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NC_OLD007: Conservation, Management, Enhancement and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [12/14/2009] [12/14/2009] [12/14/2009] [12/20/2011] [12/20/2011] [11/20/2012]

Date of Annual Report: 12/14/2009

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 06/19/07 to 06/20/07
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2006 to 09/2007

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    URL: Copy of minutes
    Accomplishments:
    Background:
    The plant genetic resource (PGR) needs of the North Central Region have been supported for over 58 years through a joint partnership, designated as Multi-State Research Project NC-7, between the USDA, ARS, Plant Introduction Research Unit, Iowa State University and the other members of the North Central States Agricultural Experiment Station. The NC-7 Project has served as a major component of the National Plant Germplasm System, and its activities have significantly contributed to improved crop technology in the North Central Region, the U.S., and abroad, by providing plant genetic resources and associated information to scientists and educators. NC-7 Project researchers' participation results in development of new plant genetic resources for agricultural production in the U.S., and new information that supports agricultural research and production. The Multi-State Research Project meetings serve as an important vehicle for information exchange and feedback between participants, Administrative Advisor and genebank personnel.

    Accomplishments for 2007:

    NC-7 Participant Accomplishments:

    Financial Situation:
    Significant accomplishments continue to be achieved; financial resources for this project are becoming a major concern. Since 2004, NC-7 funded ISU positions have decreased from 12 to 10. The number of full-time equivalents of student labor declined from 20 in 2006 to 17 in 2007 due to resource constraints (ARS and Hatch funding).

    NC-7 Budget Request:
    Given the tough economic circumstances for all of the Agricultural Experiment Stations, a 10% increase in NC-7 Project funding was requested for FY2008, but was not possible; the budget remains at $522,980.

    Action Requested: Approval of NC-7 FY2008 Budget Request.
    Action Taken: Budget was approved at $522,980 level for FY2007, a decrease from $528,262 in FY2006 due to a rescission. In FY2008, the budget remainas at $522,980.

    Impact Statements:
    1. NC-7 participants have used plant genetic resources obtained from the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) and other elements of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) to develop improved varieties with increased productivity and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress; new crops and new uses for existing crops; fruit, nut, or grain plant varieties with added crop value by contributing improved flavor or nutritional qualities; more sustainable cropping systems; feedstocks for biofuel and industrial uses; and have expanded our knowledge of genetics, genomics and the basis of diversity. All of these activities support sustainability of agricultural production, health, nutrition, and energy independence.
    Last Modified: 14-Dec-2009

    Date of Annual Report: 12/14/2009

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/06/08 to 08/07/08
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2007 to 09/2008

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    URL: Copy of minutes
    Accomplishments:
    Background:
    The plant genetic resource (PGR) needs of the North Central Region have been supported for over 59 years through a joint partnership, designated as Multi-State Research Project NC-7, between the USDA, ARS, Plant Introduction Research Unit, Iowa State University and the other members of the North Central States Agricultural Experiment Station. The NC-7 Project has served as a major component of the National Plant Germplasm System, and its activities have significantly contributed to improved crop technology in the North Central Region, the U.S., and abroad, by providing plant genetic resources and associated information to scientists and educators. NC-7 Project researchers participation results in development of new plant genetic resources for agricultural production in the U.S., and new information that supports agricultural research and production. The Multi-State Research Project meetings serve as an important vehicle for information exchange and feedback between participants, Administrative Advisor and genebank personnel.

    Accomplishments for 2008:

    NC-7 Participant Accomplishments:

    Financial Situation:
    Significant accomplishments continue to be achieved; financial resources for this project are becoming a major concern. Since 2004, NC-7 funded ISU positions have decreased from 12 to 10; another reduction is necessary in FY2010. Reductions provided technical support for germplasm distribution, field activities, and oilseeds curation. On the USDA-ARS side, fewer students have been hired in order to maintain financial resources for operations. Regenerations have been reduced for major crops with extensive labor requirements, such as maize, oilseeds, and vegetables.

    NC-7 Budget Request:
    Given the tough economic circumstances for all of the Agricultural Experiment Stations, a 10% increase in NC-7 Project funding was requested for FY2009, but is not possible for practical economic reality reasons. The budget remains at $522,980.

    Action Requested: Approval of NC-7 FY2009 Budget Request.
    Action Taken: Budget was approved at $522,980 level.

    Impact Statements:
    1. NC-7 participants have used plant genetic resources obtained from the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) and other elements of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) to develop improved varieties with increased productivity and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress; new crops and new uses for existing crops; fruit, nut, or grain plant varieties with added crop value by contributing improved flavor or nutritional qualities; more sustainable cropping systems; feedstocks for biofuel and industrial uses; and have expanded our knowledge of genetics, genomics and the basis of diversity. All of these activities support sustainability of agricultural production, health, nutrition, and energy independence.
    Last Modified: 14-Dec-2009

    Date of Annual Report: 12/14/2009

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 07/01/09 to 07/02/09
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2008 to 09/2009

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    URL: Copy of minutes
    Accomplishments:
    Background:
    The plant genetic resource (PGR) needs of the North Central Region have been supported for over 60 years through a joint partnership, designated as Multi-State Research Project NC-7, between the USDA, ARS, Plant Introduction Research Unit, Iowa State University and the other members of the North Central States Agricultural Experiment Station. The NC-7 Project has served as a major component of the National Plant Germplasm System, and its activities have significantly contributed to improved crop technology in the North Central Region, the U.S., and abroad, by providing plant genetic resources and associated information to scientists and educators. The Multi-State Research Project meetings serve as an important vehicle for information exchange and feedback between participants, Administrative Advisor and genebank personnel.

    NCRPIS Accomplishments for 2009:

    NC-7 Project Participants Research Accomplishments:

    Financial Situation:
    Significant accomplishments continue to be achieved at the NCRPIS; financial resources for this project are becoming a major concern. Since 2004, NC-7 funded ISU positions have decreased from 12 to 9; another position reduction was necessary in FY2009. Hatch funding has remained stable at $522,980 but its purchasing power has eroded somewhat over the past decade. ARS funding is essentially at the same level as 2003 funding at $2,066,297. Reductions provided technical support for germplasm distribution, field activities, and oilseeds curation. On the USDA-ARS side, fewer students have been hired in order to maintain financial resources for operations, and resources from complementary projects have been leveraged. Regenerations have been reduced for major crops with extensive labor requirements, such as maize, oilseeds, and vegetables.

    NC-7 Budget Request:
    Given the tough economic circumstances for all of the Agricultural Experiment Stations, no increase in NC-7 Project funding was requested for FY2010; the budget request remains at $522,980.

    Action Requested: Approval of NC-7 FY2010 Budget Request.
    Action Taken: Budget was recommended for approval at $522,980 level for FY2010.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Plant genetic resources obtained from the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) and other elements of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) help researchers develop new crops and new uses for existing crops; fruit, nut, or grain plant varieties with improved disease and insect resistance; improved agronomic and horticultural production traits; added crop value by contributing improved flavor or nutritional qualities; more sustainable cropping systems; feedstocks for biofuel and industrial uses, and expand our knowledge of genetics, genomics and the basis of diversity.
    Last Modified: 14-Dec-2009

    Date of Annual Report: 12/20/2011

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/09/11 to 08/10/11
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2010 to 09/2011

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Opening remarks by Dr. Bill Schapaugh (Interim Head, Soybean Breeder, Dept of Agronomy) and Dr. Ernie Minton (Associate Director of Research and Technology Transfer for the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station) Introductions: Mark Widrlechner represented Candice Gardner who is on assignment in China. Minutes: Not submitted, Wendy and Candice will get the minutes for review and approval. Report from Wendy Wintersteen: NC7 is required to submit an annual report. In addition, every five years a new project is submitted for external review and approval. These documents require the submission of accomplishments and impacts related to the work of NC7. The NC7 project is an exemplary partnership between ARS and the Agricultural Experiment Stations. For more information about the NC7 project or other multistate projects go to the North Central Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors at http://ncra.info/. Report from Peter Bretting representing the ARS-NIFA National Program Staff: There was a $700,000 cut across the Germplasm System for the last fiscal year. The Germplasm System remains a high priority for germplasm security; however, the future is unclear. The FAO Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources is before the Senate. Mark Bohning - Germplasm Resources Laboratory update: " Exploration office -5 explorations were supported in 2011 (four domestic and one international, Georgia). " Crop Germplasm Committees: There are now 42 Crop Germplasm Committees. The two most recently established are Specialty Nuts and Medicinal &Essential Oils. " GRIN Global: Version 0.9 has been released and can be used to start testing. This initial version will be especially useful for international collaborators who want to use GRIN Global to manage their germplasm. The web site of this beta version is http://test.grin-global.org/gringlobal/search.aspx . The GRIN Global group hopes to have version 1.0 by Sept 2011. GRIN Global runs with free public domain software. Conversion within the US will begin in September 2012 (led by the ARS Plant Introduction Research Unit, Ames, Iowa). GRIN Public software is being improved. Feedback on GRIN  Global can be send to: feedback-grin.global@ars.grin.gov Dave Ellis & Dave Dierig (National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation - Ft. Collins): Presented overview of seed storage, including clonal crops in cryopreservation and germination tests. 63 teosinte accessions were collected in Mexico in 2009, increased and relayed to Ames. Mark Widrlechner  NC7 Station 2010 Report and Budget: Extra funding was received for silver leaf sunflower (e.g. biomass) and Sclerotinia research.The appointment of the medicinal plants curator could not be extended as the grants renewal was not successful. Broken aging irrigation lines require attention. Mark Widrelechner announced that he will retire on Sept 31, 2011. Budget footnote correction- Footnote #3, the 3% salary increase for FY11 did not occur. The EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES budget line is negative, but it represents budget supplements from external funding. The NC7 Committee Members recommended that all postal costs be paid by germplasm recipients. PVP activity is increasing. Once PVPs expire, there are a large number ofrequests for these accessions. The NC7 Committee Members recommended that the Plant Introduction Station leadership investigate the possibility of establishing cooperative agreements with key industry partners to support the on-going costs associated with the PVPs. Motion: The NC7 Committee Members recommended the budget as submitted. If there is a major reduction in Hatch funding the Committee also recommended that there not be a disproportionate reduction in the NC7 budget. Motion made by Michael Stamm, seconded by Richard Hall. Passed with a unanimous vote. New NC7 State members: Bill Berzonsky (South Dakota) and Pablo Jourdan (Ohio State University) joined as new members. Wendy Wintersteen will work closely with Candice Gardner to review the NC7 membership. Preparation for NC7 five year report: Accomplishments and impacts of PI Station within the NC region are needed for this report. Information was requested by the state members that would help themmembers gather these outcomes. Mark Widrlechner will send to Committee members: 1) spreadsheet by state of all orders from the PI Station in Ames to members state, 2) total number of orders that went to each members state in last 5 years, 3) spreadsheet that includes all germplasm that went to the members University from all NPGS sites. With this information it was suggested that various approaches could be used to gather accomplishments and impacts. These include: (1) NC7 rep call/visit with major users to ask about outcomes/impacts, (2) inquire from recipients whether any recent releases have material from the PI station in the pedigree, and (3) have the crop curators make a series of pilot phone calls to major recipients. Consideration should be given to increase internal (within each state) outreach for the Plant Introduction Station. This could include inviting Candice Gardner to give invited seminars, use of on-line content and newsletter articles. Amy Iezzoni suggested the possibility of a Jewel in the Germplasm series analogous to the USDA-SCRI RosBREED Project Newsletter feature article series titled Jewel in the Genome. RosBREED Newsletters are available at www.rosbreed.org/resources/newsletters Tours: Dr. Bikram Gill and his associated Duane Wilson gave the group a tour of the Wheat Genetics and Genomics Resource Center. Dr. Eva Horne gave the group a tour of the Konza Prairie Biological Station. Resolutions were drafted by Jules Janick and Rick Hall: Upon minor editing they were unanimously accepted. Be it resolved that:

    " The Committee thanks Mike Stamm and Kansas State University for hosting a very well-organized and productive 2011 NC-7 RTAC meeting in Manhattan, KS.

    " The Committee thanks Dr. Bill Schapaugh, Interim Head, Department of Agronomy, who welcomed us to KSU and the Department. Thanks are also extended to Dr. Ernie Minton, Associate Director of Research and Technology Transfer for the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station who extended a welcome from the College and provided us with some interesting information about the college and Kansas agriculture.

    " The Committee appreciated the outstanding tour and explanation of the Wheat Genetics and Genomics Resource Center. We extend our thanks to Dr. Bikram Gill, Plant Pathology Distinguished Professor and Center Director and Mr. Duane Wilson for sharing their many accomplishments and a view of the Center facilities in operation. The Committee expresses its concern for long-term funding for this Center which has worldwide impact on food security through the development of unique wheat germplasm (see attached editorial by Dr. Gill: A wheat called Norman just might feed a hungry world Kansas City Star, 26 Apr 2011). We encourage closer linkage between the NGPC and this Center.

    " Special thanks are due to Dr. Eva Horne, Assistant Director, Konza Prairie Biological Station, for the enjoyable and educational tour she provided of the landscape and explanations of the bison and prescribed fire management research of the Station.

    " The Committee pays special tribute to Dr. Mark Widrlechner who is retiring from the ARS and his position at the Ames Plant Introduction Station after 28 years of distinguished service. Mark has been an especially able scientist as Horticulture Curator. He has been a special friend and participant of the Committee. We know Mark will continue to make important contributions through his new appointment in the Horticulture Department at Iowa State University. We hope Mark will continue to attend NC-7 meetings whenever he can.

    Nomination Committee (Terry Isbell and Burton Johnson): Dipak Santra was nominated to serve as secretary in 2012. This nomination was accepted with a unanimous vote. Amy Iezzoni will serve as Chair in 2012. 2012 Meeting: After some discussion the Committee recommended that next years meeting be in Ames, as it is useful to meet in Ames every third year. The second week of August was suggested as a possible meeting time.

    Poem: Mark Widrlechner shared with the group the following poem he wrote, inspired by the groups visit to the Konza Prairie Biological Station. Konza Yesterday, before the thunder, A gang of bachelors stared at us From their side of the fence While calmly chewing their cud. Our guide then mentioned the herd of elk That grazes the high ground far to the west. Turning around& The view to the west, With its endless hills Quilted with prairie meeting a changing sky Seemed to go on forever. Participant reports were presented by: Rick Hall, Terry Isbell, Dipak Santra, Tomas Lubberstëdt, Mike Stamm, and Burton Johnson.

    Minutes submitted by: Amy Iezzoni

    Accomplishments:
    NCRPIS Accomplishments for 2011:

    The collection totals 51,701 accessions with 74% available for distribution and 79% backed up at Ft. Collins, CO. About 760 accessions were backed up to date.

    Four hundred forty five new accessions were acquired, most from within the NPGS through exploration and transfer. New germplasm includes ash, collected in order to respond to the Emerald Ash Borer threat; oilseeds, primarily wild and cultivated Helianthus; Amaranthus not previously held; wild populations of Aronia and Gymnocladus (Kentucky coffee tree, maize; and Daucus.

    Original seed samples of the accessions are stored at -18 C to extend seed longevity, while the working collection is stored at is improved by storage in -18 C rather than 4 C.

    Viability tests were conducted on 1,631 accessions, substantially less than in 2010 due to resource constraints. After-ripening progress in Calendula was documented in order to better understand loss of seed dormancy in cold storage over time. Alternative treatments to six week cold-stratification treatments were explored for breaking seed dormancy of wild Helianthus. Optimum germination conditions were experimentally determined for portions of the Thlaspi and Camelina collections, using a thermal gradient table.

    As of December 6, 2011 over 36,400 items accessions were distributed to recipients worldwide, a 33% increase over previous records. Approximately 72% of all distributions are domestic, and approximately ½ of these are to NC-7 Region researchers and educators. Some large requests included all of the available maize inbreds for a second year of a collaborative genotyping and multi-location phenotyping study, large numbers of ex-PVP lines, and large phenotypic screening and genotyping studies for a number of other crops. Many large requests await fulfillment, including one for a significant portion of the collections requested by an Asian genebank.

    More than 1,200 accessions were grown for regeneration in Ames and with collaborators, with harvest results not yet finalized. Five different insect pollinators were used to assist in pollination of those crops requiring them; multiple pollinators are needed for effective pollination of some accessions. Monsanto grew multiple nurseries of tropical, photoperiod maize accessions in their Hawaii nurseries for the maize curation project.

    Over 35,930 observations of 7,249 accessions were entered in the GRIN database.

    Phenotypic evaluation and genetic characterization of the Camelina and Thlaspi (pennycress) accessions progressed as part of a Ph.D. study, including analyses of oil content and composition. These crops are of interest for biodiesel production.

    The Project to develop the GRIN-Global System for international genebank management use was completed after four years and released internationally. A training session was held in Tetalticiplan, Mexico in November for Mexican and other international systems administrators and curators. U.S. migration to the new system from GRIN will likely occur in late 2012.

    The Ames Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Project developed about 200 new DH lines wfrom previously unsampled races, but have not yet released them.

    Financial Situation: Significant accomplishments continue to be achieved at the NCRPIS; financial resources for this project are becoming a major concern. Since 2004, NC-7 funded ISU positions have decreased from 12 to 9. Hatch funding has remained stable at $522,980 but its purchasing power has eroded somewhat over the past decade.

    ARS funding is essentially at the same level as 2003 funding at $2,066,297; potential rescissions may occur in FY 2012. Fewer students have been hired (compared to 2003-2005 levels) in order to maintain financial resources for operations, and resources from complementary projects have been leveraged. Regenerations have been reduced for major crops with extensive labor requirements, such as maize, oilseeds, and vegetables.

    NC-7 Project Participants Research Accomplishments:

    University of Delaware researchers have studied the relative results from and relative benefits of using modified single seed descent, doubled haploid, or conventional breeding methods to introgress exotic maize germplasm with elite germplasm. They have also explored the fitness benefits conferred by a previously discovered locus, Rcg1, which confers resistance to Colletotrichum graminicola

    Iowa State University and/or NCRPIS researchers are using diverse maize and other grass genetic resources for biomass investigations, development of double haploid lines from exotic germplasm, SNP discovery, and for testing hypotheses regarding the domestication of maize. Via international collaboration, new sources of wild Lactuca spp. germplasm variability were evaluated and described for us in lettuce improvement programs. Research findings related to the floral morphology of Prunella accessions and self-incompatibility phenomenon were identified that will be useful in basic research related to genetic control of reproductive biology as well as breeding programs. The first large-scale evaluation of extensive, diverse germplasm for resistance to the bacterial fruit blotch pathogen was completed. Using Cucumis seed vaccuum infliltration, 16 lines were identified as resistant to this seed-borne disease; they may be useful as sources of resistance in Cucumis breeding programs.

    Kansas State University researchers evaluated the Brassica napus germplasm collection for potential for winter canola variety development for the southern Great Plains. Participation in the National Winter Canola Variety Trial (NWCVT), the largest winter canola testing network in the United States and coordinated by Kansas State University, increased. The effects of five planting dates (between 15 August and 15 October) and two tillage methods (conventional tillage and no tillage) on winter canola fall plant density, fall crown height, fall vigor, winter survival, spring plant density, spring vigor, and yield were evaluated in western KS. Planting date affected every measurement with tillage only affecting yield. Findings support earlier planting of canola than previously indicated to ensure sufficient winter survival and yield. Comparisons of tillage regimens and residue on stand establishment indicated that residue removal favored stand establishment, and that varietal response differences exist.

    Ten different woody plant accessions are evaluated annually by the John C. Pair Horticultural Center. This program has greatly increased the diversity of woody plants evaluated for suitability to south-central Kansas, and is currently establishing a provenance evaluation of the native Kentucky Coffeetree.

    Michigan State University sour cherry researchers have identified sources of germplasm with improved cold hardiness, tolerance to late season frosts which are very damaging to fruit set and yield, better growth or fruiting habits, improved rootstocks, fruit color and flavor, and resistance to cherry leaf spot. The collection developed over 20 years of effort to acquire, evaluate and utilize wild species and cultivars is being used to investigate meiotic irregularities, genetic self-incompatibility, and trait improvement. A self-compatible mutant allele has been identified from a Hungarian sour cherry cultivar.

    The Rosaceae genetics community (apple, peach, strawberry, sweet and tart cherry) utilized the RosBREED newsletter forum to demonstrate phenotyping protocols and tools, use of Pedimap software, and to communicate discoveries of genetic marker information useful for marker assisted breeding, MAB, or trait improvement via the Jewels in the Genome series. In 2011, quantitative trait loci and flanking markers were described for sweet cherry fruit size, cherry self-incompatibility, apple quality and storage traits, and peach fruit texture and flavor.

    University of Missouri researchers and collaborators have used plant genetic resources extensively for a very wide range of purposes. Maize-teosinte introgression libraries were used to investigate aspects of genetic diversity and how levels of diversity affect our understanding of the genes that control agronomic and kernel quality traits, as well as though selected during domestication. Areas of the maize or teosinte genome present/absent in the germplasm libraries were characterized. A somatic karyotype for many maize accessions is being developed, including for maize relatives, in order to provide information about the diversity of chromosome structure and its evolution.

    University of Nebraska researchers and collaborators evaluated four spring planted canola varieties in five geographic regions across the High Plains in order to determine if this valuable crop for oil production and livestock feed could fit into the crop rotations used by High Plains producers and benefit them. They found seed oil content to be highest in the northern High Plains locations while yields were highest in the southern and central High Plains, and concluded the US High Plains would be excellent for growing spring canola.

    University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are using NPGS maize germplasm to exploit the natural genetic variation observed in corn for identification of important genomic regions related to the utilization of corn as a source of feedstock for biofuel production. Testing of hybrids with one of two mutants, gt (grassy tillers) which increases the number of primary lateral branches from below ground nodes, or corngrass (Cg1) which increases the vegetative phase of corn plants and therefore their secondary cell wall composition, indicates that these native genes can be used to increase ethanol yield per acre, by increasing biomass and digestibility and energy yield.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Impact : Plant genetic resources obtained from the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) and other elements of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) help researchers develop new crops and new uses for existing crops; fruit, nut, or grain plant varieties with improved disease and insect resistance; improved agronomic and horticultural production traits; added crop value by contributing improved flavor or nutritional qualities; more sustainable cropping systems; feedstocks for biofuel and industrial uses, and expand our knowledge of genetics, genomics and the basis of diversity.
    Last Modified: 20-Dec-2011

    Date of Annual Report: 12/20/2011

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 07/27/10 to 07/28/10
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2009 to 09/2010

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    NC7 RTAC Agenda - July 27, 2010 - Ramada Geneva Lakefront, Geneva, NY

    8:00 - 8:45 Wendy Wintersteen , Dean and Agr. Exp Station Director, Iowa State University; Welcome, NC7 business, Hatch funding 8:45  9:15 Peter Bretting, Office of National Programs, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 9:15  9:30 Harry Danforth, USDA-ARS Midwest Area Assoc Director, Peoria, IL 9:30  10:00 Ann Marie Thro, USDA-NIFA ONP, Washington, DC

    10:15 - 10:30 Candice Gardner, USDA-ARS, NCRPIS, Ames, IA: Update and budget presentation 10:30  12:00 Gary Kinard, Marty Reisinger, Mark Bohning , USDA-ARS-DBMU, Beltsville, MD: GRIN Global Overview/Public Demonstration/Discussion (with the CGC Chairs) 1:00 - 1:15 Gardner, continued 1:15  1:45 Curator Dave Ellis and Research Leader Dave Dierig, USDA-ARS- NCGRP, Ft. Collins, CO 1:45  2:00 Terry Isbell, USDA-ARS-NCAUR, Peoria, IL: Oilseed Research Update 2:00  4:15 RTAC Attending Member State Reports & Discussion: Attending members: Amy Iezzoni, Rick Hall, Kendall Lamkey, Grover Shannon, Mike Stamm, Dipak Santra, Jim Orf, Bill Tracy 4:15  4:30 Mark Widrlechner, USDA-ARS-NCRPIS, Ames, IA: Update on Ash and EAB status 4:30  5:00 Open discussion: NCRPIS budget, RTAC expectations, new action items, adjourn

    8:00  9:00 Special Speaker: Susan Dworkin - The Metaphor in the Seed Bank: Helping the Public to Understand Agriculture

    Accomplishments:
    NCRPIS Accomplishments for 2010: The collection totals 51,393 accessions with 74% available for distribution and 79% backed up at Ft. Collins, CO. About 1,936 accessions were also backed up at the Svalbard Global Germplasm Vault.

    Over 516 new accessions were acquired, approximately equal to 1% of prior holdings. Of these, 332 were received from within the NPGS through exploration and transfer. New germplasm included ash, collected in order to respond to the Emerald Ash Borer threat; 115 oilseeds, primarily wild and cultivated Helianthus; two species of Amaranthus not previously held; wild populations of Aronia and Gymnocladus (Kentucky coffeetree); 178 maize lines, including 16 inbreds derived from teosinte donated by J. Doebley of the University of Wisconsin; 45 Daucus collected in AZ, CA, NM, OR, and WA.

    Original seed samples of the accessions are stored at -18 C to extend seed longevity, while the working collection is stored at is improved by storage in -18 C rather than 4 C.

    Viability tests were conducted on 2,570 accessions (5% of the NCRPIS collections). After-ripening progress in Calendula was documented in order to better understand loss of seed dormancy in cold storage over time. Alternative treatments to six week cold-stratification treatments were explored for breaking seed dormancy of wild Helianthus. Optimum germination conditions were experimentally determined for portions of the Thlaspi and Camelina collections, using a thermal gradient table. Cryopreservation storage methods for ash buds were developed with ARS investigators in Ft. Collins, CO (NCGRP).

    A total of 26,651 items representing 13,226 accessions were distributed to fulfill 1,279 orders to 943 recipients worldwide. 2010 distributions were approximately equal to 2009 distributions. Approximately 72% of all distributions were domestic, and approximately ½ of these are to NC-7 Region researchers and educators. Some large requests included all of the available maize inbreds for a collaborative genotyping and multi-location phenotyping study which will contribute to understanding of collection diversity, Brassica and vegetables for disease resistance screening, and Helianthus for biomass/bioenergy evaluation and association mapping studies.

    Regeneration efforts in Ames and with collaborators resulted in harvest of 1,170 accessions. Five different insect pollinators were used to assist in pollination of 626 accessions. Honeybees were utilized for approximately ½ of the accessions, alfalfa leaf cutter bees for approximately ¼, and the remainder used bumblebees, Osmia bees, or flies. Multiple pollinators are needed for effective pollination of some accessions.

    Over 17,720 observations were entered in the GRIN database, as well as over 1,480 digital images. About 7,400 accessions were used for internal observation, evaluation and characterization for a wide array of descriptor information, viability testing, etc.

    Phenotypic evaluation and genetic characterization of the Camelina and Thlaspi (pennycress) accessions progressed as part of a Ph.D. study. These crops are of interest for biodiesel production.

    Year three of the GRIN-Global development project was completed. Multiple Release Candidates were distributed for broader testing by international cooperators, and two training sessions were held for international systems administrators and curators. U.S. migration to the new system from GRIN will likely occur in 2012.

    The Ames and Raleigh Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Projects released 19 lines representing introgression of an additional 12 maize races into elite germplasm. These lines have unique agronomic traits, pest resistance, or value-added grain characteristics and will be used to broaden the genetic diversity of temperate U.S. maize production. About 200 DH lines were developed from previously un-sampled races, but have not yet been released.

    Financial Situation: Significant accomplishments continue to be achieved at the NCRPIS; financial resources for this project are becoming a major concern. Since 2004, NC-7 funded ISU positions have decreased from 12 to 9. Hatch funding has remained stable at $522,980 but its purchasing power has eroded somewhat over the past decade. Reductions provided technical support for germplasm distribution, field activities, and oilseeds curation.

    On the USDA-ARS side, funding is approximately the same level as 2003 funding at $2,066,297. Fewer students have been hired (compared to 2003-2005 levels) in order to maintain financial resources for operations, and resources from complementary projects have been leveraged. Regenerations have been reduced for major crops with extensive labor requirements, such as maize, oilseeds, and vegetables.

    NC-7 Project Participants Research Accomplishments:

    University of California  Davis researchers have found that plant relatedness (phylogenetic distance) to natives is important for predicting herbivory in sagebrush. Cues that plants use to up-regulate induced responses were studied, and data suggest that these plants rely on airborne volatile cues to communicate, such as low molecular weight terpenes and green leaf volatiles, although the precise nature of these cues is still unknown. Transfer of air containing volatiles emitted by clipped sagebrush plants (captured from their headspace) to non-clipped, non-neighbor plants resulted in less herbivory to the recipients of the transferred air that to recipients of headspace air from non-clipped sagebrush plants.

    University of Connecticut researchers investigated properties associated with invasive potential of barberry. Barberry is a highly invasive species; the invasive form is associated with green leaf phenotype, while cultivated barberry forms typically have a purple leaf phenotype. Development of sterile clones is necessary for horticultural use that can ensure elimination of invasive risk potential. While at times the purple leaf phenotype may be indistinguishable from the green-leaf phenotype (invasive form), researchers determined that genetically they are distinguishable.

    University of Delaware researchers have studied the relative results from and relative benefits of using modified single seed descent, doubled haploid, or conventional breeding methods to introgress exotic maize germplasm with elite germplasm.

    Purdue University, Indiana researcher Jules Janick pursues the history of germplasm utilization through discovery of imagery used in various art forms, among other activities. Completed in 1652, the Taj Mahals floral imagery reflects the extent of floriculture knowledge during the Mughal period. Most of the plants included in the imagery are indigenous to Indian and the Mideast.

    Iowa State University and/or NCRPIS and ARS researchers are using diverse maize and other grass genetic resources for biomass investigations, development of double haploid lines from exotic germplasm, SNP discovery, and for testing hypotheses regarding the domestication of maize. Extensive investigations of maize kernel starch structure focused on the characterization of amylose-extender (ae) mutant starches and their formation, important for development of food products with specific attribute requirements. Relationships between diverse maize starch properties and ethanol production were also investigated. Wild Helianthus from the desert Southwestern U.S. was incorporated into the collections for potential contribution of drought tolerance traits to cultivated sunflower.

    Kansas State University researchers continued innovative work on wheat, sorghum, canola, and other crops to enhance basic knowledge on loci and traits associated with productivity, disease and abiotic stress resistance, and to improve crop production. The Brassica napus germplasm collection was evaluated for potential for winter canola variety development for the southern Great Plains with canola cultivars in the final stages of yield testing and are well-adapted to the environmental conditions of the southern Great Plains. Variety Kiowa, derived from a cross between Wichita and PI470056 was released was made available to producers in 2010. Kiowa has higher winter survival over Wichita, a widely grown winter canola cultivar in the U.S.

    Ten different woody plant accessions are evaluated annually by the John C. Pair Horticultural Center. This program has greatly increased the diversity of woody plants evaluated for suitability to south-central Kansas, and is currently establishing a provenance evaluation of the native Kentucky Coffeetree.

    Michigan State University researchers completed transcriptional profiling and transcriptomic analysis of cucumber fruit development in order to better understand gene expression related to fruit growth and expansion. Investigations of the gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system in Prunus species determined that the S-RNAse based system exhibits distinct genetic and molecular aspects. In the pollination event, a self-incompatibility (SI) reaction is triggered when the same S allele specificity is expressed in both the pollen and the pistil. Identification of the S determinants led to development of PCR-based S geneotyping, enabling marker assisted selection for self-compatible (SC) individuals.

    University of Minnesota researchers identified genes differentially expressed between developing seeds of different soybean varieties.

    University of Missouri researchers and collaborators used plant genetic resources extensively for a very wide range of purposes. Notably, genetic diversity analyses of wild soybean accessions were completed, and an early Group V soybean variety released in 2006 (Stoddard) was registered.

    University of Nebraska researchers and collaborators compared performance of hard winter wheat cultivar blends with pure cultivars across a wide range of environments. The yield of the cultivar blends was more stable over different environments, with little or no reduction in grain yield; this offers producers an option to limit production risk. Proso millet was genetically characterized, and genomic resources enhanced. The performance of chickpea and dry bean germplasm was evaluated in western Nebraska, and breeding efforts to develop new varieties of these crops with disease resistance progressed.

    Rutgers University, New Jersey researchers seeking sources of resistance hazelnut germplasm to eastern filbert blight (EFB) inoculated 12 hazelnut genotypes that had exhibited complete resistance in Oregon with pathogen isolates collected from across its native range. EFB causes serious economic losses. An older cultivar, Gasaway, used as a pollinator and currently known to be completely disease free in OR, was reported to be infected at the Rutgers University research farms. Four genotypes were identified that remained free of disease, and others were infected by various isolates or combinations thereof.

    The Ohio State University researchers evaluated and modified calibration models methods for measurement of tomato carotenoids by infrared spectroscopy, profiled nutritionally important carotenoids from genetically-diverse tomatoes, and their stability in storage (juice product) using infrared spectroscopy. Genetic investigations revealed intron polymorphisms in cultivated tomato via use of both tomato and Arabidopsis genomic information, Grafted and non-grafted tomato transplant production systems in the U.S. were compared and direct and indirect cost sources analyzed. Grafting of herbaceous vegetables is desirable to enable utilization of rootstocks with disease resistance and that support nutrient uptake in combination with scions that offer yield, fruit quality. Use of grafting can reduce economic loss from soilborne diseases with appropriate management strategies, and producers must take economic considerations into account.

    South Dakota State University researchers and collaborators registered a new spring wheat variety, Brick, with excellent baking and milling qualities, high test weight, early heading, and good Fusarium head blight resistance. Findings from investigations designed to identify dormancy genes from the D genome donor of wheat, potentially useful to improve resistance of cultivars to pre-harvest sprouting, indicate that seeds were more dormant than kernels, suggesting the presence of germination inhibitors in the covereing tissues. Available Aegilops tauschii-derived synthetic hexaploid wheat lines could be an alternative source of dormancy genes for enhancing resistance to pre-harvest sprouting.

    Texas A&M and Texas Agri-Life researcher reported accomplishments for this period were in collaboration with the institions in Nebraska, Kansas and South Dakota and are already are ported above.

    Impact Statements:
    1. Impact : Plant genetic resources obtained from the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) and other elements of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) help researchers develop new crops and new uses for existing crops; fruit, nut, or grain plant varieties with improved disease and insect resistance; improved agronomic and horticultural production traits; added crop value by contributing improved flavor or nutritional qualities; more sustainable cropping systems; feedstocks for biofuel and industrial uses, and expand our knowledge of genetics, genomics and the basis of diversity.
    Last Modified: 20-Dec-2011

    Date of Annual Report: 11/20/2012

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/14/12 to 08/15/12
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2011 to 09/2012

    • Participants:

    URL: Copy of participant list
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

    URL: Copy of minutes
    Accomplishments:
    MULTI-STATE RESEARCH PROJECT NC-7

    PLANT GERMPLASM AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND UTILIZATION

    Termination Report of Oct 1, 2007  Sept 30, 2012 Project

    Background: The plant genetic resource (PGR) needs of the North Central Region have been supported for over 60 years through a joint partnership, designated as Multi-State Research Project NC-7, between the USDA, ARS, Plant Introduction Research Unit, Iowa State University the other members of the North Central States Agricultural Experiment Station, and participants from other states. The NC-7 Project has served as a major component of the National Plant Germplasm System, and its activities have significantly contributed to improved crop technology in the North Central Region, the U.S., and abroad, by providing plant genetic resources and associated information to scientists and educators. The Multi-State Research Project meetings serve as an important vehicle for information exchange and feedback between participants, Administrative Advisor and genebank personnel.

    NCRPIS Collection Statistics

    5 Year1 Year
    # Accessions Acquired 2,750 496
    # Grown for Regeneration 4,664 774
    # Backed up at Ft. Collins (NCGRP) 2,743 389
    # Backed up at Svalbard 10,071 333
    # Viability tests 11,256 1,471
    # Observations entered into GRIN 131,366 31,046
    # Accessions Distributed 34,090 21,191
    # Packets Distributed 187,482 46,812
       ‣ Domestic 133,563 25,212
       ‣ International 53,919 21,600
    # Orders 7,321 1,581
    # Requestors 4,233 1,283

    NCRPIS Accomplishments for period Oct 1, 2011  Sept 30, 2012:

    NC-7 Project Participants Research Accomplishments: California: Our work focused on elucidating the nature of host plant resistance to herbivores in woody plants. We investigated the signals that plants use to coordinate systemic resistance within individuals and to eavesdrop on neighbors that have been damaged by insect and mammalian herbivores. We worked primarily with oaks, willows, and sagebrush. For the latter two taxa, we found evidence of volatile cues that induce elevated levels of resistance in plants with experimentally damaged neighbors. This resistance enhanced seedling survival and production of new branches and inflorescences.

    Connecticut: Microsatellite markers were isolated from Berberis thunbergii (barberry), characterized, and used to screen individuals from native and invasive populations and horticultural cultivars. These new markers will provide tools for examining genetic relatedness of B. thunbergii plants in the native and invasive range, including phylogeographic studies and assessment of rapid evolution in the invasive range, and may also provide tools for examining hybridization with other related species in the invasive range.

    Genera exhibiting tissue proliferation (TP), an abnormal tumor-like growth produced at or near the crown of the plant and also on aerial plant parts, include Rhododendron, Kalmia and Pieris of the Ericaceae family. Basal tumors may or may not be accompanied by proliferation of compact shoots with short internodes and a whorled leaf arrangement. Development of TP symptoms is highly correlated with a history of micro-propagation and also to genetic background. An epigenetic condition, possibly cytokinin habituation, is the possible cause best supported by research evidence. TP is well managed now due to greater awareness and adoption of sound micropropagation practices for ericaceous plants by tissue culture labs.

    Illinois: Twenty species of woody plants are being screened for potential as feedstock biomass energy crops. Results from the first three growing seasons showed that Robinia pseudoacacia, black locust, produced 3X (11.4 Mg/ha in two seasons from original coppice) as much biomass as the next closest species, Catalpa speciosa, northern catalpa (4 Mg/ha) in a short-rotation coppicing system. As a result, additional seed sources (3 new Asian accessions) were recently obtained from NCRPIS to evaluate additional germplasm sources. In related research, a 1998 NCRPIS distribution, Pterocarya stenoptera, Chinese wingnut (PI 596388), is being evaluated for short rotation biomass production based upon the rapid growth of individual plants over the 10-year NC-7 evaluation period. Plants are ending their third season of field growth, although a late freeze in April 2012 and subsequent regrowth from coppicing has been suboptimal.

    Indiana: Historical documents and art, rare books, and the expertise of historians and horticultural researchers were employed to illuminate the history of movement of plant genetic resources among peoples and nations, and the events and practices that led to their successful cultivation and uses.

    Iowa: The Caffeic acid 3-O-methytransferase (COMT) gene is a prime candidate for cell wall digestibility improvement based on the characterization of brown midrib-3 mutants. We compared the genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium at COMT locus between populations sampled within the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) Project and 70 elite lines. In total, we investigated 55 exotic alleles from the GEM Project at the COMT locus, and discovered more than 400 polymorphisms in a 2.2 kb region. The pairwise nucleotide diversity (À) for the exotic alleles of COMT gene was much higher than the reported pairwise nucleotide diversity of various genes in elite inbred lines. At this locus the average number of nucleotide differences between any two randomly selected alleles was much higher for exotic populations, than for elite lines. The ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous SNPs was 3:1 in exotic populations, significantly higher than the 1:1 ratio for elite lines. Selection tests detected selection signature in this gene in both pools, but different evolution patterns from progenitor to landraces and from landrace to inbred lines were suggested by significant neutral test statistics. The linkage disequilibrium decay in exotic populations was at least 4X more rapid than for elite lines with r2 > 0.1 persisting only up to 100 bp. Alleles sampled in GEM germplasm offer a valuable genetic resource to broaden genetic variation for the COMT gene, and likely other genes, in elite background. Moreover, the low linkage disequilibrium makes this material suitable for high resolution association analyses.

    Kansas: Brassica napus accessions from the NCRPIS are utilized for winter canola variety development. Two recently released cultivars, Griffin and Kiowa, have NCRPIS accessions in their pedigrees. Riley winter canola, released in 2010, is being stored at the NPGS as PI 663949. A worldwide search for germplasm resistant to the blackleg fungus (Leptosphaeria maculans) revealed 20 B. napus accessions housed at the NCRPIS with moderate levels of resistance. These accessions have been incorporated into the programs breeding schemes. Researchers evaluated and described the resistance of 316 winter-type B. napus accessions for resistance to the turnip aphid (Lipaphis erysimi), which causes significant economic damage to winter canola production in the southern Great Plains. Twenty four accessions were classified resistant (better than Wichita) in all three replications. Sixteen accessions showed resistance only in two replications. Nineteen accessions have been included in breeding schemes. All the accessions used illustrate a well-targeted use of germplasm collections for US crop improvement.

    Michigan: Plant Introductions have provided valuable sources of diversity to address biotic and abiotic threats to Michigan crop producers and also to provide quality traits that have the potential to result in increased consumer demand and enjoyment. Specifically, trait diversity was identified for disease, nematode, and insect resistance, superior growth characteristics, environmental adaptation, and enhanced eating and nutritional quality.

    Minnesota: Fast neutron (FN) radiation was used to induce deletion mutations in the soybean (Glycine max) genome for the study of agronomically important traits. Comparative genomic hybridization, exome sequence capture and next generation sequencing approaches were useful for analyses of mutant plant genomes. The FN mutant soybean population is a valuable public resource for future genetic screens and functional genomics research.

    Missouri: The genetic diversity and population structure of Korean and Chinese soybean germplasm accessions was assessed; gene flow between the populations was evident, but their diversity warrants utilization of both in soybean improvement programs. Soybean genetic resources were evaluated for differences in ion accumulation, salt tolerance, disease, and soybean cyst nematode resistance. Accessions that were symptomless in Frog Eyespot (Cersopora sojina) trials may be useful in developing resistant cultivars. QTLs associated with resistance to flooding tolerance were identified; results indicate that genes for both flooding tolerance and resistance to a root rot caused by Phytophthora sojae are necessary to reduce injury and yield loss under saturated soil conditions. These genes can contribute to increasing soybean productivity on soils prone to waterlogging.

    Nebraska: NI04421, a new hard red winter wheat variety, was released primarily for its superior performance under irrigation and rainfed conditions in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. Nebraska continued research on existing (proso millet, sunflower & dry bean) and several new (canola, camelina, fenugreek, and chickpea) alternative crops for developing new crops for the region through germplasm evaluation and utilization. Purified PI lines were evaluated as single plots for important agronomic traits (plant height, flowering time, lodging, panicle length, and seed shattering, weight & color), and for various seed traits for further selection. DNA marker-based diversity analysis of PI lines showed wide variation and genome levels. Sunflower varieties (oil-26; confection-16) were tested at four sites for regional performance. Average yields for oil type were 1160 lbs/a (dryland) and 1267 lbs/a (irrigated); 2008 lbs/a for confection type. A test of winter canola lines averaged seed yield of 770 lbs/a. B. juncea (B.j) and B. carinata (B.c) head rows derived from previously selected lines and 42 PI lines were further tested, and 34 B.j and 41 B.c lines were selected. Eight Fenugreek varieties were tested and average seed yield was 810-1238 lbs/a. 112 fenugreek lines were tested for preliminary seed yields. Forage triticale trial averaged yields ~6400 lbs DM/a.

    The entire US Dry Bean Core Collection (424 accessions) and CIATs Dry Bean Core Collection (1,353) was screened with the PSM 5 bacterial brown spot isolate and their reactions classified as resistant, intermediate, or susceptible.

    New York: Breeding populations were generated from combinations of sweet corns and European corn borer (ECB) resistant food-type tropical corn, and selected for ECB resistance. Three ECB resistant inbreds were considered for release as insect resistant sweet corn sources. Another 23 families were selected for ECB and for corn earworm (CEW) resistance, and inbreds with resistance to both will be evaluated as hybrid test crosses. A number of sweet corn populations combining sources of disease resistance from field corn with commercial sweet corn germplasm were created; inbreds were selected and screened for resistance to anthracnose leaf blight (ALB) resistance and Stewarts wilt (SW) resistance. 113 additional experimental inbreds were screened for ALB resistance (26 selected) and 156 for SW resistance (24 selected). Backcrossing was used to transfer anthracnose stalk rot resistance from field corn resources into a commercial sweet corn background. Crosses to sweet corn differentials (carrying different mutations that can make a corn sweet) were done with 11 inbreds selected for northern leaf blight resistance, to ascertain their endosperm type (information essential to their use in commercial sweet corn hybrids). Lectures were given in five Cornell courses that emphasized the value of corn genetic resources for meeting global food needs. The importance of corn genetic resources was conveyed at seven extension talks at conferences and field days.

    North Dakota: Wild and semi-domesticated plant species and new crops continue evaluation in ongoing field studies associated with plant/crop screening for regional adaptation and determination of best management practices. Current oilseed adaptation screening evaluations include field pennycress (Thlaspi arverse L.), winter and spring camelina (Camelina sativa L.), winter safflower (Carthamus trinctorius L.), winter canola (Brassica napus L.), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and castor bean (Ricinus communis L.). Pulses undergoing adaptation screening are adzuki (Vigna angularis Willd. Ohwi and Ohashi), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), lupine (Lupin albus L.), mung bean (Vigna radiate L.), otebo bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), and tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolus A. Gray).

    Safflower exhibited zero winter hardiness/survival, canola needs improved winter hardiness/survival, and field pennycress and camelina exhibit high winter hardiness/survival based on recent ND research trials. Seed dormancy complicates stand establishment for field pennycress since the genotypes are essentially wild germplasm collections. Identification of winter annuals with early crop maturity may enable double cropping that could boost growing season profits for producers. Pulse adaptation categories based on yield performance are low (cowpea, lima bean, and pigeon pea), medium (fenugreek, mung bean, and tepary), and high (adzuki faba bean, lupin, and otebo bean). Pulses in the high adaptation/yielding category are entered into a series of studies defining best management production practices with stand establishment the initial focus. The influence of seeding date on performance of the highly adapted/yielding pulses is currently in evaluation.

    Ohio: The Francis tomato breeding program is developing detailed mapping of genes associated with the hypersensitive resistance to Xanthomonas perforans race T3, and developing efficient rootstocks and grafting methods for enhanced disease management in tomato production. Vanderknaaps tomato research programs made significant strides in elucidating genetic mechanisms controlling fruit shape. Studies involved fine mapping of fw3.2 that controls fruit weight, and of fw11.3 that maps close to fasciated on the bottom of chromosome 11. SUN leads to changes in the cell division patterns and thus affects vegetative and reproductive organ shape. A MicroRNA that regulates a Ca2+ ATPase and triggers the formation of phased small iRNAs has been identified (involved in tomato reproductive growth). The distribution of SUN, OVATE, LC, and FAS in tomato germplasm and relationship to fruit shape has been examined.

    Research on germplasm acquisition, characterization and use for interspecific hybridization in Phlox has been a major focus of the Jourdan lab. We completed 10,000 pollinations comprising over 500 unique cross combinations in a partial diallel. Success of a given cross appears heavily influenced by phylogenetic relationships. Crosses between species in subsection Divaricatae have a high rate of success when made in both directions. Crosses involving some genotypes are only successful when these plants are used as female parents, perhaps due to cytoplasmic effects or differences in ploidy. Crosses between subsections have a low rate of success.

    Rudbeckia germplasm studies have emphasized characterization of wild-collected accessions and comparing them to commercially-available cultivars using a set of 53 descriptors of factors such as growth, leaf and flower morphology, phenology, production, quality, invasiveness, disease, and stress tolerance. Differences within species have been identified for characteristics such as flower size, flower color, plant height, flowering time, hardiness, and disease resistance. Variation for apparent disease resistance is primarily between species. Progress is being made in elucidating the pattern of seed dormancy among the various species.

    South Dakota: A screening method was developed and evaluated for determining response of spring wheat to bacterial leaf streak infection, a disease increasing in spring wheat production areas. Genotypes showed clear differences in level of resistance. A mapping population was evaluated for QTL associated with previously undocumented resistance genes for Fusarium Head Blight; a QTL associated with susceptibility may enable selection against this marker. Preharvest sprouting (PHS) affects production of high-quality spring wheat. Genotypes were evaluated for levels of sprouting response in multiple environments. There were strong correlations between PHS traits across environments, indicating that the results are repeatable, spring wheat cultivars can reliably be assessed, and PHS-resistant cultivars developed.

    Texas: Research efforts resulted in release of new, superior cultivars of hard red winter wheat, spring barley resistant to the Russian wheat aphid, and chickpea with improved resistance to Ascochyta blight. Collaborative research efforts resulted in identification of genes for both flooding tolerance and resistance to a root rot caused by Phytophthora sojae; genes of both are necessary to reduce injury and yield loss under saturated soil conditions. Educational efforts through classroom, extension programs and clientele meetings have led to significant increases in understanding and knowledge about how the germplasm system works and its value to feeding the world as population grows.

    Wisconsin: Organic producers interest in consistent availability of suitable seed stocks for sustainable cropping systems led to interest in development of heterogeneous crop varieties (populations) that can be maintained by the producers. Two cold-tolerant, vigorous, sugary enhancer sweet corn populations underwent four cycles of selection, using a bulk-entry method of inter-mating. These methods are easily adopted by farmers with help from breeders. Response of sweet corn varieties to weed competition was assessed using forage sorghum inter-plantings as a surrogate for weed competition. Findings suggest that sweet corn could be bred for competitive ability to withstand weed competition.

    Impact Statements:
    Last Modified: 22-Jan-2013
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