system based upon the nematode response element from tobacco. Proceedings American Society of Plant Biology Meeting. 2001. p. 174.
- Oliver, M.J., Mishler, B.D. Desiccation-tolerant pteridophytes: A unique position in the evolution of desiccation tolerance in land plants. Botanical Society of America. Available from: http://www.botany2001.org/sympos10/abstracts/7.shtml.
- Oliver, M.J., Wheeler, J.A., Mishler, B.D., Velten, J.P. A bryophyte rehydrin trackable marker for the evolution of desiccation tolerance. Botanical Society of America. Available from: http://www.botany2001.org/section1/abstracts/41.shtml.
- Burke, J.J., Brashears, A.D., Wanjura, D.F., Valco, T.D. Field evaluation of sprinkler-induced flower loss and yield reductions. Proceedings National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. 2001. p. 489.
- Burke, J.J. Opportunities for improving cotton's tolerance to high temperature. Proceedings National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. 2001. p. 1453.
- McMichael, B.L., Zak, J.C., Hooper, N.W. The relationship between cold tolerance, soil temperature, and AM colonization of cotton. Proceedings Agronomy Society of America Annual Meeting. 2000. p. 119.
- Burke, J.J. Identification of genetic diversity and mutations in higher plant acquired thermotolerance. Physiologia Plantarum. 2001. v. 112 (2). p. 167-170.
- Light, G.G., Dotray, P.A., Mahan, J.R. A thermal application range for postemergence pyrithiobac applications. Weed Science. 2001. v. 49. p. 543-548.
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