Progress 09/18/07 to 09/17/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): To develop and evaluate bermudagrass, napiergrass, pearl millet, and rhizoma peanut for forage production and for alternative uses in the southeastern U.S.; to enhance bioenergy production from warm-season grasses; and to apply molecular genetic technology to improve grass species adapted to the southeastern U.S. Approach (from AD-416): Develop and select improved populations and germplasms of bermudagrass for forage, bioenergy, and turf; develop and select improved populations and germplasms of napiergrass for forage and bioenergy; develop and select improved populations, inbreds, and hybrids of pearl millet for forage, bioenergy, and wildlife; and select improved rhizoma peanut germplasms for forage. Evaluate genotype and production effects on ethanol production from pearl millet; assess genotypic differences in bermudagrasses, napiergrass, and pearl millet for conversion to fermentable product or through thermochemical techniques to syngas; and improve selection efficiency for superior forage and cellulosic feedstocks. Measure genetic diversity within bermudagrass, napiergrass, and pearl millet using molecular markers; and identify associations of molecular markers in bermudagrass and pearl millet with traits important for forage or alternative uses. The goal is to develop improved grass and forage legume germplasm and varieties that can be more efficiently converted into livestock, bioenergy, turf, and bioproducts that can be produced in a variety of environments. Activities focused on the genetic improvement of pearl millet, napiergrass, bermudagrass, and rhizomatous peanut for forage, bioenergy, and alternative uses. Bermudagrass populations were assessed a third year for yield, selections were made to begin the next round of recurrent selection. The bermudagrass core collection continued to be evaluated for nitrogen use efficiency. Napier grass hybrids were evaluated for a fifth year for growth traits, persistence and cold tolerance from an unusually cold winter, initial selections were evaluated a third year in a replicated yield trial, and new selections were made for a new replicated evaluation. Napiergrass continued to be assessed for conversion to ethanol via different pre-treatments for biochemical conversion. Napiergrass accessions have been evaluated for differences in ethanol production with collaborators in Peoria, Illinois. Publications have been published or submitted concerning production aspects of bioenergy crops such as napiergrass and energy cane. Bermudagrass express sequence tagged simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers were developed and used to create bermudagrass genetic maps (Cynodon dactylon and Cynodon transvaalensis) and work indicated that tetraploid bermudagrass is an allotetraploid. The EST-SSR markers have been published and are currently being used to differentiate many of the commercially used bermudagrass cultivars and for cultivar and pedigree identification among bermudagrass turf types. First of their kind SSR markers for measuring diversity in centipedegrass were also developed. Transferability of bermudagrass SSR and resistance analog gene (RGA) markers to zoysiagrass was assessed. The transferability of bermudagrass SSR and RGA markers to zoysiagrass cultivars was low (7-12%). Eleven markers were identified that produced a clear amplicon in both species. Each of the eight zoysiagrass cultivars was obtained from two sources. Genetic variability within the vegetatively propagated cultivar Diamond was seen. Accomplishments 01 Development of genetic tools for turf grass breeding and identification. The release of �Tifgreen� bermudagrass in 1956, which could be mowed at 7 mm, spurred golf courses around the southeast to replace their common bermudagrass greens with this vegetatively propagated cultivar. Soon aft its release, well-defined areas with noticeable differences in plant morphology, or off-types, appeared on �Tifgreen� putting surfaces. Simpl sequence repeat (SSR) markers were created to identify fragments that could distinguish among the three of the most important cultivars used today (�TifEagle�, �MiniVerde�, and �Tifdwarf�). Furthermore, we discovered that �TifEagle� and �Tifdwarf� are somatic chimeras and we we the first to show that somatic chimeras exist in turfgrass. Furthermore, the five markers are the only polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers th can distinguish between �Tifdwarf�, �MiniVerde�, and �TifEagle�. The markers identified are used on a weekly basis to identify stakeholder samples sent from golf courses, sod companies, landscape companies, etc. For the 2012 fiscal year alone, 126 samples have been processed for stakeholders using these markers. Furthermore, these markers were able t reveal that some of the Tifgreen-derived cultivars are somatic chimeras where the genotype of the shoot is different than the genotype of the ro for a single plant. 02 The effects of minimal inputs on yields and quality of potential bioener crops on the Southern Coastal Plain. Warm-season perennial grasses are promising source of biomass for energy production in the Southeast U.S., and low-input production is desirable. With only residual fertility in t soil and no irrigation, this test compared biomass yields of eight grass under low-input production: L 79-1002 energycane (Saccharum hyb.), Merkeron and N51 napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), three clones of giant reed (Arundo donax L.), and two switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L lines. For the first two years napiergrass maintained dry matter (DM) yields over 25 Mg DM ha-1yr-1, and energycane yielded over 20 Mg DM ha-1 1 for three years. Switchgrass yields were lower (8.6 Mg DM ha-1yr-1 average of four years), but the biomass contained less moisture at harve than the other, larger-stemmed grasses. Switchgrass biomass also had th lowest concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and ash. Average yields of giant reeds were also low (6.4 Mg DM ha-1yr-1), while ash and concentrations were relatively high compared to switchgrass and energyca In four years of production, energycane and napiergrass removed between 269�386 kg N ha-1 and 830�1159 kg K ha-1, while the other grasses remove significantly less of these nutrients. Giant reed removed 126 kg N ha-1 and 193 kg K ha-1, and switchgrass removed 83 kg N ha-1 and 140 kg K ha- The results of this study provide important information to potential growers and the bioenergy industry on limitations and potential of production of biomass from perennial grasses with minimal inputs in the Southeast.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Harris-Shultz, K.R., Milla-Lewis, S.R., Zuleta, M., Schwartz, B.M., Hanna, W.W., Brady, J.A. 2012. Development of simple sequence repeat markers and the analysis of genetic diversity and ploidy level in a centipedegrass collection. Crop Science. 52:383-392.
- Knoll, J.E., Anderson, W.F. 2012. Vegetative propagation of napiergrass and energycane for biomass production in the southeast USA. Agronomy Journal. 104:518-522.
- Interrante, S.M., Muir, J.P., Islam, M., Maas, A.L., Anderson, W.F., Butler, T.J. 2011. Establishment, agronomic characteristics, and dry matter yield of rhizoma peanut genotypes in cool environments. Crop Science. 51:2256-2261.
- Rouquette, Jr, F.M., Anderson, W.F., Harris-Shultz, K.R., Smith, G.R. 2011. Stand maintenance and genetic diversity of bermudagrass pastures under different stocking intensities during a 38 year period. Crop Science. 51:2886-2894.
- Knoll, J.E., Strickland, T.C., Hubbard, R.K., Malik, R., Anderson, W.F. 2011. Biomass production and nutrient utilization of perennial grasses under no inputs in south Georgia. BioEnergy Research. 5:206-214.
- Milla-Lewis, S.R., Kimball, J.A., Zuleta, M., Harris-Shultz, K.R., Schwartz, B.M., Hanna, W.W. 2012. Use of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers for comparing levels of genetic diversity in centipedegrass germplasm. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. (DOI) 10. 1007/s10722-011-9780-8.
- Hubbard, R.K., Anderson, W.F., Newton, G.L., Ruter, J.M., Wilson, J.P. 2011. Plant growth and elemental uptake by floating vegetation on a single stage swine wastewater lagoon. Transactions of the ASABE. 54(3):837-845.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) To develop and evaluate bermudagrass, napiergrass, pearl millet, and rhizoma peanut for forage production and for alternative uses in the southeastern U.S.; to enhance bioenergy production from warm-season grasses; and to apply molecular genetic technology to improve grass species adapted to the southeastern U.S. Approach (from AD-416) Develop and select improved populations and germplasms of bermudagrass for forage, bioenergy, and turf; develop and select improved populations and germplasms of napiergrass for forage and bioenergy; develop and select improved populations, inbreds, and hybrids of pearl millet for forage, bioenergy, and wildlife; and select improved rhizoma peanut germplasms for forage. Evaluate genotype and production effects on ethanol production from pearl millet; assess genotypic differences in bermudagrasses, napiergrass, and pearl millet for conversion to fermentable product or through thermochemical techniques to syngas; and improve selection efficiency for superior forage and cellulosic feedstocks. Measure genetic diversity within bermudagrass, napiergrass, and pearl millet using molecular markers; and identify associations of molecular markers in bermudagrass and pearl millet with traits important for forage or alternative uses. The goal is to develop improved grass and forage legume germplasm and varieties that can be more efficiently converted into livestock, bioenergy, turf, and bioproducts that can be produced in a variety of environments. Activities focused on the genetic improvement of pearl millet, napiergrass, bermudagrass, and rhizomatous peanut for forage, bioenergy, and alternative uses. Bermudagrass populations were assessed a second year for yield and will be used in recurrent selection. The bermudagrass core collection continued to be evaluated for nitrogen use efficiency and cold tolerance while selections were made within the core for advanced testing for shade tolerance. Napiergrass hybrids were evaluated for a fourth year for growth traits, persistence and cold tolerance from an unusually cold winter, and selections were evaluated a second year in a replicated yield trial. Napiergrass and bermudagrass continued to be assessed for conversion to ethanol via different pre- treatments for biochemical conversion. Differences in species, genotypes, and harvest times have been reported via manuscripts. Rhizoma perennial peanut lines were evaluated for a fourth year for differences in yield and establishment characteristics and results were published from the first three years of research. Two experimental pearl millet hybrids were identified with greater than 30% greater yield over the commercial standard and inbreds used in developing these hybrids were characterized. No-till practices were evaluated to improve production economics for pearl millet. Root-knot nematode resistance was evaluated in a mapping population. Bermudagrass expressed sequence tagged simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers were developed and used to create bermudagrass genetic maps (Cynodon dactylon and Cynodon transvaalensis) and work indicated that tetraploid bermudagrass is an allotetraploid. The EST-SSR markers are currently being used to differentiate many of the commercially used bermudagrass cultivars and for cultivar and pedigree identification among bermudagrass turf types. First of their kind simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for measuring diversity in centipedegrass were also developed. Accomplishments 01 Development of genetic tools for turf grass breeding and identification. Molecular markers could greatly reduce the amount of time, expense and effort needed for traditional breeding of turf and can be used to identi turf cultivars for proprietary rights and plant stock certification. For the last 40 years, a major problem with golf courses in the southeastern United States has been natural mutants that arise from the bermudagrass triploid �Tifgreen� or one of its somatic mutants that are frequently released as cultivars. These natural mutants, or off-types, cause inconsistencies in appearance and playability and respond differently to nutrients, herbicides, and growth regulators resulting in severe problem and millions of dollars in losses to golf courses and sod farms. ARS researchers at Tifton, GA generated a new set of simple sequence repeat markers (SSR) markers of which five primers amplified fragments that distinguished between �TifEagle�, �MiniVerde�, and �Tifdwarf�. Furthermo these polymorphisms were present in only certain tissue types (in shoot tissue but not root tissue) indicating that many of these cultivars are somatic chimeras. These markers are currently being used by ARS to identify bermudagrass cultivars for golf course superintendants, sod far businesses, and university researchers. 02 The effects of varying levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on yield, nutrient uptake and soil attributes of Tifton 85 and Coastal bermudagrasses. Most fertilization recommendations for forag bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) are based on extensive research with �Coastal� bermudagrass which has been grown throughout the Southeastern United States since its release in 1943. Tifton 85, having higher yields and better forage quality, was released in 1993. The biochemical make-up of Tifton 85 has been documented to be different than Coastal, resulting in higher ruminal digestibility. A 4-year study was concluded in 2007 at two sites for Tifton 85 to determine the effects of six nitrogen rates a three phosphorus/potassium levels on mineral uptake, dry matter yields, and soil mineral composition. Dry matter yields responded to nitrogen levels significantly in all years up to 400 lbs/acre, predominantly in t first and last of five clippings. Yield differences among P-K treatments were observed in the third and fourth year of the study. Preliminary economic analysis indicates that only N rates at or below 400 lbs/acre result in a net return due to high input costs. Results of this study wi help hay producers and ranchers better manage their Tifton 85 pastures.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Maas, A.L., Anderson, W.F., Quesenberry, K.H. 2010. Genetic variability of cultivated rhizoma perennial peanut. Crop Science. 50:1908-1914.
- Cutts, G., Grey, T., Vencill, W., Webster, T.M., Lee, R., Tubbs, R., Anderson, W.F. 2011. Herbicide Effect on Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) Control. Weed Science. 59(2):255-262.
- Takamizawa, K., Anderson, W.F., Singh, H.P. 2010. Ethanol from lignocellulosic crops. In: Singh, B.P., editor. Industrial Crops and Uses. CABI. Wallingford, UK: p. 104-139.
- Brandon, S.K., Sharma, L.N., Hawkins, G.M., Anderson, W.F., Chambliss, K., Doran-Peterson, J. 2011. Ethanol and co-product generation from pressurized batch hot water pretreated T85 bermudagrass and Merkeron napiergrass using recombinant Escherichia coli as biocatalyst. Biomass and Bioenergy. 35:3667-3673. DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.05.021.
- Harris-Shultz, K.R., Schwartz, B.M., Brady, J.A. 2010. Development, linkage mapping and use of microsallelites in bermudagrass. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 135(6):511-520.
- Kamps, T.L., Williams, N.R., Ortega, V.M., Chamusco, K.C., Harris-Shultz, K.R., Scully, B.T., Chase, C.D. 2011. DNA polymorphisms at bermudagrass microsatellite loci and their use in genotype fingerprinting. Crop Science. 51:1-10.
- Harris-Shultz, K.R., Schwartz, B.M., Brady, J.A. 2011. Identification of SSR markers that differentiate bermudagrass cultivars derived from 'Tifgreen'. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 136(3):211-218.
- Anderson, W.F., Hanna, W.W., Gates, R.N. 2011. Registration of TifQuik bahiagrass. Journal of Plant Registrations. 5:147-150.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) To develop and evaluate bermudagrass, napiergrass, pearl millet, and rhizoma peanut for forage production and for alternative uses in the southeastern U.S.; to enhance bioenergy production from warm-season grasses; and to apply molecular genetic technology to improve grass species adapted to the southeastern U.S. Approach (from AD-416) Develop and select improved populations and germplasms of bermudagrass for forage, bioenergy, and turf; develop and select improved populations and germplasms of napiergrass for forage and bioenergy; develop and select improved populations, inbreds, and hybrids of pearl millet for forage, bioenergy, and wildlife; and select improved rhizoma peanut germplasms for forage. Evaluate genotype and production effects on ethanol production from pearl millet; assess genotypic differences in bermudagrasses, napiergrass, and pearl millet for conversion to fermentable product or through thermochemical techniques to syngas; and improve selection efficiency for superior forage and cellulosic feedstocks. Measure genetic diversity within bermudagrass, napiergrass, and pearl millet using molecular markers; and identify associations of molecular markers in bermudagrass and pearl millet with traits important for forage or alternative uses. Activities focused on the genetic improvement of pearl millet, napiergrass, bermudagrass, and rhizomatous peanut for forage, bioenergy, and alternative uses. New bermudagrass populations were established, assessed for yield and will be used in recurrent selection and for mapping cell wall traits. The bermudagrass core collection continued to be evaluated for differences in shade tolerance and nitrogen use efficiency. A population of napiergrass hybrids was evaluated for a third year for growth traits, and selections were established in a replicated yield trial. In vitro and fiber traits were analyzed for napiergrass and a near infrared resonance (NIR) calibration established for these traits. A manuscript was published on genetic variability of the napiergrass parental nursery. Experimental pearl millet varieties and inbreds were evaluated in multilocation yield trials to identify those with superior yield, disease and pest resistance, and stalk strength. Two hybrids were identified with 30% greater yield over the commercial standard. Inbreds used in developing these hybrids were characterized for release. Backcrossing of new forage inbreds into a male-sterile cytoplasm continued. These varieties were evaluated to assess genotype by environment interaction for proximate composition and fermentation to ethanol. No-till practices were evaluated to improve production economics for pearl millet. A mapping population of pearl millet was characterized for diversity of molecular markers and root-knot nematode resistance. Thirty-one nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) homologs were isolated from diploid, triploid, and hexaploid bermudagrass that have tolerance to certain insects and nematodes. Nineteen markers were generated from the identified bermudagrass nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) homologs in addition to database searches, and were mapped on a bermudagrass map. Clustering of bermudagrass nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) homologs was evident on the T89 linkage groups 1a, 5a, and 19. Furthermore, three of these markers also amplified disease resistance orthologs in zoysiagrass and seashore paspalum. The collection of markers may be linked to disease resistance genes of interest such as sting nematode tolerance or dollar spot resistance. This study resulted in one publication. Bermudagrass expressed sequence tags - simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers were developed and used to create bermudagrass genetic maps (Cynodon dactylon and Cynodon transvaalensis) and work indicated that tetraploid bermudagrass is an allotetraploid. The expressed sequence tags - simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers were further shown to be able to differentiate many of the commercially used bermudagrass cultivars and these markers can be used for cultivar and pedigree identification among bermudagrass turf types. First of their kind simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for measuring diversity in centipedegrass were developed. Accomplishments 01 Development of genetic tool for turf grass breeding. Molecular markers could greatly reduce the amount of time, expense and effort needed for traditional breeding of turf. ARS researchers at Tifton, Georgia generat fifty-two unique DNA sequences to create 21 single sequence repeat (SSR) markers and evaluated one of the largest centipedegrass collections for genetic diversity and for sting nematode resistance. Because many centipedegrass accessions are phenotypically very similar, the genetic diversity information is vital as the crossing of a resistant line (ex. sting nematode tolerance) to a more diverse line is needed for marker- assisted selection. For bermudagrass, a genetic map was created with the addition of 53 markers for desirable turf traits (bright green color, la of seed head development, deep root systems) as well as sting nematode tolerance. These markers are currently being used in our lab to identify bermudagrass cultivars for golf course superintendants, sod farm businesses, and university researchers (University of Georgia). 02 Determination of the effects of nutrient deprivation or addition on potential bioenergy feedstocks. Warm-season perennial grasses will be part of the biomass production system in the Southeast for the emerging bioenergy industry. Data is lacking but necessary to determine the need for nutrient inputs such as nitrogen on biomass production and how these crops effect carbon sequestration. The first of two studies was initiat in fall 2005 by ARS researchers at Tifton, Georgia, to assess the performance of perennial grasses under rainfed conditions with no fertilizer inputs. Dry matter (DM) yield was highest in the second year for all species, and averaged over three years, yields of energycane, an napiergrass were significantly higher than switchgrass, but switchgrass had higher nitrogen use efficiency. A second study initiated in the fal of 2006 consisted of napiergrass grown under three rainfed fertilizer treatments (no additions, poultry litter and inorganic fertilizer at approximately equivalent N, P, and K rates). Poultry litter and inorgani fertilizer treatment of napiergrass resulted in similar yields each year and were 17% and 48% greater than the unfertilized control in the second and third year of growth, respectively. These results are critical in t determination of cost and environmental impacts of producing biomass cro for the renewable fuel industry and will be used to develop best management practices for the Southeast bioenergy industry. 03 Genetic relationships among napiergrass accessions for the biofuel industry. Napiergrass is a perennial grass used for forage and has considerable potential as a biofuel feedstock primarily because of its high biomass yield. ARS researchers at Tifton, Georgia used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) to assess the genetic variation an genetic relatedness among 89 accessions from the Tifton nursery. Using 2 polymorphic markers, the 89 accessions were clustered into 5 groups usin a dendrogram (or genetic tree). These five groups include three groups collected from Kenya, a group from Puerto Rico, and accessions derived from the cultivar Merkeron. This research was the first molecular characterization of the Tifton nursery (a nursery based on over 40 years worth of collections and breeding) and displays the relationships among accessions. Furthermore this work provides potential parents for napiergrass and pearl millet breeding improvement that is currently underway in collaboration with university personnel at Florida and with the bioenergy industry. Data from this manuscript will be used to identi genes involved in height and nitrogen use efficiency in napiergrass.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Harris, K.R., Schwartz, B.M., Paterson, A.H., Brady, J.A. 2010. Identification and mapping of nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat resistance gene homologs in bermudagrass. Journal of the American Society Horticultural Science. 135:74-82.
- Harris-Shultz, K.R., Anderson, W.F., Malik, R. 2009. Genetic diversity among napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) nursery accessions using AFLP markers. Plant Genetic Resources: Characterization and Utilization. 8:63-70.
- Gulia, S.K., Singh, B., Wilson, J.P. 2010. A simplified, cost- and time- effective procedure for genotyping pearl millet in resource-limited laboratories. African Journal of Biotechnology. 9:2851-2859.
- Anderson, W.F., Dien, B.S., Jung, H.G., Vogel, K.P., Weimer, P.J. 2010. Effects of forage quality and cell wall constituents of bermudagrass on biochemical conversion to ethanol. BioEnergy Research. 3:225-237.
- Vendramini Pas, J., Adesogan, A., Silveira, M., Sollenberger, L., Queiroz, O., Anderson, W.F. 2010. Nutritive value and fermentation parameters of warm-season grass silage. Professional Animal Scientist. 26:193-200.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) To develop and evaluate bermudagrass, napiergrass, pearl millet, and rhizoma peanut for forage production and for alternative uses in the southeastern U.S.; to enhance bioenergy production from warm-season grasses; and to apply molecular genetic technology to improve grass species adapted to the southeastern U.S. Approach (from AD-416) Develop and select improved populations and germplasms of bermudagrass for forage, bioenergy, and turf; develop and select improved populations and germplasms of napiergrass for forage and bioenergy; develop and select improved populations, inbreds, and hybrids of pearl millet for forage, bioenergy, and wildlife; and select improved rhizoma peanut germplasms for forage. Evaluate genotype and production effects on ethanol production from pearl millet; assess genotypic differences in bermudagrasses, napiergrass, and pearl millet for conversion to fermentable product or through thermochemical techniques to syngas; and improve selection efficiency for superior forage and cellulosic feedstocks. Measure genetic diversity within bermudagrass, napiergrass, and pearl millet using molecular markers; and identify associations of molecular markers in bermudagrass and pearl millet with traits important for forage or alternative uses. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Goal is to develop improved grass and forage legume germplasm and varieties that can be more efficiently converted into livestock, bioenergy, and bioproducts that can be produced in a variety of environments. Activities focused on the genetic improvement of pearl millet, napiergrass, bermudagrass, and rhizomatous peanut for forage, bioenergy, and alternative uses. Bermudagrass populations were established and assessed for recurrent selection for yield and for mapping cell wall traits. The bermudagrass core collection was established and evaluated in the first-year for differences in shade tolerance for agroforestry settings. A bioassay was conducted for a second year to assess genetic variation in bermudagrass for fall armyworm. A core group of bermudagrass were assessed for differences in vitro dry matter disappearance, cell wall components, and ethanol production and equations for near infrared spectrometry assessment of quality were established. A second napiergrass population for recurrent selection for yield was established and evaluated for yield. Experimental pearl millet varieties and inbreds were evaluated in multilocation yield trials to identify those with superior yield, disease, and pest resistance. Two hybrids were identified with greater than 30% greater yield over the commercial standard. Inbreds used in developing these hybrids were characterized for release. These varieties were evaluated to assess genotype by environment interaction for proximate composition and fermentation to ethanol. No-till practices were evaluated to improve production economics for pearl millet. A rhizomatous peanut experiment was assessed for establishment, winterhardiness and yield. Genetic polymorphisms in bermudagrass were analyzed and published, and performed for napiergrass. A mapping population of pearl millet was characterized for diversity of molecular markers for genetic mapping studies. Technology Transfer Number of New/Active MTAs(providing only): 8
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Anderson, W.F., Gates, R.N., Hanna, W.W., Blount, A., Mislevy, P., Evers, G. 2009. Recurrent restricted phenotypic selection for improving stand establishment of bahiagrass. Crop Science 49:1322-1327.
- Anderson, W.F., Maas, A.L., Ozias-Akins, P. 2009. Genetic variability of a forage bermudagrass core collection. Crop Science 49:1347-1358.
- Anderson, W.F., Casler, M.D., Baldwin, B.S. 2008. Improvement of perennial forage species as feedstock for bio-energy. In: Vermerris, W., editor. Genetic Improvement of Bioenergy Crops. New York, NY: Springer. p. 309-346.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) To develop and evaluate bermudagrass, napiergrass, pearl millet, and rhizoma peanut for forage production and for alternative uses in the southeastern U.S.; to enhance bioenergy production from warm-season grasses; and to apply molecular genetic technology to improve grass species adapted to the southeastern U.S. Approach (from AD-416) Develop and select improved populations and germplasms of bermudagrass for forage, bioenergy, and turf; develop and select improved populations and germplasms of napiergrass for forage and bioenergy; develop and select improved populations, inbreds, and hybrids of pearl millet for forage, bioenergy, and wildlife; and select improved rhizoma peanut germplasms for forage. Evaluate genotype and production effects on ethanol production from pearl millet; assess genotypic differences in bermudagrasses, napiergrass, and pearl millet for conversion to fermentable product or through thermochemical techniques to syngas; and improve selection efficiency for superior forage and cellulosic feedstocks. Measure genetic diversity within bermudagrass, napiergrass, and pearl millet using molecular markers; and identify associations of molecular markers in bermudagrass and pearl millet with traits important for forage or alternative uses. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project supports National Program 215 Action Plan (Rangeland, Pasture, and Forages Program Direction), Component 3, Objective H.2: Develop improved grass and forage legume germplasm and varieties that can be more efficiently converted into livestock, bioenergy, and bioproducts that can be produced in a variety of environments. Activities focused on the genetic improvement of pearl millet, napiergrass, and rhizome peanut for forage, bioenergy, and alternative uses. Bermudagrass populations were established for recurrent selection for yield and for mapping cell wall traits. Field trials were established to evaluated bermudagrass for differences in nitrogen-use efficiency, and for shade tolerance for agroforestry settings. Cynodon dactylon genotypes were assessed for salinity tolerance. A bioassay was conducted to assess genetic variation in bermudagrass for fall armyworm. Bermudagrassess were assessed for differences in in vitro dry matter disappearance, lignocellulosic conversion, and ethanol production, and equations for near infrared spectrometry assessment of quality were established. A napiergrass population for recurrent selection for yield was established. Pearl millet breeding populations were evaluated for traits contributing to yield and quality. New accessions for the A5 cytoplasmic male sterility system were acquired and increased in quarantine. A field experiment was conducted to assess nitrogen use efficiency in staygreen pearl millets. Low temperature germination study was conducted to evaluate genetic variation in pearl millet. Multilocation yield trials were conducted to assess genotype by environment interaction for proximate composition and fermentation to ethanol. No-till practices were evaluated to improve production economics for pearl millet. Rhizoma peanut experiment was established to assess winterhardiness. Genetic polymorphisms in bermudagrass and pearl millet and bermudagrass were assessed by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, and a mapping population of pearl millet was characterized in field assessments. Technology Transfer Number of New/Active MTAs(providing only): 7 Number of Invention Disclosures submitted: 2 Number of New Germplasm Releases: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Anderson, W.F., Akin, D.E. 2008. Structural and chemical properties of grass lignocelluloses related to conversion for biofuels. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology. 35:355-366.
- Anderson, W.F., Dien, B.S., Brandon, S.K., Peterson, J. 2008. Assessment of bermudagrass and bunch grasses as feedstock for conversion to ethanol. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 145(1-3):13-21.
- Brandon, S.K., Anderson, W.F., Eiteman, M.A., Patel, K., Richbourg, M.M., Miller, D.J., Peterson, J.D. 2008. Hydrolysis of Tifton 85 bermudagrass in a pressurized batch hot water reactor. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology. 83:505-512.
- Burton, G.W., Anderson, W.F., Gates, R.N. 2008. Registration of higher herbage Pensacola bahiagrass germplasm lines T18 and T23. Journal of Plant Registrations. 2:51-52.
- Hanna, W.W., Anderson, W.F. 2008. Development and Impact of Vegetative Propagation in Warm-Season Forage and Turf Grasses. Agronomy Journal. 100:103-107.
- Jurjevic, Z., Wilson, J.P., Wilson, D.M., Casper, H.H. 2007. Changes in Fungi and Mycotoxins in Pearl Millet Under Controlled Storage Conditions. Mycopathologia. 164:229-239.
- Buntin, G.D., Cunfer, B.M., Phillips, D.V., Wilson, J.P. 2007. Sequence and rotation effects on pest incidence and grain yield of double-cropped soybean and pearl millet after wheat and canola. Online. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2007-1023-01-RS.
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