Progress 10/01/08 to 07/01/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Develop improved germplasm for ornamental plants and small fruit crops adapted to the Gulf Coast Region. Research will also determine genetic factors that regulate plant disease, growth characteristics, and tolerance to environmental stress, as well as accelerate the development and release of improved cultivars for production. Develop molecular tools, such as TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes)and/or microarray methods to identify and/or map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), candidate genes, and/or �functional genetic markers� for cold tolerance, drought tolerance, and/or pest and pathogen resistance in priority ornamental genera for the Gulf States, including Cercis (redbud), Cornus (dogwood), and Hydrangea in collaboration with university and U. S. National Arboretum cooperators, to enhance breeding programs of woody landscape plants. Approach (from AD-416): Identify desirable traits in small fruit and ornamental plants, develop improved varieties using traditional and modern genetic methods, and release superior germplasm in order to increase profitability of small acreage farms in the Gulf Coast Region. Germplasm from established cultivars, wild clones, and their hybrids will be cooperatively evaluated at USDA-ARS and University Experiment Stations throughout the southeastern United States. Small fruit cultivars that are released will have improved vigor and fruit quality, expanded ripening seasons including earlier harvests, enhanced adaptation, greater productivity with larger yields, improved fresh or processing berry qualities, and enhanced suitability for mechanical harvesting. This research project, combined with cooperative testing and technology transfer efforts with land grant universities, will develop superior cultivars for rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry, muscadine grapes and other small fruit. Because the ornamental commodity comprises hundreds of plant species, target genera will be selected for improvement from both herbaceous perennials and woody landscape crops. Superior ornamental cultivars that are released will have increased disease resistance and enhanced ornamental qualities including greater aesthetic appeal. In addition to traditional breeding to develop superior ornamental cultivars, this project plan also includes molecular genetic research to accelerate breeding of woody landscape plants by shortening the evaluation, selection, and release cycle. In total, ornamental research described in this plan will impact new cultivar development for crapemyrtle, hibiscus, begonia, butterfly ginger, Dichroa, redbud, fringe tree, and dogwood. This report serves as the final report for project 6404-21000-008-00D, entitled "Small Fruit and Ornamental Genetic Research for the Mid South" which terminated June 27, 2013 and was replaced by new project 6404-21000- 009-00D entitled "Small Fruit and Ornamental Genetic Research for the Mid South". ARS scientists constructed a simple sequence repeat (SSR)- enriched genomic library in crape myrtle and sequenced over 200 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments. More than 100 SSR markers were developed to genotype and DNA fingerprint crapemyrtle cultivars. Results were published previously and used to start a linkage mapping experiment with the segregating population between two crape myrtle cultivars, �Carolina Beauty� and �Natchez�. In the last year ARS scientists grew out more than 6,000 intra- and interspecific hybrids from the breeding program. These plants are maintained at the Greenhouse in pots and are ready for advanced selection and use in the genome mapping experiment. ARS scientists also applied mutagen treatments on major crape myrtle cultivars and the resulting seedlings are under evaluation for unique flower traits. ARS scientists also applied colchicine to double chromosomes in order to restore F1 fertility to an interspecific hybrid between L. india and L. speciosa that is male sterile. Finally, in FY 2013 ARS scientists obtained 2.2 gigabases of transcriptome sequences using next generation sequencing from �Carolina Beauty� and �Natchez� cultivars. We found at least 475 candidate genes that were differentially expressed in �Natchez�, which is resistant to powdery mildew. Accomplishments 01 A new thornless blackberry cultivar called �Sweetie Pie� was released that is resistant to disease but tastes delicious. This cultivar, tested as MSUS119, came from a cross between �Navaho� and MSUS29. MSUS29 is a seedling from a cross of [Humble x Brazos] x Navaho. �Sweetie Pie� was selected at Poplarville, Mississippi in 1996. It was subsequently propagated and tested at McNeill, Mississippi, as well as in trial plantings in Louisiana and Arkansas. �Sweetie Pie� grows vigorously and produces numerous floricanes, which are thornless and have a trailing growth habit. �Sweetie Pie� is resistant to Rosette disease (double blossom), one of the most limiting factors in growing blackberries in the southern United States. It's berries are medium size, glossy, black, and with have excellent flavor due to high soluble solids content. �Sweetie Pie� lacks sufficient firmness for use as commercial cultivar, but its outstanding flavor and high sugar content make it a desirable cultivar for homeowners and U-Pick operations. �Sweetie Pie� ripens mid-late season (mid June�late July in South MS) and can be propagated easily from softwood and root cuttings. �Sweetie Pie� grows well in raised beds having a pH of 6.0 � 7.0 that are amended with organic matter.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Pounders Jr, C.T. 2013. 'Lufkin Red' and 'Lufkin White' winter-hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus x laevis All.). HortScience. 48(2):237-238.
- Pounders Jr, C.T., Sakhanokho, H.F. 2012. 'USS Arizona' and 'USS California' tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.). HortScience. 47(12):1819-1820.
- Sakhanokho, H.F., Islam-Faridi, N. 2013. Nuclear DNA content, base composition, and cytogenetic characterization of Christia obcordata. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 138(3):205-209.
- Rinehart, T.A., Edwards Jr, N.C., Spiers, J. 2013. Vernicia fordii 'Anna Bella', a new ornamental tung tree. HortScience. 48:123-125.
- Sakhanokho, H.F., Sampson, B.J., Tabanca, N., Wedge, D.E., Demirci, B., Husnu Can Baser, K., Bernier, U.R., Tsikolia, M., Agramonte, N.M., Becnel, J.J., Rajasekaran, K., Chen, J., Spiers, J.M. 2013. Chemical composition, antifungal and insecticidal activities of Hedychium essential oils. Molecules. 18:4308-4327.
- Stringer, S.J., Draper, A., Spiers, J., Marshall, D.A., Smith, B.J. 2013. "Pearl" southern highbush blueberry. HortScience. 48:130-131.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Develop improved germplasm for ornamental plants and small fruit crops adapted to the Gulf Coast Region. Research will also determine genetic factors that regulate plant disease, growth characteristics, and tolerance to environmental stress, as well as accelerate the development and release of improved cultivars for production. Develop molecular tools, such as TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes)and/or microarray methods to identify and/or map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), candidate genes, and/or �functional genetic markers� for cold tolerance, drought tolerance, and/or pest and pathogen resistance in priority ornamental genera for the Gulf States, including Cercis (redbud), Cornus (dogwood), and Hydrangea in collaboration with university and U. S. National Arboretum cooperators, to enhance breeding programs of woody landscape plants. Approach (from AD-416): Identify desirable traits in small fruit and ornamental plants, develop improved varieties using traditional and modern genetic methods, and release superior germplasm in order to increase profitability of small acreage farms in the Gulf Coast Region. Germplasm from established cultivars, wild clones, and their hybrids will be cooperatively evaluated at USDA-ARS and University Experiment Stations throughout the southeastern United States. Small fruit cultivars that are released will have improved vigor and fruit quality, expanded ripening seasons including earlier harvests, enhanced adaptation, greater productivity with larger yields, improved fresh or processing berry qualities, and enhanced suitability for mechanical harvesting. This research project, combined with cooperative testing and technology transfer efforts with land grant universities, will develop superior cultivars for rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry, muscadine grapes and other small fruit. Because the ornamental commodity comprises hundreds of plant species, target genera will be selected for improvement from both herbaceous perennials and woody landscape crops. Superior ornamental cultivars that are released will have increased disease resistance and enhanced ornamental qualities including greater aesthetic appeal. In addition to traditional breeding to develop superior ornamental cultivars, this project plan also includes molecular genetic research to accelerate breeding of woody landscape plants by shortening the evaluation, selection, and release cycle. In total, ornamental research described in this plan will impact new cultivar development for crapemyrtle, hibiscus, begonia, butterfly ginger, Dichroa, redbud, fringe tree, and dogwood. Genetics research on small fruits and ornamental plants is focused on the development of new germplasm and cultivars with adaption to the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. Small fruit research is focused on conventional breeding to enhance commercial production of blueberries and muscadine grapes. Early ripening, high productivity, and superior fruit quality are the top breeding goals for rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries. Blueberry breeding also includes improved berry storage and handling, taste and nutritional value. More than 100 crosses were completed among rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry parents. New selections were planted in field conditions to evaluate performance. Approximately 8,000 blueberry seedlings from the previous season�s breeding efforts were established as progeny for initial selection for fruit quality. Muscadine grape selections, including new seedlings from last year�s breeding efforts, were established in field plantings for evaluation. Research on ornamental plants includes modern genetic methods, conventional breeding, and tissue culture. Because of the immense diversity within the nursery and greenhouse industry, research is underway on a wide variety of ornamental crops including crapemyrtle, hibiscus, begonia, hydrangea, redbud, fringe tree, and dogwood. Elite crapemyrtle selections with improved disease resistance in combination with dark purple, dark red, pink or white flowers have been evaluated and selections have been made for release. Cold-hardy begonia germplasm that was improved to include more desirable horticultural traits has been selected for release. A new variegated ornamental ginger cultivar �Ramata� has also been released. Linkage mapping is underway in Hydrangea macrophylla. Further analysis will link the expression of newly discovered genes with important traits. Molecular markers were also developed for two native ornamental trees, fringe tree and redbud. These markers were used to show relatedness between cultivars and species to better understand the resources available for breeding. Markers are also being used to better understand population differences among stands of native trees such as dogwood, redbud and fringe tree. Accomplishments 01 New Blueberry for homeowners called �Earlibirdblue�. Homeowners in the Gulf Coast region are looking for small fruit cultivars to grow in backyards or to be used as accent plants in the landscape. USDA-ARS scientists at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory and university collaborators released an elite blueberry selection named �Earlibirdblue�. Earlibirdblue� is a southern highbush blueberry with short growth habit, attractive foliage, and early ripening berries. It i intended to be used by homeowners as a garden and landscape plant and is well-adapted to the Texas climate. The short size and dense, green folia make it attractive as a ornamental shrub. It is easy to prune and integrate into the home landscape. �Earlibirdblue� ripens 4�8 weeks earlier than many rabbiteye blueberry cultivars but the flowers develop and bloom sufficiently late to avoid most frost damage. Homeowners can expect a consistent crop year after year. Fruit has good color and flavo especially when allowed to hang on the branch for several days after ripening.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Stringer, S.J., Draper, A., Spiers, J.M. 2012. 'Pearl' Southern Highbush Blueberry. International Journal of Fruit Science. 12:1-3,246-248.
- Hadziabdic, D., Wang, X., Wadl, P., Rinehart, T.A., Ownley, B., Trigiano, R. 2012. Genetic diversity of flowering dogwood in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Tree Genetics and Genomes. 8(4):855-871. DOI 10. 1007/s11295-012-0471-1.
- Akond, G., Pounders Jr, C.T., Blythe, E., Wang, X. 2012. Longevity of crapemyrtle pollen stored at different temperatures. Scientia Horticulturae. 139:53-57.
- Stringer, S.J., Draper, A., Marshall, D.A., Spiers, J. 2012. 'Gupton' southern highbush blueberry. HortScience. 47(2):293-295.
- Cheng, Q., Windham, A.S., Klingeman, W.E., Sakhanokho, H.F., Saxton, A.M., Li, Y., Windham, M. 2011. Histological investigation of infection processes of Discula destructiva on leaves of Cornus florida. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. 33:525-531.
- Sakhanokho, H.F., Witcher, A.L., Pounders Jr, C.T., Spiers, J. 2012. 'Ramata': a new dwarf and variegated Hedychium J. Koenig cultivar. HortScience. 47(6):803-805.
- Hadziabdic, D., Wadl, P.A., Boggess, S.L., Scheffler, B.E., Windham, M.T., Trigiano, R.N. 2011. Development and characterization of sixteen microsatellite loci for Geosmithia morbida, the causal agent of thousand canker disease in black walnut (Juglans nigra). Conservation Genetics. 4(2) :287-289.
- Wadl, P.A., Saxton, A.N., Wang, X., Pantalone, V.R., Rinehart, T.A., Trigiano, R.N. 2011. Quantitative trait loci associated with red foliage in Cornus florida L. Molecular Breeding. 27:409-416.
- Rajasekaran, K., Sakhanokho, H.F., Tabanca, N. 2012. Antifungal activities of Hedychium essential oils and plant extracts against mycotoxigenic fungi. Journal of Crop Improvement. 26:389-396.
- Dean, D., Wadl, P.A., Trigiano, R., Wang, X., Klingeman, W., Ownley, B.H., Rinehart, T.A., Scheffler, B.E. 2011. Screening and characterization of eleven novel microsatellite markers from Viburnum dilatatum. HortScience. 46(11):1456-1459.
- Wadl, P.A., Dattilo, A.J., Scheffler, B.E., Trigiano, R.N. 2011. Development of microsatellite loci for the endangered species Pityopsis ruthii (Asteraceae)1. American Journal of Botany. 0:e1-e4.
- Wadl, P.A., Trigiano, R.N., Werner, D.J., Pooler, M.R., Rinehart, T.A. 2012. Simple sequence repeat markers from Cercis canadensis show wide cross-species transfer and use in genetic studies. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 137:189-201.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Develop improved germplasm for ornamental plants and small fruit crops adapted to the Gulf Coast Region. Research will also determine genetic factors that regulate plant disease, growth characteristics, and tolerance to environmental stress, as well as accelerate the development and release of improved cultivars for production. Develop molecular tools, such as TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes)and/or microarray methods to identify and/or map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), candidate genes, and/or �functional genetic markers� for cold tolerance, drought tolerance, and/or pest and pathogen resistance in priority ornamental genera for the Gulf States, including Cercis (redbud), Cornus (dogwood), and Hydrangea in collaboration with university and U. S. National Arboretum cooperators, to enhance breeding programs of woody landscape plants. Approach (from AD-416) Identify desirable traits in small fruit and ornamental plants, develop improved varieties using traditional and modern genetic methods, and release superior germplasm in order to increase profitability of small acreage farms in the Gulf Coast Region. Germplasm from established cultivars, wild clones, and their hybrids will be cooperatively evaluated at USDA-ARS and University Experiment Stations throughout the southeastern United States. Small fruit cultivars that are released will have improved vigor and fruit quality, expanded ripening seasons including earlier harvests, enhanced adaptation, greater productivity with larger yields, improved fresh or processing berry qualities, and enhanced suitability for mechanical harvesting. This research project, combined with cooperative testing and technology transfer efforts with land grant universities, will develop superior cultivars for rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry, muscadine grapes and other small fruit. Because the ornamental commodity comprises hundreds of plant species, target genera will be selected for improvement from both herbaceous perennials and woody landscape crops. Superior ornamental cultivars that are released will have increased disease resistance and enhanced ornamental qualities including greater aesthetic appeal. In addition to traditional breeding to develop superior ornamental cultivars, this project plan also includes molecular genetic research to accelerate breeding of woody landscape plants by shortening the evaluation, selection, and release cycle. In total, ornamental research described in this plan will impact new cultivar development for crapemyrtle, hibiscus, begonia, butterfly ginger, Dichroa, redbud, fringe tree, and dogwood. Genetics research on small fruits and ornamental plants is focused on the development of new germplasm and cultivars with adaption to the gulf coast region of the U.S. Small fruit research includes conventional breeding to enhance commercial production of blueberries and muscadine grapes. Early ripening, high productivity, and superior fruit quality are the top breeding goals for rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberries. Blueberry breeding also includes improved berry storage and handling, taste and nutritional value. More than 240 crosses were completed among rabbiteye and southern highbush. 120 new selections were planted in field conditions to evaluate performance. Approximately 8,000 blueberry seedlings from the previous season�s breeding efforts were established as progeny for initial selection for fruit quality. Muscadine grape selections, including 200 new seedlings from last year�s breeding efforts, were established in field plantings for evaluation. An elite thornless blackberry selection was propagated via tissue culture in preparation for wide scale testing and release and distribution to nurserymen. Research on ornamental plants includes modern genetic methods, conventional breeding and tissue culture. Because of the diversity within the nursery and greenhouse industry, research is underway on a wide variety of ornamental crops including crapemyrtle, hibiscus, begonia, hydrangea, redbud, fringe tree and dogwood. Elite crapemyrtle selections with improved disease resistance in combination with dark purple, dark red, pink or white flowers were transferred to four nursery companies for evaluation. Ten selections of a wide hybrid crapemyrtle with dark purple flowers have proven root hardy over three winters and were sent to nurseries for additional evaluation. Fourteen Hibiscus selections, including one wide hybrid, are being evaluated by nurseries for possible release. Cold hardy begonia germplasm that was improved to include more desirable horticultural traits has maintained hardiness. As part of a tissue culture strategy to overcome breeding barriers, pollen viability and fertility studies on select begonia were initiated. Two new dwarf variegated ornamental ginger have been developed. One of these two plants is the cultivar �Ramata� for which a patent application was submitted. High throughput sequencing was completed on hydrangea and dogwood and uncovered more than 50,000 genes in these woody landscape crops. Data included an abundance of molecular markers to accelerate conventional breeding for these specialty crops. Further analysis will link the expression of newly discovered genes with important traits. Molecular markers were also developed for two native ornamental trees, fringe tree and redbud. These markers were used to show relatedness between cultivars and species to better understand the resources available for breeding. Markers are also being used to better understand population differences among stands of native trees such as dogwood, redbud and fringe tree. This is especially important for pygmy fringe trees, which are classified as an endangered native tree in Florida. Accomplishments 01 Release of �Lufkin White� and �Lufkin Red� hibiscus cultivars. Hardy hibiscus are useful flowering perennials in full sun landscapes but suff from disease and pest damage. ARS researchers at Poplarville, Mississipp released two hardy hibiscus cultivars adapted to the environmental conditions of the South. 'Lufkin Red' was selected for its exceptional r flowers and 'Lufkin White' was selected for its blushed white flowers. Both display outstanding disease resistant foliage. Plants develop rapid in containers and, in addition to leaf-spot resistance, display good tolerance to other common pests. Under landscape conditions plants shoul mature to approximately 1.6 meters high x 1.3 meters wide. Flower qualit and numbers, as well as growth habit, are improved over the native speci which tend to be large plants with loose growth habit. Sales of 'Lufkin Red' and 'Lufkin White' are expected to benefit the nursery industry in USDA cold hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Wang, X., Wadl, P.A., Cabrera, R.I., Pounders Jr, C.T., Scheffler, B.E., Pooler, M.R., Rinehart, T.A., Trigiano, R.N. 2011. Evaluation of genetic diversity and pedigree within crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) cultivars using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 136(2):116-128.
- Stringer, S.J., Marshall, D.A., Gray, D. 2011. Eudora muscadine grape. HortScience. 46(1)143-144.
- Hadziabdic, D., Fitzpatrick, B., Wang, X., Wadl, P., Rinehart, T.A., Ownley, B., Windham, M., Trigiano, R. 2010. Analysis of genetic diversity of flowering dogwood natural stands using microsatellites: the effects of dogwood anthracnose. Genetica. 138:1047-1057.
- Wang, X., Dean, D., Wadl, P., Hadziabdic, D., Scheffler, B.E., Rinehart, T. A., Trigiano, R. 2010. Development of microsatellite markers from Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia L.). HortScience. 45(5):842-844.
- Yuan, J.S., Abercrombie, L., Cao, Y., Halfhill, M.D., Zhou, X., Peng, Y., Hu, J., Rao, M.R., Heck, G.R., Larosa, T.J., Sammons, R.D., Wang, X., Ranjan, P., Johnson, D.H., Wadl, P.A., Scheffler, B.E., Rinehart, T.A., Trigiano, R.N., Stewart, Jr, C.N. 2010. Functional genomics analysis of horseweed (Conyza canadensis) with special reference to the evolution of non-target-site glyphosate resistance. Weed Science. 58:109-117.
- Wadl, P., Wang, X., Pantalone, V., Trigiano, R. 2010. Inheritance of red foliage in flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.). Euphytica. 176(1):99-104. DOI: 10.1007/s10681-0100219-7.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Develop improved germplasm for ornamental plants and small fruit crops adapted to the Gulf Coast Region. Research will also determine genetic factors that regulate plant disease, growth characteristics, and tolerance to environmental stress, as well as accelerate the development and release of improved cultivars for production. Develop molecular tools, such as TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes)and/or microarray methods to identify and/or map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), candidate genes, and/or �functional genetic markers� for cold tolerance, drought tolerance, and/or pest and pathogen resistance in priority ornamental genera for the Gulf States, including Cercis (redbud), Cornus (dogwood), and Hydrangea in collaboration with university and U. S. National Arboretum cooperators, to enhance breeding programs of woody landscape plants. Approach (from AD-416) Identify desirable traits in small fruit and ornamental plants, develop improved varieties using traditional and modern genetic methods, and release superior germplasm in order to increase profitability of small acreage farms in the Gulf Coast Region. Germplasm from established cultivars, wild clones, and their hybrids will be cooperatively evaluated at USDA-ARS and University Experiment Stations throughout the southeastern United States. Small fruit cultivars that are released will have improved vigor and fruit quality, expanded ripening seasons including earlier harvests, enhanced adaptation, greater productivity with larger yields, improved fresh or processing berry qualities, and enhanced suitability for mechanical harvesting. This research project, combined with cooperative testing and technology transfer efforts with land grant universities, will develop superior cultivars for rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry, muscadine grapes and other small fruit. Because the ornamental commodity comprises hundreds of plant species, target genera will be selected for improvement from both herbaceous perennials and woody landscape crops. Superior ornamental cultivars that are released will have increased disease resistance and enhanced ornamental qualities including greater aesthetic appeal. In addition to traditional breeding to develop superior ornamental cultivars, this project plan also includes molecular genetic research to accelerate breeding of woody landscape plants by shortening the evaluation, selection, and release cycle. In total, ornamental research described in this plan will impact new cultivar development for crapemyrtle, hibiscus, begonia, butterfly ginger, Dichroa, redbud, fringe tree, and dogwood. Genetics research on small fruits and ornamental plants focuses on seven crops including blueberries, muscadine grapes, crape myrtles, hibiscus, hydrangeas, begonias, and ornamental ginger. Progress includes evaluation and release of new blueberry and muscadine cultivars with improved fruit production. Blueberry breeding and evaluations continue to focus on early ripening rabbiteye plants. In 2010, over 250 crosses were completed for southern highbush and rabbitteye, approximately 125 crosses for each blueberry type. Replicated field plantings were established for more than 150 plants that were selected based on fruit quality, growth characteristics and productions value. To continue the ongoing evaluation and selection cycle, approximately 8,000 seedlings from last year's breeding efforts were planted in containers and prepared for evaluation and selection. In ornamental plants, evaluation of elite crape mytle breeding lines with dark-colored foliage and an array of flower colors continued and selections have been made for eventual release as new cultivars. A mapping population to create a genetic linkage map for the crape myrtle genome has been established in collaboration with Texas AgriLife in Dallas, Texas, under an unfunded cooperative agreement. Inheritance of host plant resistance to insects is being analyzed and hybrid populations segregating for resistance are being prepared for evaluation. Disease resistance studies on crape myrtles are also underway. Superior Hibiscus selections have been prepared and released. Evaluations of additional selected hibiscus materials will continue at cooperating nursery sites. New molecular markers are being developed for Hydrangea macrophylla to finish the genetic linkage map. Next generation, high-throughput DNA sequencing is being used to uncover important genes in dogwood as part of �Woody Ornamental Genomic Research in the Southeastern United States� (Project No: 6404-2100-008-03S). Dogwood breeding for improved tolerance to anthracnose and new flower colors continued at the University of Tennessee. Molecular markers that were developed for two native plants, fringe tree and redbud, have been used to assess genetic diversity within cultivated forms. An in vitro assisted breeding program has been established for ornamental ginger, resulting in the development of breeding materials as well as new improved ornamental ginger lines. The breeding materials include artificially created ginger plants with increased chromosome numbers as well as plants with flowers having only the female parts. An increase in chromosome number produced dwarf, compact gingers and the in vitro assisted breeding system created variegated gingers. In-depth studies were conducted on ginger pollen to better understand its biology, viability and storage conditions. Accomplishments 01 �USS California�, A New Tropical Hibiscus with Yellow Flowers. ARS Plant Geneticists at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory recent released Hibiscus rosa-sinensis �USS California�, a tropical hibiscus cultivar with superior yellow flowers. Tropical hibiscus is a popular addition to summer landscapes because of bright colorful flowers but som selections have unappealing open growth habits and suffer from insect damage. The objective of the hibiscus breeding program is to introduce n cultivars with enhanced pest resistance in combination with improved production traits and superior landscape performance. �USS California� h uniform, intermediate growth habit and strong flower production in combination with improved pest tolerance. Flowers are large and vibrant yellow. This plant is ideal for landscape use and is adapted to summer heat. Nursery producers will benefit from the strong production traits this selection including easy propagation and vigorous growth. 02 �USS Arizona�, A New Tropical Hibiscus with Orange Flowers. ARS Plant Geneticists at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory recent released Hibiscus rosa-sinensis �USS Arizona�, a tropical hibiscus cultivar with brilliant orange flowers. Tropical hibiscus are known for their bright flowers in a broad range of colors. They are popular shrubs in pots or landscape; however, many have an unsightly, open growth habit and suffer from insect damage. The objective of the hibiscus breeding program is to introduce new cultivars with enhanced pest resistance in combination with improved production traits and superior landscape performance. �USS Arizona� has uniform, intermediate growth habit and strong flower production in combination with improved pest tolerance. Flowers are a unique phosphorescent brilliant orange. This plant is idea for landscape use and is adapted for hot summer heat. The nursery industry will benefit from the strong production traits of this selectio including easy propagation and vigorous growth. 03 New Southern Highbush Blueberry Named �Pearl�. ARS Plant Geneticists at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultural Laboratory recently released �Pearl�, a new highbush blueberry cultivar. The objective of the blueber breeding program is to introduce new cultivars with improved production traits as well as enhanced nutritional value. In addition to yield, one the key traits for fresh market blueberries is an early ripening period. U.S. fresh market favors early ripening cultivars, which command premium prices. �Pearl� produces ripe berries earlier than the earliest rabbitey blueberry cultivars in production today. It has good yield potential an produces large, attractive, light blue, firm berries with excellent flav and small picking scars. �Pearl� has low to moderate chilling requiremen and will perform well in the Gulf-coast region and in other areas where southern highbush blueberry cultivars are grown successfully. Growers wi benefit from the early ripening and be able to participate in the lucrative early U.S. fresh market where opportunities for marketing rabbiteye blueberries have diminished. 04 �Sahara Sunset�, A Variegated Purple Leaf Form of Heat Tolerant African Hibiscus. ARS Plant Geneticists at the Thad Cochran Southern Horticultur Laboratory recently released Hibiscus acetosella �Sahara Sunset�, an African hibiscus cultivar with variegated foliage. African hibiscus are known for their heat tolerance and maple-like foliage. Purple and bronze leaf forms are popular annuals in low-maintenance landscapes because the provide striking color contrast. The objective of the hibiscus breeding program is to introduce new cultivars with enhanced pest resistance in combination improved production traits as well as superior landscape performance. �Sahara Sunset� is the first stable variegated form of the purple leaf type and will be protected by a plant patent. The nursery industry will benefit from the unique multicolored foliage that can be used as a specimen plant in landscapes, a color accent in shrub borders, or a contrast plant in mixed annual planters. Heat tolerance and broad environmental adaptation make �Sahara Sunset� an important component of low maintenance, low water plantings. It thrives in summer heat and full sun, has a spreading upright growth habit, and is tolerant of common insects and diseases.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Li, Y., Windham, M., Trigiano, M., Rinehart, T.A., Reed, S.M., Spiers, J.M. 2009. Assesment of Resistance Components of Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) to Erysiphe polygoni In Vitro. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. 31:348-355.
- Rinehart, T.A., Scheffler, B.E., Reed, S.M. 2010. Ploidy Variation and Genetic Diversity in Dichroa. HortScience. 45:208-213.
- Greer, S.P., Reed, S.M., Rinehart, T.A. 2010. Dormancy and Germination In Vitro Response of Hydrangea Macrophylla and Hydrangea paniculata Seed to Light, Stratification, and Gibberellic Acid. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 28(1):41-47.2010.
- Mmbaga, M.T., Oliver, J.B. 2007. Effects of Biopesticides on Foliar Diseases and Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) Adults in Roses (Rosa spp. ), Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), and Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). Journal of Arboriculture. 33:210-219.
- Li, Y., Mmbaga, M.T., Windham, A.S., Windham, M.T., Trigiano, R.N. 2009. Powdery Mildew of Dogwoods: Current Status and Future Prospects. Plant Disease. http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PDIS-93-11-1084.
- Kardos, J.H., Rodacker, C.D., Dirr, M.A., Rinehart, T.A. 2009. Production and Verification of Hydrangea macrophylla x angustipetala hybrids. HortScience. 44: 1534-1537 (2009..
- Sakhanokho, H.F., Rajasekaran, K., Kelley, R.Y. 2009. Induced Polyploidy in Diploid Ornamental Ginger (Hedychium muluense) Using Colchicine and Oryzalin. HortScience. 44(7):1809-1814.
- Stringer, S.J., Draper, A., Marshall, D.A., Spiers, J.M. 2010. Prince Rabbiteye Blueberry. HortScience. Vol.45(1)144-145.2010.
- Pounders Jr, C.T., Blythe, E.K., Fare, D.C., Knox, G.W., Sibely, J.L. 2010. Crapemyrtle genotype � environment interactions and trait stability for plant height leaf-out and flowering. HortScience. 45(2):198-207.
- Sylvere Sie, R., Gilbert, C., Sakhanokho, H.F., Toueix, Y., Dje, Y., Sangare, A., Branchard, M. 2010. Protocols for Callus and Somatic Embryo Initiation for Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae): Influence of Explant Type, Sugar, and Plant Growth Regulators. Australian Journal of Crop Science. 4(2):98-105.
- Stringer, S.J., Marshall, D.A., Sampson, B.J., Spiers, J.M. 2003. Seasonal Effects of a Late Application of Hydrogen Cyanamide on 'Climax' Rabbiteye Blueberry. Small Fruit Reviews. 2(4):73-82.
- Rinehart, T., Trigiano, R., Wadl, P., Hadziabdic, D., Pooler, M., Scheffler. B. 2010. Characterization of Twelve Microsatellite Markers for the Native Redbud Tree (Cercis canadensis). Molecular Ecology Resources. 10(4), 751-754. http://tomato.biol.trinity.edu/manuscripts/10-4/mer-09- 0487.pdf.
- Wadl, P.A., Skinner, J.A., Dunlap, J.R., Reed, S.M., Rinehart, T.A., Trigiano, R.N. 2009. Honeybee-Mediated Controlled Pollinations in Cornus florida and C. kousa Intra- and Inter-Specific Crosses. HortScience. 44:1527-1533.
- Baird, R., Mcneil, D., Wadl, P.A., Trigiano, R.N., Allen, T., Shier, T., Wang, X., Rinehart, T.A., Abbas, H.K. 2010. Variability of United States Isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina Based on Simple Sequence Repeats and Cross Genus Transferability to Related Botryosphaeraceae. Mycopathologia. 170.3(2010): 169-80. Epub 2010 March 30.
- Wadl, P., Wang, X., Moulton, J.K., Hokanson, S.C., Skinner, J.A., Rinehart, T.A., Reed, S.M., Pantalone, V., Trigiano, R. 2010. Transfer of Flowering and Kousa Dogwood Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) to Selected Cornus (Cornaceae) Species. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 135:279-288.
- Rinehart, T.A., Wang, X., Trigiano, R.N., Rowland, N., Devries, R. 2010. Plant Tissue Culture Development and Biotechnology, Chapter 10: Molecular Tools for Studying Plant Genetic Diversity. Book Chapter. pgs 139-152.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Develop improved germplasm for ornamental plants and small fruit crops adapted to the Gulf Coast Region. Research will also determine genetic factors that regulate plant disease, growth characteristics, and tolerance to environmental stress, as well as accelerate the development and release of improved cultivars for production. Develop molecular tools, such as TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes)and/or microarray methods to identify and/or map Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), candidate genes, and/or �functional genetic markers� for cold tolerance, drought tolerance, and/or pest and pathogen resistance in priority ornamental genera for the Gulf States, including Cercis (redbud), Cornus (dogwood), and Hydrangea in collaboration with university and U. S. National Arboretum cooperators, to enhance breeding programs of woody landscape plants. Approach (from AD-416) Identify desirable traits in small fruit and ornamental plants, develop improved varieties using traditional and modern genetic methods, and release superior germplasm in order to increase profitability of small acreage farms in the Gulf Coast Region. Germplasm from established cultivars, wild clones, and their hybrids will be cooperatively evaluated at USDA-ARS and University Experiment Stations throughout the southeastern United States. Small fruit cultivars that are released will have improved vigor and fruit quality, expanded ripening seasons including earlier harvests, enhanced adaptation, greater productivity with larger yields, improved fresh or processing berry qualities, and enhanced suitability for mechanical harvesting. This research project, combined with cooperative testing and technology transfer efforts with land grant universities, will develop superior cultivars for rabbiteye and southern highbush blueberry, muscadine grapes and other small fruit. Because the ornamental commodity comprises hundreds of plant species, target genera will be selected for improvement from both herbaceous perennials and woody landscape crops. Superior ornamental cultivars that are released will have increased disease resistance and enhanced ornamental qualities including greater aesthetic appeal. In addition to traditional breeding to develop superior ornamental cultivars, this project plan also includes molecular genetic research to accelerate breeding of woody landscape plants by shortening the evaluation, selection, and release cycle. In total, ornamental research described in this plan will impact new cultivar development for crapemyrtle, hibiscus, begonia, butterfly ginger, Dichroa, redbud, fringe tree, and dogwood. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Genetics research on small fruits and ornamental plants focuses on seven crops including blueberries, muscadine grapes, crape myrtles, hibiscus, hydrangeas, begonias, and ornamental ginger. Progress includes evaluation and release of new blueberry and muscadine cultivars such as the �Prince, a new rabbiteye blueberry cultivar with improved fruit production. Blueberry breeding and evaluations continue to focus on early ripening rabbiteye plants. Over 250 crosses were completed for southern highbush and rabbitteye, approximately 125 crosses for each blueberry type. Replicated field plantings were established for more than 150 plants that were selected based on fruit quality, growth characteristics and productions value. To continue the ongoing evaluation and selection cycle, approximately 8,000 seedlings from last year's breeding efforts were planted in containers and prepared for evaluation and selection. In ornamental plants, evaluation of elite crape mytle breeding lines with dark-colored foliage and an array of flower colors continued and selections have been reduced to superior plants that are likely candidates for release as new cultivars. Inheritance of host plant resistance to metallic flea beetle is being analyzed in collaboration with Texas AgriLife in Dallas, Texas, as part of a new specific cooperative agreement. Disease resistance studies on crape myrtles are also underway. For example, over 2,000 crape myrtle seedlings composed of 26 families generated from 11 commercial clones were screened for field resistance to powdery mildew and cercospora leaf spot for two seasons at Auburn University�s Brewton field station over the last two years. Individual plants displaying resistance were selected and over 100 seedlings were moved to a new plot for additional evaluation. Superior Hibiscus selections have been prepared and released. Evaluations of additional selected hibiscus materials will continue at cooperating nursery sites. Genetic diversity of species related to hydrangea has been published and target species have been successfully incorporated into breeding program at the National Arboretum breeding and in industry. A micropropagation system for ornamental ginger species and cultivars has been published and was used to increase artificial tetraploid plants created from dwarf ginger. Molecular markers were developed for fringe tree and redbud, two new crops that were recently added to the research plan. The genetic diversity of native dogwood populations was also analyzed as part of the subordinate project �Woody Ornamental Genomic Research in the Southeastern United States� (Project No: 6404-2100-008-03S). Dogwood breeding for improved tolerance to anthracnose and new flower colors continued at the University of Tennessee. Technology Transfer Number of Active CRADAS: 2 Number of New/Active MTAs(providing only): 6 Number of Invention Disclosures submitted: 1 Number of New Germplasm Releases: 2
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Sakhanokho, H.F., Kelley, R.Y. 2009. Influence of Salicylic Acid on In Vitro Micropropagation and Salt Tolerance in Two Hibiscus Species, H. acetosella and H. moscheutos (cv �Luna Red�). African Journal of Biotechnology 8: 1474-1481.
- Stringer, S.J., Spiers, J.M., Draper, A., Marshall, D.A. 2009. Potential New Blueberry Cultivars for the Gulf Coast Region of the U.S. Acta Horticulturae. 810:87-92.
- Li, Y., Windham, M.T., Trigiano, R.N., Reed, S.M., Spiers, J.M., Rinehart, T.A. 2008. Bright-field and Fluorescence Microscopic Study of Development of Erysiphe polygoni in Susceptible and Resistant Bigleaf Hydrangea. Plant Disease. 93:2.
- Baird, R.E., Wadl, P.A., Wang, X.W., Hadziabdic, D., Rinehart, T.A., Abbas, H.K., Shier, T., Trigiano, R.N. 2009. Microsatellites from the Charcoal Rot Fungus (Macrophomina phaseolina). Molecular Ecology Resourcespgs 946- 948.
- Greer, S.P., Rinehart, T.A. 2009. In Vitro Germination and Dormancy Responses of Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea paniculata Seeds to Ethyl Methane Sulfonate and Cold Treatment. HortScience. 44(3):764-769.
- Wang, X., Rinehart, T.A., Wadhl, P.A., Spiers, J.M., Johnson, D., Trigiano, R.N. 2009. A New Electrophoresis Technique to Seperate Microsatellite Alleles Vol.8 (11), pp.2432-2436. African Journal of Biotechnology.
- Reed, S.M., Rinehart, T.A. 2009. SSR Marker Analysis of Genetic Relationships within Hydrangea paniculata. HortScience. 44(1):21-31.
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