Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Develop and evaluate more efficient plant breeding methods, methods for utilizing exotic germplasm, methods for manipulating apomicis, and novel approaches for identifying and utilizing disease resistance. Identify and incorporate forage quality components into cultivars and management systems. Develop germplasm and optimal management for Cynodon and Pennisetum species which maximize accumulation of biomass. Develop and apply fundamental knowledge essential to the improvement of plants. Approach (from AD-416) Desirable qualitative and quantitative gene combinations for biomass, quality, disease resistance, etc., will be identified in plant introductions; landraces; primary, secondary and tertiary gene pools; and inter- and intra-specific hybrids and then transferred to and evaluated in improved germplasm and cultivars. Genetic and molecular techniques will be tested for manipulating and transferring genes controlling apomixis in Pennisetum and lignin in Cynodon. Innovative modifications of present plant breeding techniques will be evaluated for increasing yield and quality of warm-season grasses. Laboratory IVDMD, and NIR determinations will be used to identify forage quality components which will be evaluated in improved germplasm and cultivars in grazing and feeding experiments. A new dynamic multiline concept for developing rust resistant cultivars will be developed and tested. Management systems will be developed for incorporating Cynodon and Pennisetum into cropping systems for CRP lands and buffer strips. Accomplishments Tifquik - A New Fast-Germinating Bahiagrass A new faster-germinating bahiagrass - "Tifquik" has been jointly released by USDA-ARS and the University of Georgia. Tifquik will allow faster grazing in newly planted pastures and provides a new rotation option to help manage damaging soil-borne nematodes in crops such as peanut and cotton. Tifquik seed is expected to be available in 2008. These activities contribute to NP 205 Action Plan Component II "Plant Resources" items 4 (Overcoming limitations to plant growth) and 6 (Plants needed for conservation and novel uses). Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations J. Wilson was invited to discuss pearl millet markets at the Workshop for Small, Beginning, and Limited Resource Farmers, Heart of Georgia Technical College, 12-14-06. Technology Transfer Number of New CRADAS and MTAS: 1 Number of Active CRADAS and MTAS: 5 Number of Invention Disclosures submitted: 1 Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 12 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 12
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Anderson, W.F., Snook, M.E., Johnson, A.W. 2007. Flavonoids of Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp) Cultivars Varying in Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Resistance. J. of Ag. and Food Chemistry 55:1853-1861.
- Nischwitz, C., Maas, A.L., Mullis, S.W., Culbreath, A.K., Gitaitis, R.D. 2007. First Report of Peanut Mottle Virus in Forage Peanut (Arachis glabrata) in North America. Plant Dis. 91:632.
- Timper, P., Brenneman, T.B., Hanna, W.W., Wilson, J.P. 2007. Pearl millet as a rotation crop for peanut. Plant Health Progress, doi:1094/PHP-2007- 0202-02-RS. Available:http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/php/.
- Wilson, J.P., Tapsoba, H., Rajarajan, J. 2006. Mixture design analysis of rust infection in three-component pearl millet mixtures. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter 47:143-145..
- Wilson, J.P., Wilson, D.M., Jurjevic, Z. 2006. Equilibrium moisture content of pearl millet. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter 47:120-122.
- Buntin, G.D., Hanna, W.W., Wilson, J.P., Ni, X. 2007. Efficacy of insecticides for control of insect pests of pearl millet for grain production. Plant Health Progress, doi:10.1094/PHP-2007-0219-01-RS. Available: http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/php/.
- Boateng, A.A., Anderson, W.F., Phillips, J.G. 2007. Production of bermudagrass for bio-fuels: effect of two genotypes on pyrolysis product yield. Energy and Fuels 21, p.1183-1187.
- Chintapalli, R., Wilson, J.P., Little, C.R. 2006. Using Fungal Isolation Rates from Pearl Millet Caryopses to Estimate Grain Mold Resistance. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter 146-148.
- Maw, B.W., Wilson, J.P., Sumner, P.E., Hanna, W.W. 2006. Drying properties of pearl millet grain for long-term storage. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter 47:165-166.
- Maas, A.L., Dashiell, K.E., Melouk, H.A. 2006. Removal of Apical Dominant Shoot for Disease Resistance Screening Increases Seed Yield of Container- Grown Plants. Crop Science 46:2013-2014.
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Progress 09/18/02 to 09/17/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Develop and evaluate more efficient plant breeding methods, methods for utilizing exotic germplasm, methods for manipulating apomicis, and novel approaches for identifying and utilizing disease resistance. Identify and incorporate forage quality components into cultivars and management systems. Develop germplasm and optimal management for Cynodon and Pennisetum species which maximize accumulation of biomass. Develop and apply fundamental knowledge essential to the improvement of plants. Approach (from AD-416) Desirable qualitative and quantitative gene combinations for biomass, quality, disease resistance, etc., will be identified in plant introductions; landraces; primary, secondary and tertiary gene pools; and inter- and intra-specific hybrids and then transferred to and evaluated in improved germplasm and cultivars. Genetic and molecular techniques will be tested for manipulating and transferring genes controlling apomixis in Pennisetum and lignin in Cynodon. Innovative modifications of present plant breeding techniques will be evaluated for increasing yield and quality of warm-season grasses. Laboratory IVDMD, and NIR determinations will be used to identify forage quality components which will be evaluated in improved germplasm and cultivars in grazing and feeding experiments. A new dynamic multiline concept for developing rust resistant cultivars will be developed and tested. Management systems will be developed for incorporating Cynodon and Pennisetum into cropping systems for CRP lands and buffer strips. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project terminated 9/17/2007. New project 6602-21000-020-00D began on 9/18/2008.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
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? This project is aligned with NP205, Rangelands, Pastures, and Forages and contributes to NP 307, Bioenergy and Energy Alternatives. Warm-season grasses are a vital component of the economic and environmental well- being of the southern United States. These grasses contribute feed for livestock production, environmental protection through erosion control, recreational groundcover and wildlife habitat. The long-term mission of this project is the genetic improvement of warm-season grasses and the development of management practices needed for the adoption of new grass cultivars. This project advances research in genetics and production technologies to improve yield, digestibility, persistence, disease and pest resistance, and drought and cold tolerance of grasses adapted to USDA Plant
Hardiness Zones 7, 8, and 9. This research will result in new cultivars and germplasm, will reduce costs and risks of production, and will result in economic and environmental benefits to society. To provide greater economic benefit from these grasses, crop improvement will target multiple end-uses to diversify marketing opportunities and expand agribusiness development. Species traditionally used for forages are being modified for novel and alternative uses including bioenergy, turf, feedstuffs, livestock waste management and environmental protection. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Environmentally sustainable systems must also be economically sustainable. As profitable production alternatives in the southern U.S. become increasingly limited, developing novel uses for regionally adapted grasses will serve to develop and enhance rural economies and quality of life by providing diverse production options for recreation, feed stocks, animal waste and nutrient management,
erosion control, and bioenergy. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Year 1 (FY2003) Objective 1 Develop Improved Pearl Millet Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 1.1 - Develop pearl millet as a drought-tolerant grain crop 1. Develop and evaluate experimental hybrids 2. Conduct feeding studies 3. Develop populations for nematode assay 4. Nematode resistance evaluations 5. Develop near-isogenic populations for peduncle length 6. Moisture equilibrium studies for grain mold resistance 7. Propionate-based mold inhibitor studies Objective 1.2 Improve disease resistance in pearl millet hybrids 1. Inheritance of rust resistance 2. Molecular marking of resistance 3. Elite clipping trials 4. Livestock grazing study of experimental hybrids 5. Evaluate and select within dynamic multiline populations 6. Make new experimental forage hybrids 7. Experimental hybrid yield trials Objective 1.3 Identify
new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet 1. Make crosses with fertility restorers 2. Conduct molecular studies to identify new cms systems Objective 1.4 Develop novel genetic systems 1. Study reasons for low seed set in apomicts 2. Continue mapping studies of apomixis trait 3. Develop cell culture and transformation protocols for bermudagrass and pearl millet Objective 2 Develop Improved Bahiagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 2.1 Improve germination, digestibility and seed yield of forage bahiagrass 1. Identify and evaluate elite parents with high IVDMD 2. Increase seed of rapid emergence population 3. Evaluate establishment and seed production of Tifton 7 bahiagrass Objective 3 Develop Improved Bermudagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 3.1 Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage 1. Study seed production Objective 3.2 Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for
low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips and environmental protection 1. Maintain and sample within buffer strips Objective 4 Develop Improved Grass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices for Bioenergy Objective 4.1 Develop grasses for bioenergy 1. Produce bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids 2. Establish plots of bermudagrasses differing in IVDMD Objective 5 Develop Native Species and Management Practices for Ecosystem Restoration Objective 5.1 Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass 1. Assemble regional wiregrass seed collection 2. Examine alternatives and methods for direct seeding 3. Screen wiregrass for herbicide tolerance Year 2 (FY2004) Objective 1 Develop Improved Pearl Millet Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 1.1 - Develop pearl millet as a drought-tolerant grain crop 1. Develop and evaluate experimental hybrids 2. Conduct feeding studies 3. Develop populations for nematode assay 4.
Nematode resistance evaluations 5. Develop near-isogenic populations for peduncle length 6. Moisture equilibrium studies for grain mold resistance 7. Propionate-based mold inhibitor studies Objective 1.2 Improve disease resistance in pearl millet hybrids 1. Inheritance of rust resistance 2. Molecular marking of resistance 3. Elite clipping trials 4. Evaluate and select within dynamic multiline populations 5. Make new experimental forage hybrids 6. Experimental hybrid yield trials Objective 1.3 Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet 1. Evaluate fertility of hybrids with new cms sources x fertility restorers 2. Conduct molecular studies to identify new cms systems 3. Evaluate stability of sterility of new cms lines Objective 1.4 Develop novel genetic systems 1. Study reasons for low seed set in apomicts 2. Incorporate new findings on apomixes in backcrossing 3. Continue mapping studies of apomixis trait 4. Apply new
information to cloning apomixis locus 5. Develop cell culture and transformation protocols for bermudagrass and pearl millet Objective 2 Develop Improved Bahiagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 2.1 Improve germination, digestibility and seed yield of forage bahiagrass 1. Identify and evaluate elite parents with high IVDMD 2. Increase seed of rapid emergence population 3. Evaluate establishment, agronomic traits, and seed production of new rapid emergence population 4. Evaluate establishment and seed production of Tifton 7 bahiagrass Objective 3 Develop Improved Bermudagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 3.1 Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage 1. Study seed production Objective 3.2 Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips and environmental protection 1. Maintain and sample within buffer strips Objective 4 Develop Improved Grass
Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices for Bioenergy Objective 4.1 Develop grasses for bioenergy 1. Produce bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids 2. Evaluate bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids 3. Establish plots of bermudagrasses differing in IVDMD Objective 5 Develop Native Species and Management Practices for Ecosystem Restoration Objective 5.1 Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass 1. Field evaluation of regional wiregrass collection 2. Examine alternatives and methods for direct seeding 3. Screen wiregrass for herbicide tolerance Year 3 (FY2005) Objective 1 Develop Improved Pearl Millet Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 1.1 - Develop pearl millet as a drought-tolerant grain crop 1. Develop and evaluate experimental hybrids 2. Conduct feeding studies 3. Nematode resistance evaluations 4. Develop near-isogenic populations for peduncle length 5. Propionate-based mold inhibitor studies Objective
1.2 Improve disease resistance in pearl millet hybrids 1. Inheritance of rust resistance 2. Molecular marking of resistance 3. Elite clipping trials 4. Develop S3 progeny 5. Make new experimental forage hybrids 6. Experimental hybrid yield trials Objective 1.3 Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet 1. Evaluate fertility of hybrids with new cms sources x fertility restorers 2. Conduct molecular studies to identify new cms systems 3. Evaluate stability of sterility of new cms lines Objective 1.4 Develop novel genetic systems 1. Incorporate new findings on apomixis in backcrossing 2. Continue mapping studies of apomixis trait 3. Apply new information to cloning apomixis locus 4. Develop cell culture and transformation protocols for bermudagrass and pearl millet Objective 2 Develop Improved Bahiagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 2.1 Improve germination, digestibility and seed yield of forage
bahiagrass 1. Evaluate establishment, agronomic traits, and seed production of new rapid emergence population 2. Evaluate establishment and seed production of Tifton 7 bahiagrass Objective 3 Develop Improved Bermudagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 3.1 Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage 1. Evaluate agronomic characteristics, disease resistance and herbicide sensitivity of bermudagrass selections 2. Study spaced plants of seeded populations Objective 3.2 Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips and environmental protection 1. Evaluate bermudagrass for turf quality 2. Maintain and sample within buffer strips Objective 4 Develop Improved Grass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices for Bioenergy Objective 4.1 Develop grasses for bioenergy 1. Evaluate bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids 2. Sample bermudagrass and analyze cell wall composition and
degradability Objective 5 Develop Native Species and Management Practices for Ecosystem Restoration Objective 5.1 Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass 1. Field evaluation of regional wiregrass collection 2. Select population with improved seed production 3. Examine alternatives and methods for direct seeding Year 4 (FY2006) Objective 1 Develop Improved Pearl Millet Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 1.1 - Develop pearl millet as a drought-tolerant grain crop 1. Develop and evaluate experimental hybrids 2. Conduct feeding studies 3. Evaluate hybrids for silage Objective 1.2 Improve disease resistance in pearl millet hybrids 1. Inheritance of rust resistance 2. Molecular marking of resistance 3. Elite clipping trials 4. Develop S3 progeny 5. Make new experimental forage hybrids 6. Experimental hybrid yield trials Objective 1.3 Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet 1.
Conduct molecular studies to identify new cms systems 2. Evaluate stability of sterility of new cms lines Objective 1.4 Develop novel genetic systems 1. Incorporate new findings on apomixes in backcrossing 2. Apply new information to cloning apomixis locus Objective 2 Develop Improved Bahiagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 2.1 Improve germination, digestibility and seed yield of forage bahiagrass 1. Evaluate establishment, agronomic traits, and seed production of new rapid emergence population Objective 3 Develop Improved Bermudagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 3.1 Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage 1. Evaluate agronomic characteristics, disease resistance and herbicide sensitivity of bermudagrass selections 2. Study spaced plants of seeded populations Objective 3.2 Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips and environmental
protection 1. Evaluate bermudagrass for turf quality 2. Maintain and sample within buffer strips Objective 4 Develop Improved Grass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices for Bioenergy Objective 4.1 Develop grasses for bioenergy 1. Evaluate bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids 2. Sample bermudagrass and analyze cell wall composition and degradability Objective 5 Develop Native Species and Management Practices for Ecosystem Restoration Objective 5.1 Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass 1. Field evaluation of regional wiregrass collection 2. Select population with improved seed production 3. Evaluate adaptation of selected population Year 5 (FY2007) Objective 1 Develop Improved Pearl Millet Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 1.1 - Develop pearl millet as a drought-tolerant grain crop 1. Develop and evaluate experimental hybrids 2. Conduct feeding studies 3. Evaluate hybrids for silage Objective 1.2
Improve disease resistance in pearl millet hybrids 1. Inheritance of rust resistance 2. Molecular marking of resistance 3. Elite clipping trials 4. Make new experimental forage hybrids 5. Experimental hybrid yield trials Objective 1.3 Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet 1. Evaluate stability of sterility of new cms lines Objective 1.4 Develop novel genetic systems 1. Apply new information to cloning apomixis locus Objective 2 Develop Improved Bahiagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 2.1 Improve germination, digestibility and seed yield of forage bahiagrass 1. Release bahiagrass cultivar with improved establishment Objective 3 Develop Improved Bermudagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 3.1 Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage 1. Evaluate agronomic characteristics, disease resistance and herbicide sensitivity of bermudagrass selections 2. Study spaced
plants of seeded populations 3. Initiate grazing studies Objective 3.2 Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips and environmental protection 1. Evaluate bermudagrass for turf quality 2. Maintain and sample within buffer strips Objective 4 Develop Improved Grass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices for Bioenergy Objective 4.1 Develop grasses for bioenergy 1. Evaluate bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids 2. Sample bermudagrass and analyze cell wall composition and degradability Objective 5 Develop Native Species and Management Practices for Ecosystem Restoration Objective 5.1 Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass 1. Select population with improved seed production 2. Evaluate adaptation of selected population 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Ten bermudagrass accessions from selected from among 130 tetraploid bermudagrasses were
evaluated for salinity tolerance and were found to be more saline tolerant than the tolerant control variety. This accomplishment aligns with NP 205 Component 2 - Plant Resources - Overcoming Limitations to Plant Growth and Development. 4b List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. A core collection allows more effective use of resources in screening. The 600 accession bermudagrass collection in Tifton GA has been evaluated and a core collection of 168 accessions has been established and evaluated for digestibility and fiber attributes, and is currently being evaluated for fall armyworm resistance and abiotic stresses. We are also assessing the genetic variability of this core collection through use of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP). This accomplishment aligns with NP 205 Component 2 - Plant Resources - Lack of Available Germplasm. Economic analysis of the more rapid fermentation rate and greater value of the DDGS coproduct from pearl millet can result
in a 25% improvement in the gross returns compared to a corn standard. This accomplishment aligns with NP 205 Component 2 - Plant Resources - Plants Needed for Conservation and Novel Uses. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. The major accomplishments over the life of the project include the transfer of new technologies, in the form of a new pearl millet cultivar and associated management information, to farmers. These activities are anticipated to provide new economic opportunities to farmers through crop diversification, and development of innovative and diversified market opportunities. The imminent release of a new faster germinating bahiagrass cultivar will also provide options for farmers in establishment of bahiagrass pastures and in rotational management of row crops such as peanut and cotton for the control of yield-reducing nematodes. These activities contribute to NP 205 Action Plan Component II "Plant Resources" items 4
(Overcoming limitations to plant growth) and 6 (Plants needed for conservation and novel uses). 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? Pearl millet hybrid Tifgrain 102 has been released for commercial production in 2004, and information for crop production and use has been distributed to several hundred farmers, livestock producers, feed mill managers, wildlife managers, seed companies, county extension coordinators, and University and USDA-NRCS scientists and personnel. This information has been distributed through 14 invited presentations at field days, grower training meetings, and agricultural conferences and workshops in FY 2006. Additional invited presentations have been given to Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils in
Georgia who are interested in diversifying their regional cropping system and creating new economic opportunities through a pearl millet cooperative for the southeastern U.S. Although most production is located in Georgia, this novel hybrid is being grown in a region from Texas to south Florida on approximately 7000 acres. Demand for seed has been greater than available commercial supplies. Preliminary results of proper fertilizer and management practices for Tifton 85 forage and hay yields have been disseminated at professional (American forage and Grassland Council), cattlemen associations, and forage workshops. Seed of the improved bahiagrass for forage, hay, and rotational cropping is being increased by the Georgia Crop Improvement Association and will have seed available for sale upon release in 2007. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications
below). J. Wilson was interviewed on July 11, 2006 by Southeast AgNet on use of Tifgrain 102 pearl millet in southern cropping systems.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Wilson, J.P. 2005. Does forage pearl millet have a place in production systems of Central America? In: Proceedings of Central American Regional Workshop on Forage Sorghum and Millet, November 16-18, 2005, San Miguel, El Salvador. 2005 CDROM. .
- Wilson, J. P. 2006. Breeding pearl millet for improved stability, performance, and pest resistance. International Sorghum and Millet CRSP 2005 Annual Report, INTSORMIL publication 05-01. pg. 55-60. (Technical report).
- Wang, D., Wu, X., Bean, S., Wilson, J.P. 2006. Ethanol production from pearl millet by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cereal Chemistry 83:127- 131.
- Maas, A.L., Dashiell, K.E., Melouk, H.A. 2006. Planting density influences disease incidence and severity of Sclerotinia blight in peanut. Crop Science. 46:1341-1345.
- Awala, S.K., Wilson, J.P. 2005. Expression and segregation of stay-green in pearl millet. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter. 46:87-100.
- Chenault, K.D., Maas, A.L. 2006. Identification of a simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker in cultivited peanut (Aarachis hypogaea L.) potentially associated with Sclerotinia blight resistance [abstract]. Proceedings of the American Peanut Research and Education Society. 37:24- 25.
- Hanna, W., Wilson, J.P., Timper, P. 2005. Registration of pearl millet parental line tift 454. Crop Science 45:2670.
- Hanna, W., Wilson, J.P., Timper, P. 2005. Registration of pearl millet parental line tift 99d2 a1/b1. Crop Science 45:2670.
- Maas, A.L. Hanna, W.W. 2006. Cover Crop Affects Nitrogen Response of Pearl Millet Grain Production in a Strip-till System [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Southern Branch. CD-ROM.
- Timper, P., Wilson, J.P. 2006. Root-knot nematode resistance in pearl millet from west and east Africa. Plant Disease. 90:339-344.
- Wilson, J.P., Jurjevic, Z., Hanna, W.W., Wilson, D.M., Potter, T.L., Coy, A.E. 2006. Host-specific variation in infection by toxigenic fungi and contamination by mycotoxins in pearl millet and corn. Mycopathologia 161:101-107.
- Anderson, W. F. 2005. Development of a forage bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) core collection. Grassland Science 51:305-308.
- Anderson, W. F., Gates, R. N., Hanna, W. W., and Blount, A. R. 2005. Rapid germinating forage bahiagrass [abstract]. Agronomy Abstracts CDRom.
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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? Warm-season grasses are vital to the economic and environmental well- being of the southern United States. These grasses contribute feed for livestock production, environmental protection through erosion control, recreational groundcover and wildlife habitat. The long-term mission of this project is the genetic improvement of warm-season grasses and the development of management practices needed for the adoption of new grass cultivars. This project advances research in genetics and production technologies to improve yield, digestibility, persistence, disease and pest resistance, and drought and cold tolerance of grasses adapted to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7, 8, and 9. This research will result in new cultivars and germplasm, will reduce costs and risks of production, and will result in economic and
environmental benefits to society. To provide greater economic benefit from these grasses, crop improvement for multiple end-uses will diversify marketing opportunities and expand agribusiness development. Species traditionally used for forages are being modified for novel and alternative uses including bioenergy, turf, feedstuffs, livestock waste management and environmental protection. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Environmentally sustainable systems must also be economically sustainable. As profitable production alternatives in the southern U.S. become increasingly limited, developing novel uses for regionally adapted grasses will serve to develop and enhance rural economies and quality of life by providing diverse production options for recreation, feed stocks, animal waste and nutrient management, erosion control, and bioenergy. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Objective 1 - Develop Improved Pearl Millet Germplasm,
Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 1.1 - Develop pearl millet as a drought-tolerant grain crop 1. Develop and evaluate experimental hybrids: FY 2003-2007 2. Conduct feeding studies: FY 2003-2007 3. Develop populations for nematode assay: FY 2003-2004 4. Nematode resistance evaluations: FY 2003-2005 5. Develop near-isogenic populations for peduncle length: FY 2003-2005 6. Moisture equilibrium studies for grain mold resistance: FY 2003-2004 7. Propionate-based mold inhibitor studies: FY 2003-2005 Objective 1.2 - Improve disease resistance in pearl millet hybrids 1. Inheritance of rust resistance: FY 2003-2007 2. Molecular marking of resistance: FY 2003-2007 3. Elite clipping trials: FY 2003-2007 4. Livestock grazing study of experimental hybrids: FY 2003 5. Evaluate and select within dynamic multiline populations: FY 2003- 2004 6. Develop S3 progeny: FY 2005-2006 7. Make new experimental forage hybrids: FY 2003-2007 8. Experimental hybrid yield
trials: FY 2003-2007 Objective 1.3 - Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet 1. Make crosses with fertility restorers: FY 2003 2. Evaluate fertility of hybrids with new cms sources x fertilizer restorers: FY 2004-2005 3. Conduct molecular studies to identify new cms systems: Fy 2003-2006 4. Evaluate stability of sterility of new cms lines: FY 2004-2007 Objective 1.4 - Develop novel genetic systems 1. Study reasons for low seed set in apomicts: FY 2003-2004 2. Incorporate new findings on apomixes in backcrossing: FY 2004-2006 3. Continue mapping studies of apomixis trait: FY 2003-2005 4. Apply new information to cloning apomixis locus: FY 2005-2007 5. Develop cell culture and transformation protocols for bermudagrass and pearl millet: FY 2003-2005 Objective 2 - Develop Improved Bahiagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 2.1 - Improve germination, digestibility and seed yield of forage bahiagrass 1. Identify and
evaluate elite parents with high IVDMD: FY 2003-2004 2. Increase seed of rapid emergence population: FY 2003-2004 3. Evaluate establishment, agronomic traits, and seed production of new rapd emergence population: FY 2004-2006 4. Release bahiagrass cultivar with improved establishment: FY 2007 5. Evaluate establishment and seed production of Tifton 7 bahiagrass: FY 2003-2005 Objective 3 - Develop Improved Bermudagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 3.1 - Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage 1. Select for seed production: FY 2003-2004 2. Evaluate agronomic characteristics, disease resistance and herbicide sensitivity of bermudagrass selections: FY 2005-2007 3. Study spaced plants of seeded populations: FY 2005-2007 4. Initiate grazing studies: FY 2007 Objective 3.2 - Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips and environmental protection 1. Evaluate bermudagrass for turf
quality: FY 2005-2007 2. Maintain and sample within buffer strips: FY 2003-2007 Objective 4 - Develop Improved Grass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices for Bioenergy Objective 4.1 - Develop grasses for bioenergy 1. Produce bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids: FY 2003-2004 2. Evaluate bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids: FY 2004-2007 3. Establish plots of bermudagrasses differing in IVDMD: FY 2003-2004 4. Sample bermudagrass and analyze cell wall composition and degradability: FY 2005-2007 Objective 5 - Develop Native Species and Management Practices for Ecosystem Restoration Objective 5.1 - Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass 1. Assemble regional wiregrass seed collection: FY 2003 2. Field evaluation of regional wiregrass collection: FY 2004-2006 3. Select population with improved seed production: FY 2005-2007 4. Examine alternatives and methods for direct seeding: FY 2003-2005 5. Screen wiregrass for herbicide
tolerance: FY 2003-2004 6. Evaluate adaptation of selected population: FY 2006-2007 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. Develop improved pearl millet germplasm, cultivars, and management practices. - Develop pearl millet cultivars as a drought tolerant grain crop - Improve disease resistance in pearl millet forage and grain hybrids - Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet - Develop novel genetic systems Progress: Several thousand new experiemental pearl millet inbreds are being advanced and several hundred hybrids were produced and evaluated for yield, agronomic traits, and resistance or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Promising hybrids are being identified for additional studies of yield and fertility restoration. A maize resistance gene analog PIC 13 (derived from rp3 rust resistance gene) was found
to co-segregate with rust resistance in one pearl millet inbred, and is linked 2.4 cm with two other resistance genes. PIC 13 may be useful to conduct marker assisted selection for these rust resistance genes. SSR and EST primers were used to assess genetic diversity in a collection of wild, exotic, and domestic pearl millet accessions. The U.S. accessions were differentiated from the wild and exotic germplasm, which were less clearly differentiated. Clusters may identify potentially diverse sources of genes for crop improvement. The staygreen trait is associated with drought tolerance in grasses. A pearl millet selection with staygreen was identified and a quantitative assay was developed to compare genotypes. This research is likely to provide greater drought tolerance, improved nitrogen use efficiency, and greater protein content of forage. Chinch bug tolerance was identified in two pearl millet inbreds in tests conducted at Tifton GA and Lincoln NE. Chinch bug is the primary
insect pest of this forage grass and resistance will contribute to the stability of production in pastures. Milestone Substantially Met 2. Develop improved bahiagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices. - Improve germination, digestibility, and seed yield of forage bahiagrass Progress: A bahiagrass with reduced hard seed and quicker germination is in the third year of testing and is in multi-location and grazing trials, and in rotational management practices with peanut for increased profitability in nematode-infested soils. Single plant data are being collected for Plant Variety Protection requirements and for release. Milestone Substantially Met 3. Develop improved bermudagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices - Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage - Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips for environmental protection Progress: Selected seed-propagated bermudagrasses are being
evaluated for forage yield and quality in multi-location trials including northern locations to assess cold tolerance. A high-yielding vegetatively propagated bermudagrass clone is being tested for cold tolerance and greater yield in northern environments. Near-infrared spectroscopy has been performed and will be calibrated with in vitro dry matter digestibility on diverse bermudagrasses to develop quicker and easier methods of assessing bermudagrass forage quality. Several grasses including napiergrass, giant reed, St. Augustine grass, and bermudagrass were screened for their ability to grow on floating mats in concentrated swine effluent lagoons. Tifton 85 bermudagrass and another unidentified bermudagrass selection have been found to be most suited for further evaluation of effluent remediation. Milestone Substantially Met 4. Develop improved grass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices for bioenergy - Develop grasses for bioenergy Progress: Among bermudagrass cultivars,
Tifton 85 had the highest reduction of dry matter to fermentable sugars and highest amount of released ferulic acid co-product using environmental friendly enzymatic pretreatments. Napiergrass showed high potential for reduction of dry leaf matter to fermentable sugars. The second year of a fouryear study to determine proper fertilizer and management of Tifton 85 bermudagrass to optimize quality and economic return is being conducted. A core collection of 170 bermudagrass accessions has been developed to more fully evaluate characteristics for forage and biofuel feedstocks. Multiple clones of giant reed have been collected and are currently being characterized for genetic and phenotypic differences. Pearl millet was evaluated as a feedstock for ethanol production. Compared to the corn standard, pearl millet fermented 30% faster and the DDGS coproduct had a greater nutritional and economic value as measured by protein and fat content. Milestone Substantially Met 5. Develop native grass
species and management practices for ecosystem restoration - Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass Progress: The studies with native grass species have not been conducted due to relocation of the scientist responsible for these studies. The priority of this research is being reevaluated with the recent hiring of a new Research Geneticist. Milestone Not Met Critical SY Vacancy 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? Objective 1 - Develop Improved Pearl Millet Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 1.1 - Develop pearl millet as a drought-tolerant grain crop 1. Develop and evaluate experimental hybrids: FY 2003-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Identification of experimental hybrids with superior yield and pest resistance. 2. Evaluate hybrids for silage: FY 2006-2007. Anticipated
accomplishment: Determine effect of low-lignin trait on silage yield and quality. Objective 1.2 - Improve disease resistance in pearl millet hybrids 1. Inheritance of rust resistance: FY 2003-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Identification of distinct resistances. 2. Molecular marking of resistance: FY 2003-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Identification of molecular markers linked to rust resistance. 3. Develop S3 progeny: FY 2005-2006. Anticipated accomplishment: Advancement of superior experimental breeding lines. 4. Make new experimental forage hybrids: FY 2003-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Development of new hybrids for screening purposes. 5. Experimental hybrid yield trials: FY 2003-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Identification of experimental hybrids with superior yield and pest resistance. Objective 1.3 - Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet 1. Evaluate stability of sterility of new cms lines: FY 2004-2007. Anticipated
accomplishment: Identification of new A/B/R combinations of commercial utility. Objective 2 - Develop Improved Bahiagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 2.1 - Improve germination, digestibility and seed yield of forage bahiagrass 1. Evaluate establishment, agronomic traits, and seed production of new rapid emergence population: FY 2004-2006. Anticipated accomplishment: Proper management practices for experimental germplasm will be identified. 2. Release bahiagrass cultivar with improved establishment: FY 2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Introduction of new germplasm for commercial production. Objective 3 - Develop Improved Bermudagrass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices Objective 3.1 - Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage 1. Evaluate agronomic characteristics, disease resistance and herbicide sensitivity of bermudagrass selections: FY 2005-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Improved selection efficiency within
bermudagrass core collection. 2. Study spaced plants of seeded populations: FY 2005-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Identification of superior selections for composing next cycle for selection. Objective 3.2 - Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips and environmental protection 1. Evaluate grasses for growth under high concentrations of livestock effluent: FY 2005-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: Identification of grasses capable of withstanding high levels of livestock waste for remediation. Objective 4 - Develop Improved Grass Germplasm, Cultivars, and Management Practices for Bioenergy Objective 4.1 - Develop grasses for bioenergy 1. Evaluate bermudagrass, napiergrass, and other grasses for biomass production and potentially useful coproducts: FY 2005-2007. Anticipated accomplishment: to identify grass species relevant to potential commercial biofuel production in the southeast. 4a What was the single most
significant accomplishment this past year? A bermudagrass core collection was developed. This will allow more efficient screening of this germplasm in research to improve this important species for forage and bioenergy. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. The identification of staygreen and chinch bug tolerance in pearl millet will allow development of new forage hybrids with improved water and nitrogen use efficiency, and tolerance to one of the most widespread insect pests of this crop. 4c List any significant activities that support special target populations. J. Wilson was invited to present "Opportunities in a Pearl Millet Marketing Cooperative" the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, which consists of African-American-owned cooperatives. This presentation was given at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives 22nd Annual GA Farmers Conference in Albany, GA on February 18, 2005. Collaborative efforts continue to effectively transfer this product of ARS research to
African- American growers. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. The major accomplishments over the life of the project include the transfer of new technologies, in the form of a new pearl millet cultivar and associated management information, to farmers. These activities are anticipated to provide new economic opportunities to farmers through crop diversification, and development of innovative and diversified market opportunities. The imminent release of a new faster germinating bahiagrass cultivar will also provide options for farmers in establishment of bahiagrass pastures and in rotational management of row crops such as peanut and cotton for the control of yield-reducing nematodes. These activities contribute to NP 205 Action Plan Component II - Plant Resources items 4 (Overcoming limitations to plant growth) and 6 (Plants needed for conservation and novel uses). 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? Pearl millet hybrid Tifgrain 102 has been released for commercial production in 2004, and information for crop production and use has been distributed to several hundred farmers, livestock producers, feed mill managers, wildlife managers, seed companies, county extension coordinators, and University and USDA-NRCS scientists and personnel. This information has been distributed through 13 invited presentations at field days, grower training meetings, and agricultural conferences and workshops in 2005. Four additional invited presentations have been given to Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils in Georgia who are interested in diversifying their regional cropping system and creating new economic opportunities through a pearl
millet cooperative for the southeastern U.S. Although most production is located in Georgia, this novel hybrid is being grown in a region from Texas to south Florida on 4000 acres in 2005, a 400% increase from 2004. Several seed companies are now evaluating experimental pearl millet germplasm developed by this project in accordance with the conditions of Material Transfer Agreements. Preliminary results of proper fertilizer and management practices for Tifton 85 forage and hay yields have been disseminated at professional (American forage and Grassland Council), cattlemen associations, and forage workshops. Seed of the improved bahiagrass for forage, hay, and rotational cropping is being increased by the Georgia Crop Improvement Association and will have seed available for sale upon release in 2006 or in 2007. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed
publications below). "The Pearl of Grains". Progressive Farmer. November 2004.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Anderson, W.F., Burton, G.W., Hanna, W.W., Davis, M. 2004. Coastcross II bermudagrass. Proceedings of Conference of American Forage and Grassland Council. 13:526.
- Anderson, W.F., Snook, M.E. 2004. Development of a bermudagrass core collection (Abstract). In: Proceedings of the American Society of Agronomy, Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2004. CDROM.
- Anderson, W.F., Akin, D.E., Himmelsbach, D.S., Morrison Iii, W.H., Bransby, D., Cobill, R.M. 2005. Potential perennial biomass feedstocks for southern united states (Abstract). 27th Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. p. 50.
- Anderson, W.F., Parker, M.B. 2005. Yield and mineral element composition of Tifton 85 and coastal bermuda in relation to fertilizer application. Proceedings of Conference of Amercan Forage and Grassland Council. 14:115.
- Wilson, J.P., Devos, K.M. 2004. Linkage groups associated with partial rust resistance in pearl millet. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter. 45:51-52.
- Dahlbert, J., Wilson, J.P., Snyder, T. 2004. Sorghum and pearl millet - health foods and industrial products in developed countries. Expert Meeting on Alternative Uses of Sorghum and Pearl Millet in Asia, India. ISBN 92-9066-471-1, p. 42-59.
- Jurjevic, Z., D.M. Wilson, J.P. Wilson, D.M. Geiser, J.H. Juba, W. Mubatanhema, G.C. Rains, and N. Widstrom. Fusarium species liseola section on pearl millet and corn and its relation with fumonisin production. 2005. Mycopathologia 159 (3):401-406.
- Anderson, W.F., Peterson, J., Akin, D.E., Morrison Iii, W.H. 2005. Enzyme- pretreatment of grass lignocellulose for potential high-value co-products and an improved fermentable substrate. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 121-124:303-310.
- Wilson, J.P. 2004. Breeding pearl millet for improved stability, performance, and pest resistance. International Sorghum and Millet CRSP 2004 Annual Report, INTSORMIL publication 03-06. pg. 63-67. (Technical report)
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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? Warm-season grasses are vital to the economic and environmental well- being of the southern United States. These grasses contribute feed for livestock production, erosion control, and recreational groundcover. The long-term mission of this project is the genetic improvement of warm- season grasses and the development of management practices needed for the adoption of new grass cultivars. Research into the genetics of improved digestibility, persistence, disease and pest resistance, and drought and cold tolerance in pearl millet, bahiagrass, and bermudagrass will result in new cultivars and germplasm, will reduce costs and risks associated with production, and will increase the benefits derived from these grasses. To provide greater economic benefit from these grasses and to increase the diversity of
options available to growers, species traditionally used for forages are being modified for novel and alternative uses including bioenergy, turf, feedstuffs, livestock waste management and environmental protection. Environmentally sustainable systems must also be economically sustainable. As profitable production alternatives in the southern U.S. become increasingly limited, developing novel uses for regionally adapted grasses will serve to develop and enhance rural economies and quality of life by providing more options in areas of recreation, feed stocks, animal waste and nutrient management, erosion control, and bioenergy. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Develop improved pearl millet germplasm, cultivars, and management practices -Develop pearl millet cultivars as a drought tolerant grain crop -Improve disease resistance in pearl millet forage and grain hybrids -Identify new male-sterility system for producing hybrids in pearl millet -Develop
novel genetic systems Develop improved bahiagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices. -Improve germination, digestibility, and seed yield of forage bermudagrass Develop improved bermudagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices -Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage -Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips for environmental protection Develop improved grass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices for bioenergy -Develop grasses for bioenergy Develop native grass species and management practices for ecosystem restoration -Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass 3. Milestones: 3.A. 2004 Milestones / Progress Develop improved pearl millet germplasm, cultivars, and management practices -Develop pearl millet cultivars as a drought tolerant grain crop -Improve disease resistance in pearl millet forage and grain hybrids -Identify new male-sterility system for
producing hybrids in pearl millet -Develop novel genetic systems Progress: Tifgrain 102 has been released and is in commercial production. Several hundred new experimental hybrids were produced and evaluated for yield, agronomic traits, and disease resistance. Promising hybrids with up to 100% the yield of current commercial cultivars have been identified for further study of yield and fertility restoration. Resistance to root knot nematode has been identified in recent introductions from Africa. Molds in feed are suppressed if moisture content is kept below 13%, and propionate based compounds may be used to prevent mold development and maintain feed quality in storage. Studies in developing novel genetic systems have not been pursued due to retirement of personnel responsible for this research. Develop improved bahiagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices. -Improve germination, digestibility, and seed yield of forage bermudagrass Progress: Seed from a bahiagrass
population selected for rapid emergence has been increased for more extensive field trials. Plots of new experimentals have been established for multi-year evaluations. Laboratory protocol used to evaluate digestibility has been modified to provide greater precision in selecting for improved digestibility. Develop improved bermudagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices -Develop superior seed-propagated bermudagrass for forage -Develop and evaluate bermudagrass cultivars for low maintenance turf and for use in buffer strips for environmental protection Progress: A bermudagrass clone that can grow in concentrated swine effluent has been selected for further evaluation. The performance of bermudagrass buffers in response to agricultural runoff are being determined from on-going trials. The development of seeded bermudagrasses has been delayed due to retirement of personnel responsible for this research. Develop improved grass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices
for bioenergy -Develop grasses for bioenergy Progress: The extensive bermudagrass collection at Tifton has been screened for contamination, and the nursery has been re-established to assure genetic purity for future research. New bermudagrass and napiergrass hybrids were produced for evaluation of biomass. Giant reed has been included in ongoing trials as a promising grass species for bioenergy production. Develop native grass species and management practices for ecosystem restoration -Examine seed production and reproductive characteristics of wiregrass Progress: This series of studies outlined above has not been conducted due to relocation of the scientist responsible for these studies. The priority of this research will be reevaluated upon hiring of a new Research Geneticist. 3. B. 2005, 2006, and 2007 milestones Develop improved pearl millet germplasm, cultivars, and management practices During the next three years we will continue to develop and evaluate breeding lines to
combine disease and pest resistance with superior agronomic traits. In 2006, new pearl millet germplasm with resistance to foliar diseases should be released. By 2007, molecular markers for several traits of interest should be identified and new breeding lines with grain mold resistance should be identified. Develop improved bahiagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices Evaluation of germplasm selected for rapid emergence will continue in 2005. Seed increases will be conducted in 2005 and 2006 for cultivar release in 2007. Develop improved bermudagrass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices Evaluation of bermudagrass will continue in 2005. By 2006 we anticipate identifying a core collection for a bermudagrass collection, and by 2007, should release a vegetatively propagated bermudagrass for forage and biomass. Develop improved grass germplasm, cultivars, and management practices for bioenergy In 2005 and 2006, alternative grass species will be collected to be
evaluated for bioenergy production. By 2007, the genetic relatedness of a napiergrass collection will be determined. Develop native grass species and management practices for ecosystem restoration Priority of the above studies will be reassessed as new personnel are hired. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single most significant accomplishment during FY 2004: The ARS Plant Variety Patent Committee approved the varietal protection for Tifgrain 102 pearl millet. This hybrid is now commercially available and is being grown by farmers. Our research has shown that this drought tolerant, short-season crop can grow in sandy, acidic soils with no irrigation and reduced fertilizer inputs. It produces a high quality feed without contamination by aflatoxins and fumonisins in dryland conditions. B. Other significant accomplishment(s), if any. None C. Significant activities that support special target populations. None D. Progress Report opportunity to
submit additional programmatic information to your Area Office and NPS (optional for all in house ("D") projects and the projects listed in Appendix A; mandatory for all other subordinate projects). This report serves to document research conducted under a trust agreement between ARS and the University of Nebraska. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 6602-21410-004- 00D "Genetic Enhancement of Warm-season grass species for forage and alternative uses". This research is being conducted to identify sources of disease and pest resistance for pearl millet improvement, and broaden the genetic diversity of pearl millet germplasm in the U.S. In trials in Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana, Zatib had the lowest incidence of downy mildew and Tift 99B was the most susceptible. 68A x 086R had the lowest striga emergence and HKP GMS was most susceptible. Tifgrain 102 had the lowest level of head miner incidence, and 99-72 had the highest level. Yield was
lowest for Tift 99B and greatest for CIVT and ICMV IS 89305. African germplasm was crossed to A1 and A4 fertility restorer inbreds were grown in the field in the U.S. Yield was lowest for Zongo, and greatest for HKP-GMS x Tift 454. Neither restorer exhibited consistently superior heterosis with the African germplasm. Differential reproduction of the root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) was assessed in P3Kollo, Zongo, SoSat C-88, and Gwagwa. All African accessions were more resistant to the southern root knot nematode than the U.S. hybrid HGM 100. Considerable heterogeneity for resistance to reproduction of root knot nematode exists within these four varieties. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. The major accomplishments over the life of the project include the transfer of new technologies, in the form of a new pearl millet cultivar and associated management information, to farmers. These activities are
anticipated to provide new economic opportunities to farmers through crop diversification, and development of innovative market opportunities. These activities contribute to NP 205 Action Plan Component II "Plant Resources" items 4 (Overcoming limitations to plant growth) and 6 (Plants needed for conservation and novel uses). 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? New information for producing pearl millet has been summarized in an extension service bulletin and has been distributed by request to several hundred farmers, county extension agents, feed mill managers, grain brokers and scientists through three area-wide grower meetings and in informal communications. Two seed companies are now evaluating experimental pearl millet germplasm
developed by this project in accordance with the conditions of Material Transfer Agreements. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. "Tifgrain 102" Could Help Farmers" Tifton Gazette, Saturday, July 10, 2004.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Anderson, W.F., Snook, M., Ozias-Akins, P. 2004. Preliminary genotyping of bermudagrass plant accessions using genetic and chemical approaches. Keystone Symposia: Genomics of Plants (C6). Taos, N.M. March 4-9, 2004, p. 31. (Abst).
- Chee, P., Wilson, J.P. 2004. Genetic variability of wild pearl millets with striga resistance. Proceedings: Millet and sorghum-based systems in West Africa: Current knowledge and enhancing linkages to improve food security. McKnight Foundation Collaborative Crop Research Foundation. Niamey, Niger, January 27-30, 2004. http://mcknight.ccrp.cornell.edu/WEB- INF/documents/partic_docs/Niger04/WAf_Wilson_full(EN).pdf.
- Lee, D., Hanna, W., Buntin, G.D., Dozier, W., Timper, P., Wilson, J.P. 2004. Pearl millet for grain. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin 1216. p. 12.
- Jurjevic, Z., Wilson, D.M., Wilson, J.P., Rains, G.C., Geiser, D.M., Widstrom, N.W. 2003. Fusarium species on Georgia corn and pearl millet and its relation with fumonisin production. Phytopathology 93:S42.
- AKIN, D.E., MORRISON III, W.H., ANDERSON, W.F. LIGNOCELLULOSE OF GRASSES: POTENTIAL FOR BIOGENERY AND CO-PRODUCTS. 227TH AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY NATIONAL MEETING, MARCH 28-APRIL 1, 2004, ANAHEIM, CA. 2004. ABSTRACT #144.
- Anderson, W.F., Peterson, J., Akin, D.E., Morrison Iii, W.H. 2004. Enzyme- pretreatment of grass lignocellulose for potential high-value co-products and an improved fermentable substrate. Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals Symposium Proceedings, Chattanooga, TN, May 9-12, 2004. (Abst).
- Wilson, J.P., Hess, D.E., Hanna, W.W., Kumar, K.A., Gupta, S.C. 2003. Identification of pennisetum glaucum subsp. monodii with striga resistance. Phytopathology 93:S90.
- Wilson, J.P., Hess, D.E., Hanna, W.W., Kumar, K.A., Gupta, S.C. 2004. Pennisetum glaucum subsp. monodii accessions with striga resistance in west africa. Crop Protection 23:865-870.
- Wilson, J.P., Holbrook Jr, C.C., Mandal, B., Rowland, D., Wells, M.L., Wilson, D.M. 2004. Efficacy of foliar applications of particle films and genotype for managing thrips, diseases, and aflatoxin in peanut. Plant Health Progress doi: 10.1094/PHP-2004-0419-01-RS.
- Wilson, J.P., Hanna, W.W., Gates, R.N. 2004. Strip-till establishment of pearl millet. International Sorghum and Millets Newsletter 44:158-159.
- Wilson, J.P. 2004. Breeding pearl millet for improved stability, performance, and pest resistance. International Sorghum and Millet CRSP 2003 Annual Report, INTSORMIL publication 03-06. pg. 73-76. (Technical report).
- Angarawai, I.I., Wilson, J.P., Ndahi, W.B., Turaki, Z. 2004. Enhancing resource-poor farmers productivity by pearl millet hybrid. Proceedings: Millet and Sorghum-based systems in West Africa: Current knowlede and enhancing linkages to improve food security. McKnight Foundation Collaborative Crop Research Foundation. Niamey, Niger, January 27-30, 2004. http://mcknight.ccrp.cornell. edu/content/Papers%20and%20Abstracts/WAf_Angarawai_full(EN).doc.
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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? Warm season grasses are vital to the economic and environmental well- being of the southern United States. These grasses form the backbone for livestock production in the region, erosion prevention, and recreational groundcover. The long-term mission of this project is the genetic improvement of warm season grasses and the development of associated management practices necessary for the adoption of new grass cultivars. Research into the genetics of improved digestibility, persistence, disease resistance, and drought and cold tolerance in pearl millet, bahiagrass, and bermudagrass will result in new cultivars and germplasm, will reduce costs and risks associated with production of warm-season grasses, and will increase the benefits derived from these grasses. To provide a greater benefit from these species and to increase the diversity of options available to growers, species traditionally
used for forages are being modified through plant breeding to obtain new cultivars and germplasm adapted to novel and alternative uses, such as for bioenergy production, for turf, for grain, and for livestock waste management for environmental protection. As new cultivars are developed for traditional and novel uses, associated management practices necessary for the adoption of these cultivars must be developed. The products of this research will provide a greater diversity of options in production systems and marketing outlets available to growers. 2. How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Environmentally sustainable systems must also be economically sustainable. Profitable production alternatives available to growers in the southern U.S. are increasingly limited. Developing novel uses for regionally adapted crops will serve to develop rural economies. Livestock production is a vital component of the agricultural enterprises in the southeastern U.S. These livestock require
both a food source and waste management. Warm season grasses provide the foundation for ruminant livestock production as both a food source and as a sink for managing animal wastes. Developing the use of these grasses as a biofuel alternative could expand economic opportunities for farmers, while reducing national reliance on imported fuels. Phosphorus from animal wastes are rapidly accumulating within the region because the poultry industry in the southern U.S. is dependent upon grains imported from the midwest. A large demand exists in the southern U.S. for regional production of a high- quality feed grain that can be grown in dryland without aflatoxin problems. Pearl millet is the only crop that currently meets those criteria. Addressing the increasingly limited options available to farmers for profitable production will strengthen southern rural economies. 3. How does it relate to the National Program(s) and National Program Component(s) to which it has been assigned? This
research supports National Program 205 (Rangeland, Pasture, and Forages), and National Program 307 (Bioenergy and Energy Alternatives). Within NP 205, this research supports Action plan component II - Plant Resources: "Overcoming limitations to plant growth and development", "Improving forages for livestock production", and "Plants needed for conservation and novel uses". Within NP 307, this research supports component "Energy Crops". Although not specifically coded as such, this research also supports National Program 108 (Food Safety) by improving plant resistance to mycotoxins, National Program 301 (Plant, Microbial, and Insect Resistance, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement I.) components "Genetic resource management", and "Genomic characterization and genetic improvement", and National Program 303 (Plant Diseases) component "Host plant resistance to disease". 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single Most Significant Accomplishments this past
year. The demand for a drought-resistant (non-irrigated) high quality grain crop for the southern U.S. is being met by the Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit at Tifton, GA, in collaboration with the Crop Protection and Management Research Unit and the University of Georgia. TifGrain 102, a 1.4 m-tall pearl millet grain hybrid is scheduled for release at the end of 2003. Data has been obtained on production practices, disease and pest resistance, grain harvesting and storage practices, and feeding value. Farmer and industry interest is high. Approximately 1000 ha have been planted in 2003 and 5000 ha are planned for 2004 to continue to develop and assess marketing and large scale feeding systems. B. Other Significant Accomplishment(s), if any. None C. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations. None D. Progress Report None 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. This project has a
long history of developing superior warm season grasses. Some of the more recent releases include Tifleaf 3, a high- yielding, disease resistant and leafy pearl millet hybrid that is one of the most popular summer annual forages on the market. TifSport and TifEagle are high quality turf bermudagrasses released for commercial production. These grasses have captured up to 80% of the market for their use in certain parts of the U.S. Tifton 85 forage bermudagrass has superior nutritional value and productivity and increases beef or dairy production by as much as 5% compared to other warm-season grasses. In addition to the release of commercial varieties, major accomplishments of this research include germplasm, production practices and concepts available to the scientific community. Practices were developed to improve bahiagrass establishment. Full stands within a year of planting will substantially improve returns by providing timely forage production, and could expand the use of
bahiagrass as a rotation crop, reducing the use of pesticides. A dynamic multiline population concept of breeding for disease resistance in hybrid crops was developed. This approach is expected to substantially increase the longevity of the commercial life of hybrid cultivars that would be replaced due to susceptibility resulting from changes in pathogen populations. The A4 cytoplasm from wild pearl millet has resulted in more efficient and consistent production of pearl millet hybrids. In collaborative research between the Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit at Tifton, GA the University of Georgia, and Pennsylvania State University, grain mold fungi from pearl millet were characterized for their potential to produce mycotoxins. Fusarium pseudonygamai was found in the United States for the first time, and only on pearl millet. Although this species is closely related to Fusarium verticillioides which produces fumonisins in corn, no fumonisins were detected in pearl millet. 6.
What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years? Varietal improvement requires continuous development and evaluation of new bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and pearl millet germplasm. Each year we evaluate thousands of progenies and experimental hybrids for agronomic characteristics, disease resistance, yield, and digestibility. These activities progress on an annual basis. Specific research targets include: FY2004: Assess a bermudagrass germplasm collection for genetic diversity at the plant, chemical, molecular levels. Release and apply for plant variety protection for pearl millet inbred and grain hybrid. FY2005: Target specific traits of value in bermudagrass and napiergrass for forage and biofuels. Differentiate between genes for rust resistance by use of resistance gene analogs in segregating populations of pearl millet. Identify molecular markers associated with root knot nematode in pearl millet. Determine the value of a dynamic multiline technique for
developing stable disease resistance in forage and grain hybrids. Identify chinch bug resistance in pearl millet. FY2006: Identify molecular markers associated with value-added traits in bermudagrass. Assess influence of morphological characteristics such as stay green and peduncle length on pearl millet fodder and grain quality. 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? Information on cultivar selection, best management practices, and disease management was provided to over 200 golf course superintendents and turf managers at the Southeastern Turfgrass Conference. Numerous requests were filled for germplasm and for information on improved forage and turf germplasm and cultivars. Four field days were conducted throughout Georgia to provide
information to growers, county agents, and poultry managers on production and utilization of grain pearl millet. Acreage of grain millet is increasing (about 1000 ha in 2003), and a hybrid release is expected in 2004. The most likely constraints to the adoption of the crop is the deteriorated condition of the grain storage infrastructure of the southern United States. 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). Durham, S. 2003. New strain of pearl millet. Agricultural Research 51(2) :19.
Impacts
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Publications
- Jurjevic, Z., Wilson, D.M., Wilson, J.P., Rains, G.C., Geiser, D.M., Widstrom, N. Fusarium species on Georgia corn and pearl millet and its relation with fumonisin production. Phytopathology. 2002. v. 93. p. S42.
- Wilson, J.P., Holbrook, C.C., Wells, L., Mandal, B., Rowland, D., Wilson, D.M. Effect of foliar application of particle films on drought stress and aflatoxin contamination of peanut. Proceedings of Aflatoxin Elimination Workshop. 2002. p. 112.
- Akiyama, Y., Goel, S., Hanna, W.W., Ozias-Akins, P. Architecture and dynamics of the chromosome associated with aposporous apomixis in Pennisetum squamulatum. Workshop of Plant and Animal Genome XI. 2003. Abstract p. 145.
- Shaliendra, G., Chen, Z., Conner, J.A., Akiyama, Y., Hanna, W.W., Ozias- Akins, P. Delineation by fish of a single hemozygous chromosomal region associated with aposporous embryo sac formation in Pennisetum squamulatum and Cenchrus ciliaris. Genetics. 2003. v. 163. p. 1069-1082.
- Ozias-Akins, P., Goel, S., Yukio, A., Gualtieri, G., Conner, J.A., Mullet, J.E., Hanna, W.W. Characterization of the genomic region transmitting apomixis in Pennisetum and Cenchrus. 2003. Workshop of Plant and Animal Genome XI. 2003. Abstract p. 7.
- Hanna, W., Angarawai, I., Fofana, A., Gates, R., Gonda, J., Gupta, S., Muuka, F., Ouendeba, B., Sanogo, M., Wilson, J. Grain and forage yields of population hybrids between West African pearl millet landraces. Proceedings INTSORMIL PI Conference. 2002. p. 34.
- Hanna, W., Angarawai, I., Fofana, A., Gates, R., Gonda, J., Gupta, S., Muuka, F., Ouendeba, B., Sanogo, M., Wilson, J. Performance of various cycles of population hybrids between West African pearl millet landraces. Proceedings INTSORMIL PI Conference. 2002. p. 35.
- Wilson, J.P., Hanna, W.W., Sanogo, M., Gonda, J., Angarawai, I. Downy mildew incidence in pearl millet population hybrids in West Africa. Proceedings INTSORMIL PI Conference. 2002. p. 66.
- Hanna, W.W., Kumar, K.A., Rai, K.N. Fertility restoration of diverse pearl millet cytoplasmic-nuclear male steriles by West Africa genotypes. Proceedings INTSORMIL PI Conference. 2002. p. 33.
- Lynch, R.E., Guo, B., Timper, P., Wilson, J.P. 2003. United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service on improving host-plant resistance to pests. Pest Management Science. 59:719-727.
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