Source: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to
BREEDING, GENETICS AND CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT OF TURFGRASSES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0219589
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
TEX09264
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 5, 2009
Project End Date
Aug 4, 2014
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Chandra, A.
Recipient Organization
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
750 AGRONOMY RD STE 2701
COLLEGE STATION,TX 77843-0001
Performing Department
Dallas-TAMU Agr Res Cntr
Non Technical Summary
As an agricultural commodity, turfgrass is not food, fiber or animal feed; however, it does affect the lives of millions of people in many different ways including their physical and mental health, as well as social wellbeing. Apart for providing aesthetic beauty, turfgrasses are used for limiting soil erosion, conserving water, filtering air and water-borne pollutants, reducing heat build up in urban areas, and providing safer playing surfaces. The US turfgrass industry is one of the fastest growing segments of US agriculture. Millions of acres (approximately 50 million acres) of land are managed as turf in the form of golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns, highway roadsides, cemeteries, parks etc. with an estimated value of 40 billion dollars annually (The National Turfgrass Research Initiative, 2003). Currently, there are about three times more acres of lawn (including residential, commercial) than irrigated corn. This makes turfgrass the single largest irrigated crop in the US in terms of surface area (Earth Observatory, 2005). Like any other agricultural commodity, turfgrasses are challenged by different kinds of abiotic stresses such as drought, soil and water salinity, and extreme temperatures and biotic stress such as insects, pathogens, and weed competition. Millions of dollars are spent annually to manage turfgrasses following integrated turfgrass management regimes which includes the use of pesticides, fertilizers, additional water inputs, etc. However, the most sustainable approach to reduce costs and various environmental risks associated with the use of pesticides is the development of cultivars that possess an inherent ability to tolerate various stresses for wider geographical and environmental adaptation. The overall research goal of this project is to use conventional breeding approaches along with molecular biology tools for the genetic enhancement of major turfgrass species by improving economically and ecologically important traits along with aesthetic qualities for their wide-spread societal acceptance, particularly for southern and southwestern arid and semi-arid climatic zones within the USA.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1112130108110%
1362130104010%
2012130104030%
2022130108110%
2032130108110%
2062130104010%
2112130108110%
2122130108110%
Knowledge Area
202 - Plant Genetic Resources; 211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants; 203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants; 212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 111 - Conservation and Efficient Use of Water; 136 - Conservation of Biological Diversity; 201 - Plant Genome, Genetics, and Genetic Mechanisms; 206 - Basic Plant Biology;

Subject Of Investigation
2130 - Turf;

Field Of Science
1040 - Molecular biology; 1081 - Breeding;
Goals / Objectives
The objectives of the proposed project are as follows - 1. Collection, genetic enhancement and preservation of turfgrass germplasm leading to the development of improved cultivars requiring reduced inputs for use in low to medium maintenance turf surfaces like home lawns, parks, highway roadsides, and in high maintenance turf surfaces like athletic fields and golf courses. 2. Identification and isolation of specific genes and proteins controlling agronomically important traits, and molecular markers which are tightly linked to these genes. Elucidating the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying a ability of the plant to respond and adapt to biotic and abiotic stress using functional genomics and metabolomics. 3. Efficient use of genomic and cellular tools to genetically modify and/or engineer turfgrass species for characteristics like tolerance to environmental stress (drought, salinity, extreme temperatures), resistance to insects and pathogens, competitiveness against invasive weeds, and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency.
Project Methods
1. Different hybridization approaches used in my breeding program for the genetic enhancement of germplasm and breeding for improved cultivars will include intraspecific and interspecific hybridization. Breeding turfgrasses is a cyclical process of germplasm acquisition, recombination, segregation, selection and evaluation. On an annual basis, crosses will be made to facilitate recombination between selected parents followed by selection of promising progeny through multi-location evaluation trials. 2. My program will focus on developing molecular markers for important traits and utilizing associated markers in the selection process. Traditional methods of population improvement through selective breeding are based on visual assessment of phenotypic characteristics that are easy to identify and score, but which may be masked or altered by environmental effects. All of these phenotypic traits ultimately depend on the information contained in DNA. Molecular techniques to analyze variation present in DNA can enable the breeder to more quickly and accurately choose superior individual plants through the development of molecular markers and identification of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), a process known as Marker Assisted Selection (MAS). Molecular tools to analyze DNA can also enable the breeder to locate the specific DNA sequences (genes) that correspond to a particular trait. 3. Genetic engineering promises to speed the breeding process and broaden the scope of what can be accomplished. Identification of genes allows the insertion of identified stress tolerance genes(s) across species and genera (transgenics). However, concerns about the environmental impact of transgenic turfgrass currently limit their widespread acceptance. Ability to transform plants with foreign DNA has not only enables geneticists incorporate/insert non-native DNA (genes) into species of interest for their better performance but has also enables them to carry out gene knock-out studies to determine the effects of the loss of function of the gene on the phenotype of the plant. Such studies have proven to be useful in understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms for various stress tolerance pathways.

Progress 08/05/09 to 08/04/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Sod producers, Seed companies, Golf course superintendents, Homeowners, Property developers and Landscape professionals. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate student training Ms. Meghyn Meeks* and Ambika Chandra (Chair). 2011-2015. Inter-specific hybridization between Texas and Kentucky bluegrass. Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Mr. Dan Hargey – M.Sc. candidate at Texas A&M University. 2013 – present. Graduate student committee member. Mr. Manuel Chavaria – Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M University. 2013 – present. Graduate student committee member Undergraduate Molecular Biology Student Training Interns Ms. Gigi Ginis from Collin County Community College, Dallas TX. Fall 2007. Mr. Stephen Teng from Collin County Community College, Dallas TX. Summer, 2009. Ms. Meredith Morgan from Univ. of Pennsylvania, Grove City, PA. Summer 2009 Professional Supervision and Training: Supervision of Research Scientists, Research Associates, and Technical Staff. Dr. Dennis Genovesi, Associate Research Scientist, Breeding and Tissue Culture. September 2007-present. Dr. Ben Wherley, Assistant Research Scientist, Turfgrass Ecology. June 2009-September 2011. Dr. Sam Gnanamanickam, Ph.D. Assistant Research Scientist, April 2009-August 2010. Ms. Sue Metz, M.S. Assistant Research Scientist, Turfgrass Pathology. January 2008- June 2011. Mr. Shawn Rajasekhar, M.S. Research Associate. February 2012-August 2013. Ms. Ying Wu, M.S. Research Associate. September 2012-present. Mr. Pitak Skulkaew, M.S. Technician, Field Data Collection and Analysis. September 2007-present. Mr. Brian Smith, Field Lab Technician, June 2011 to present. Ms. Bonnie Haran, Ag. Worker, Turfgrass Greenhouse, September 2007 to June 2011. Mr. Duddly Hargrove, Ag. Worker, Turfgrass Greenhouse, April 2010 to May 2011. Mr. Todd McCracken, Research Assistant, Field Maintenance, February 2010 to June 2011. Mr. Reed Rivers, Research Technician, Field Operations, June 2009 to February 2010. Mr. Blake Pond, M.S. Technician, Molecular Biology Lab, January 2008 to May 2009. Mr. Marty McCormick, M.S. Research Assistant, Turfgrass Management, Sept. 2007 to Sept. 2008. Mr. Kenny Sutton, Field Technician, Sept. 2007- Sept. 2009. Mr. Dan Litter, Field Technician, Sept. 2007- June 2008. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Chandra, A., B. Wherley and C. Reynolds. 2014. Turf and Landscape Expo for professionals on May 16, and for homeowners on May, 17 at Dallas, TX. Attendees approx. 250. J. Fry, A. Chandra (co-host), J. Moss and A. D. Genovesi. 2014. Zoysiagrass Field Day. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Chandra, A. (host) 2014. Host a group of 65 Australian sod producers visiting the Texas AgriLife Research-Dallas turfgrass breeding program. Organizer, coordinator and presenter. J. Fry, A. Chandra (co-host), M. Kennelly and A. D. Genovesi. 2013. Zoysiagrass Field Day. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Chandra A. and L. Nelson. 2012. Participated in the Turfgrass and Landscape Field Day at the Scotts Miracle Gro Turf Field Facility in College Station, TX and presented the SCRI project. Chandra A. and L. Nelson. 2011. Participated in the Turfgrass and Landscape Field Day at the Scotts Miracle Gro Turf Field Facility in College Station and presented the SCRI project. Chandra, A. (host) 2010. The International Herbage Seed Group at the Texas AgriLife Research-Dallas. Organizer, coordinator and presenter of the field, greenhouse and lab tour. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? This is the final report of this project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Intra-specific and wide hybridizations were performed in 2014 to develop progeny populations of zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass and Texas bluegrass. On an annual basis, hybridization, segregation, evaluation, selection of superior genotypes of turfgrass species is performed in a cyclical manner. Efforts are in progress to introgress/recombine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance with visual turf quality traits for the development of new and improved cultivars. Molecular markers are routinely employed for the identification and selection of breeding lines for advancement. A new variety of St Augustinegrass, DALSA 0605, was released in 2014. DALSA 0605 is an embryo-rescue derived interploid hybrid of St. Augustinegrass undergoing the plant release review process. DALSA 0605 is a vegetatively propagated, genetically stable, and uniform variety which is distinguished from other varieties of St. Augustinegrass for traits and characteristics which includes; 1) tolerance to gray leaf spot disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Couch, 2) superior drought resistance conferred through a combination of tolerance to drying soil, deep genetic rooting potential, and rapid recovery following drought, 3) significantly reduced levels of fecundity and juvenile development of southern chinch bugs (Blissus insularis Barber) as compared to 'Raleigh' and 'TX Common'; and 4) significantly higher percent mortality of confined larvae of Tropical sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guenée) as compared to Raleigh. A new variety ofhybrid bluegrass was released in 2014. DALBG 1201 is a turf-type interspecific F1 hybrid derived from a cross between Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.) 20-11 (3-88) (PI 655088) as the female parent and a Kentucky bluegrass (P. pratensis L.) ecotype, CS#4, as the pollen parent. DALBG 1201 was evaluated under the designation 01-59-5 and TAES 5653. A total of 47 experimental hybrid bluegrass lines and three commercial checks, 'Rebel Exeda' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and 'Reveille' and 'Thermal Blue Blaze' hybrid bluegrass (P. arachnifera x P. pratensis) were evaluated at five locations (Auburn, AL; Starkville, MS; Raleigh, NC; Knoxville, TN and Dallas, TX) from 2009 to 2012. DALBG 1201 was characterized by its superior turfgrass quality, darker green color, and higher shoot density than Reveille and Thermal Blue Blaze. Its leaf texture was finer than Rebel Exeda and similar to the hybrid bluegrass checks. Linear regression analysis for turfgrass quality indicated that DALBG 1201 was more stress tolerant compared to the three commercial checks and was highly stable across varying environmental conditions. Its superior performance over a wide range of southern test locations suggested that DALBG 1201, cool-season turf-type hybrid bluegrass, is well-suited for use on lawns, landscapes, and other recreational sites across the southern United States. A new variety of zoysiagrass, 'Chisholm', was released in 2011. ‘Chisholm’ is a zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) approved for release by Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Dallas, TX, and the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan, KS. Chisholm has a texture coarser than ‘Meyer’ and intermediate to ‘JaMur’ and ‘Palisades’. Freezing tolerance of Chisholm is equivalent to, or slightly poorer than, Meyer, but it is superior to Meyer for establishment rate from vegetative plugs; turfgrass quality; growth under shade; fall color; resistance to bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus Gyllenhal), zoysiagrass mite (Eriophyes zoysiae Baker, Kono, and O’Neill), and take all patch [caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis (Sacc.) Arx & D.L. Olivier]; recovery from divots; and seed head production (fewer produced).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Metz, S.P. and A. Chandra. 2011. Culture media influence on vegetative growth and In vitro conidia production of Magnaporthe oryzae. Journal of Cell and Plant Sciences. 2 (3): 9-11.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Okeyo, D. O., J. D. Fry, D. J. Bremer, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Stolon growth and tillering of experimental zoysiagrasses in shade. HortScience. 46(10):14181422. 2011.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Okeyo, D. O., J. D. Fry, D. J. Bremer, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Stolon growth characteristics and establishment rates of zoysiagrass progeny. HortScience. 46 (1): 113117.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Okeyo D. O., J. D. Fry, D. Bremer, C. B. Rajashekar, M. Kennelly, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Freezing tolerance and seasonal color of experimental zoysiagrasses. Crop Science. 51(6): 2858-2863
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Chandra, A., and D.R. Huff. 2010. A fungal parasite regulates a putative female-suppressor gene homologous to maize Tasselseed2 and causes induced hermaphroditism in male buffalograss. Molecular Plant Microbe Interaction. 23(3): 239-250.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Okeyo, D. O., J. D Fry, R. St. John, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2010. Recovery growth of Meyer and experimental zoysiagrass progeny after sod harvest. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science. December 3. p. [1-8].
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2009 Citation: Reinert, J.A., M.C. Engelke, A.D. Genovesi, A. Chandra, and J.E. McCoy. 2009. Resistance to tropical sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis) in St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 11: 663-673.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Reinert, J. A., A. Chandra and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Susceptibility of genera and cultivars of turfgrass to southern chinch bug (Blissus insularis) (HEMIPTERA: BLISSIDAE). Florida Entomologist. 94(2): 158-163.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Wherley, B., P. Skulkaew, A. Chandra, A. Genovesi, and M.C. Engelke. 2011. Low-Input Performance of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) cultivars maintained under dense tree shade. HortScience. 46(8): 11941197.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: LaMantia, J., X. Wang, M. Binzel, A. Chandra. 2011. Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci from Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. Journal of Plant Genetics and Transgenics. 2(1): 1-4.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Harris-Shultz, K. R., S. Milla-Lewis, A. J. Patton, K. Kenworthy, A. Chandra, F. C. Waltz, G. L. Hodnett, and D. M. Stelly. 2014. Detection of DNA and Ploidy Variation within Vegetatively Propagated Zoysiagrass Cultivars. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 139: 547-552
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Wherley, B., J. Heitholt, A. Chandra and P. Skulkaew. 2014. Supplemental Irrigation Requirements of Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass Cultivars. Crop Science. 54 ( 4): 1823-1831
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wherley, B., A. Chandra, A. Genovesi, M. Kearns, T. Pepper, and J. Thomas. 2013. Developmental response of St. Augustinegrass cultivars and experimental lines to moderate and heavy shade. HortScience. 48:1047-1051.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Kimball, J.A., M.C. Zuleta, M. Martin, K.E. Kenworthy, A. Chandra, and S.R. Milla-Lewis, S.R. 2012. Assessment of molecular variation within Raleigh St. Augustinegrass using AFLP markers. HortScience. 47:835-838.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Chandra, A., J.A. Reinert, J. LaMantia, J.B. Pond and D.R. Huff. 2011. Genetic variability in southern chinch bug (Blissus insularis) populations assessed using AFLP analysis. Journal of Insect Science. 11.173.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Metz, S.P., A. Chandra, A.D. Genovesi and C. F. Campos. 2011. Comparison of screening methods to evaluate the response of St. Augustine grass to Magnaporthe oryzae. Plant Pathology. 61(2): 255-261.


Progress 10/01/13 to 08/04/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Sod producers, Seed companies, Golf course superintendents, Homeowners, Property developers and Prefessional landscapers. Changes/Problems: None to report. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate stduent* training and development: Meghyn Meeks* and Ambika Chandra (Chair). Inter-specific hybridization between Texas and Kentucky bluegrass. Texas A&M AgriLife Research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? J. Fry, A. Chandra (co-host), J. Moss and A. D. Genovesi. 2014. Zoysiagrass Field Day. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Chandra, A. 2014. Turf and Landscape Expo for professionals on May 16, and for homeowners on May, 17 at Dallas, TX. Attendees (approx. 250). Chandra, A. 2014. An Overview of the Turfgrass Breeding Programs at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research-Dallas. Lawn Solutions Australia Field Tour. Dallas, TX (63 attending). Chandra, A. 2013-2014. Five site visits to the Turfgrass breeding program at Dallas, TX by sod producers, and other industry professionals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Last year of this Hatch project. A new Hatch project has been initiated.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Intra-specific and wide hybridizations were performed in 2014 to develop progeny populations of zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass and Texas bluegrass. On an annual basis, hybridization, segregation, evaluation, selection of superior genotypes of turfgrass species is performed in a cyclical manner. Efforts are in progress to introgress/recombine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance with visual turf quality traits for the development of new and improved cultivars. Molecular markers are routinely employed for the identification and selection of breeding lines for advancement. A new variety of St Augustinegrass, DALSA 0605, was released in 2014. DALSA 0605 is an embryo-rescue derived interploid hybrid of St. Augustinegrass undergoing the plant release review process. DALSA 0605 is a vegetatively propagated, genetically stable, and uniform variety which is distinguished from other varieties of St. Augustinegrass for traits and characteristics which includes; 1) tolerance to gray leaf spot disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Couch, 2) superior drought resistance conferred through a combination of tolerance to drying soil, deep genetic rooting potential, and rapid recovery following drought, 3) significantly reduced levels of fecundity and juvenile development of southern chinch bugs (Blissus insularis Barber) as compared to ‘Raleigh’ and ‘TX Common’; and 4) significantly higher percent mortality of confined larvae of Tropical sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guenée) as compared to Raleigh. A new variety ofhybrid bluegrass was released in 2014. DALBG 1201 is a turf-type interspecific F1 hybrid derived from a cross between Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.) 20-11 (3-88) (PI 655088) as the female parent and a Kentucky bluegrass (P. pratensis L.) ecotype, CS#4, as the pollen parent. DALBG 1201 was evaluated under the designation 01-59-5 and TAES 5653. A total of 47 experimental hybrid bluegrass lines and three commercial checks, ‘Rebel Exeda’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.) and ‘Reveille’ and ‘Thermal Blue Blaze’ hybrid bluegrass (P. arachnifera x P. pratensis) were evaluated at five locations (Auburn, AL; Starkville, MS; Raleigh, NC; Knoxville, TN and Dallas, TX) from 2009 to 2012. DALBG 1201 was characterized by its superior turfgrass quality, darker green color, and higher shoot density than Reveille and Thermal Blue Blaze. Its leaf texture was finer than Rebel Exeda and similar to the hybrid bluegrass checks. Linear regression analysis for turfgrass quality indicated that DALBG 1201 was more stress tolerant compared to the three commercial checks and was highly stable across varying environmental conditions. Its superior performance over a wide range of southern test locations suggested that DALBG 1201, cool-season turf-type hybrid bluegrass, is well-suited for use on lawns, landscapes, and other recreational sites across the southern United States.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wherley, B., A. Chandra, A. Genovesi, M. Kearns, T. Pepper, and J. Thomas. 2013. Developmental response of St. Augustinegrass cultivars and experimental lines to moderate and heavy shade. HortScience. 48:1047-1051.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Wherley, B., J. Heitholt, A. Chandra and P. Skulkaew. 2014. Supplemental Irrigation Requirements of Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass Cultivars. Crop Science. 54 ( 4): 1823-1831
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Chandra, A., J. D. Fry, M. C. Engelke, A. D. Genovesi, B. G. Wherley, J. A. Reinert, S. P. Metz, Q. Zhang and D. Okeyo. 2014. Registration of Chisholm Zoysiagrass. J. Plant Reg. doi:10.3198/jpr2014.04.0020crc
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Chavarria, M., B. Wherley, A. Chandra, L. Nelson, and P. Raymer. 2014. Evaluation of Salinity Tolerance in Warm-Season Turfgrass Species and Experimental Lines. American Society of Agronomy Abstracts.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Chavarria, M., B. Wherley, A. Chandra, L. Nelson, and P. Raymer. 2014. Evaluation of Salinity Tolerance in Warm- Season Turfgrass Species and Experimental Lines. Texas Plant Protection Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nelson, Lloyd R., Ambika Chandra, Benjamin G. Wherley, Dennis L. Martin, Grady L. Miller, Susana R Milla-Lewis, Kevin E. Kenworthy, Paul L. Raymer, Brian M. Schwartz and Yanqi Wu. Turf quality and transition of annual and intermediate ryegrass lines in Southern USA in 2011-12. Abs. 2014 American Society of Agronomy Meetings.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Sod producers, Seed companies, Golf course superintendents Homeowners, Property developers, Landscape managers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate stduent* training and development: Meghyn Meeks* and Ambika Chandra (Co-Chair). Inter-specific hybridization between texas and Kentucky bluegrass. Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Conferences and Seminars: Chandra A. 2013. Plant Genetics and Genomics to Improve Drought and Salinity Tolerance for Sustainable Turfgrass Production in theSouthern United States. Turfgrass Producers International,San Antonio,TX(invited). Chandra, A.2013. Development of Large Patch Resistant and Cold Hardy Zoysiagrass Cultivars for the Transition Zone. United States Golf Association, Environmental Research Committee atChicago,IL(invited). Chandra, A.2013. Advances in Turfgrass Breeding.KansasStateUniversitydepartmental seminar,Manhattan,KS(invited). Chandra, A. 2013. Warm-season Grass Choices and New Developments. Texas Turfgrass Association Annual Conference atDallas,TX(invited). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A. Chandra, A.D. Genovesi, B. Smith, B. Wherley and C. Reynolds. 2013. Presenting DALSA 0605 St. Augustinegrass to the Turfgrass Producers of Texas in Boling, TX. J. Fry, A. Chandra (co-host), M. Kennelly and A. D. Genovesi. 2013. Zoysiagrass Field Day. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. DALSA 0605 is an embryo-rescue derived interploid hybrid of St. Augustinegrass undergoing the plant release review process. DALSA 0605 is a vegetatively propagated, genetically stable, and uniform variety which is distinguished from other varieties of St. Augustinegrass for traits and characteristics which includes; 1) tolerance to gray leaf spot disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae Couch, 2) superior drought resistance conferred through a combination of tolerance to drying soil, deep genetic rooting potential, and rapid recovery following drought, 3) significantly reduced levels of fecundity and juvenile development of southern chinch bugs (Blissus insularis Barber) as compared to ‘Raleigh’ and ‘TX Common’; and 4) significantly higher percent mortality of confined larvae of Tropical sod webworm (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis Guenée) as compared to Raleigh. 2. DALBG 1201 is a turf-type inter-specific hybrid bluegrass submitted to Texas A&M Plant Review Committee, College Station, TX for review and recommendation for release. DALBG 1201 performed consistently well across five test locations (Auburn, AL; Dallas, TX; Knoxville, TN; Raleigh, NC and Starkville, MS) from 2009 to 2012 and is characterized by its superior turfgrass quality, darker green color and higher shoot density than Reveille and Thermal Blaze Blue hybrid bluegrass cultivars. Its leaf texture is finer than Rebel Exeda tall fescue and similar to hybrid bluegrass checks included in the study. Linear regression analysis for turfgrass quality and shoot density indicates that DALBG 1201 is more stress tolerant relative to the three commercial checks and is highly stable across varying environmental conditions for these traits. 3. For zoysiagrasses, we have entered four elite breeding lines [DALZ 1301, 1302, 1303 and KSUZ 1201 (in collaboration with KSU)] for evaluation in the 2013 zoysiagrass NTEP (National Turfgrass Evaluation Program) trial and six greens type lines (DALZ 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307, 1308 and 1309) in the 2013 warm-season grass putting greens NTEP trial. We continue to make progress towards development of synthetic varieties (seeded) of zoysiagrass for use on golf courses and home lawns. For the development of fine-textured, large patch resistant zoysiagrass cultivars with enhanced cold hardiness for the transition zone, we have developed over 3,000 progeny lines that are currently being tested at three locations (Dallas, TX, Manhattan, KS and West Lafayette, IN).

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Chandra, A., A. D. Genovesi, Y. Wu and B. Wherley. 2013. Breeding for stress resistant St. Augustinegrass in Southern States. The Pallet: Newsletter of Turfgrass Producers of Texas. June. p. 1, 10, 16, 19.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Genovesi, A. D. and A. Chandra. 2013. Development of large patch resistant and cold hardy zoysiagrass cultivars for the transition zone. USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online. January. 12(1): p. 11-12.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Genovesi, A. D. and A. Chandra. 2013. Development of Seeded Zoysiagrass Cultivars with Improved Turf Quality and High Seed Yields. USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online. January. 12(1): p. 15-16.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Chandra A. 2013. Plant Genetics and Genomics to Improve Drought and Salinity Tolerance for Sustainable Turfgrass Production in the Southern United States. Turfgrass Producers International, San Antonio, TX (invited).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: The Future of Turfgrass Research. Turf News, [TPI]. 37(3): p. 22-24, 26, 28, 30, 32.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Making the Greens Greener. CSA News, July issue (2013).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wherley, B., A. Chandra, A. Genovesi, M. Kearns, T. Pepper, and J. Thomas. 2013. Developmental response of St. Augustinegrass cultivars and experimental lines to moderate and heavy shade. HortScience 48:1047-1051.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Intra-specific and wide hybridizations were performed in 2012 to develop progeny populations of zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass and Texas bluegrass. On an annual basis, hybridization, segregation, evaluation, selection of superior genotypes of turfgrass species is performed in a cyclical manner. Efforts are in progress to introgress/recombine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance with visual turf quality traits for the development of new and improved cultivars. Molecular markers are routinely employed for the identification and selection of breeding lines for advancement. DALSA 0605 St. Augustinegrass interploid hybrid is currently being considered for release and commercialization. DALSA 0605 exhibits high resistance to gray leaf spot disease, reduced reproduction and progeny development of southern chinch bugs, good drought tolerance and recovery potential and reasonable cold tolerance. TAES 5653 and TAES 5655 Texas bluegrass inter-specific hybrids are currently being considered for release and commercialization. Both hybrids exhibit superior turfgrass quality, dark green color, and wide adaptation with superior overall performance across multiple locations. For zoysiagrasses, we continue to make progress towards development and identification of Greens type zoysiagrass for golf course putting surface as well as development of synthetic varieties (seeded) of zoysiagrass for use on golf courses and home lawns. We have also initiated our efforts towards the development of fine-textured, large patch resistant zoysiagrass cultivars with enhanced cold hardiness for the transition zone. To meet the objectives of this project we are collaborating with Kansas State University and Purdue University. We are also working on the developing SCAR molecular marker for the identification of inter-specific hybrid between Texas bluegrass x Kentucky bluegrass and rough bluegrass. In collaboration with the Nobel Foundation, we are working towards developing an efficient and reproducible Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for Zoysia matrella. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals- Dr. Dennis Genovesi, Dr. Ben Wherley, Dr. Richard White, Dr. Russell Jessup, Dr. Kevin Ong, Mr. Mason Kearns - MS graduate student. Ms. Meghyn Meeks - Ph.D. student. Partner organizations- Oklahoma State University, University of Missouri, Virginia Polytechnic., Kansas State University, Purdue University, University of Georgia, North Carolina State University, University of Florida, Nobel Foundation. TARGET AUDIENCES: Sod producers, Seed companies, Golf course superintendents Homeowners, Property developers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Breeding and development of improved cultivars of turfgrass species for use in home lawns, and golf courses. Identification and isolation of specific genes controlling agronomically important traits, and those molecular markers which are tightly linked to these genes, from turfgrass species.

Publications

  • Kimball, J.A., Zuleta, M.C., Martin, M., Kenworthy, K.E., Chandra, A., Milla-Lewis, S.R. 2012. Assessment of Molecular Variation within Raleigh St. Augustinegrass using AFLP markers. HortScience 47:835-838.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Inter- and intra-specific hybridization was performed between promising parents in 2011 to develop progeny populations of zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass and Texas bluegrass. Continued efforts in utilizing traditional breeding strategies have been made to introgress/recombine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance with visual turf quality traits for the development of new and improved cultivars. Genetic crosses have been made between selected parents for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance followed by progeny evaluations at the Dallas Center, and at other locations, for developing improved turfgrass cultivars. On an annual basis, hybridization, segregation, evaluation, selection of superior genotypes of turfgrass species will be performed in a cyclical manner. We are continuing to move ahead with developing a seeded, fine textured zoysiagrass. We have identified 15 seeded parental clones to advance in a recurrent selection breeding scheme. These 15 parental clones were allowed to recombine in an isolation block and the harvested seed has been planted in a spaced plant nursery in the summer 2011 to continue the selection process for better lines with good seed parent traits with finer texture. We have also planted a replicated field trial from the harvested seed to evaluate turf quality. Large patch is a major disease in Zoysia spp. on golf courses and other recreational areas causing substantial damage to the aesthetic quality and reducing the playability of the turf surface. A segregating mapping population has been generated between large patch susceptible and resistant parents. This mapping population has been screened and phenotyped for large patch disease in the field as well as in the greenhouse and data is currently being complied. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals- Dr. Dennis genovesi - CoPI on seeded zoysiagrass development project. Dr. Jim Reinert - Collaboration on major insect pest screening project(s). Dr. Marla Binzel - Collaboration on salinity and drougth screening project(s). Dr. Ben Whereley - Collaboration on turfgrass management project(s). Dr. Russell Jessup. Partner organizations- Oklahoma State Univ Univ. of Missouri Virginia Polytechnic. Institute Stephen F. Austin Univ Univ. of Tennessee Kansas State Univ Univ. of Georgia Mississippi State Univ Auburn Univ. North Carolina State Univ Univ. of Florida Training- Mr. Mason Kearns - MS graduate student. Ms. Meghyn Meeks - Ph.D. student. TARGET AUDIENCES: Sod producers, Seed companies, Golf course superintendents, Homeowners PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Breeding and development of improved cultivars of turfgrass species for use in home lawns, parks, cemeteries, highway roadsides (low-maintenance turf surfaces), and athletic fields, golf courses (medium and high maintenance turf surfaces). Identification and isolation of specific genes and proteins controlling agronomically important traits, and those molecular markers which are tightly linked to these genes, from turfgrass species. Elucidating the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying a plant's ability to respond and adapt to biotic and abiotic stress using functional genomics and metabolomics. Efficiently use genomic and cellular tools to genetically manipulate/engineer turfgrass species for characteristics like tolerance for environmental stress (drought, extreme temperatures), resistance to insects and pathogens, competitiveness against invasive weeds, and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency.

Publications

  • Metz, S.P., A. Chandra, A.D. Genovesi and C. F. Campos. 2011. Comparison of screening methods to evaluate the response of St. Augustine grass to Magnaporthe oryzae. Plant Pathology. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3059.2011.02521.x
  • Metz, S.P. and A. Chandra. 2011. Culture Media Influence on vegetative growth and In vitro conidia production of Magnaporthe oryzae. Journal of Cell and Plant Sciences. 2 (3): 9-11.
  • Okeyo, D. O., J. D. Fry, D. J. Bremer, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Stolon Growth and Tillering of Experimental Zoysiagrasses in Shade. HortScience 46(10): 1418-1422.
  • Reinert, J. A., A. Chandra and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Susceptibility of Genera and Cultivars of Turfgrass to Southern Chinch Bug (Blissus insularis) (HEMIPTERA: BLISSIDAE). Florida Entomologist. 94(2): 158-163.
  • B. Wherley, P. Skulkaew, A. Chandra, A. Genovesi, and M.C. Engelke. 2011. Low-Input Performance of Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) Cultivars Maintained Under Dense Tree Shade. HortScience. 46(8): 1194-1197.
  • LaMantia, J., X. Wang, M. Binzel, A. Chandra. 2011. Isolation and Characterization of Eight Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci from Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. Journal of Plant Genetics and Transgenics. 2(1): 1-4.
  • Okeyo, D. O., J. D. Fry, D. J. Bremer, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Stolon Growth Characteristics and Establishment Rates of Zoysiagrass Progeny. HortScience 46 (1): 113-117.
  • Okeyo D. O., J. D. Fry, D. Bremer, C. B. Rajashekar, M. Kennelly, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2011. Freezing Tolerance and Seasonal Color of Experimental Zoysiagrasses. Crop Science 51(6): 2858-2863.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Inter- and intra-specific hybridization was performed between promising parents in 2010 to develop progeny populations of zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass and Texas bluegrass. Continued efforts in utilizing traditional breeding strategies have been made to introgress/recombine biotic and abiotic stress tolerance with visual turf quality traits for the development of new and improved cultivars. Genetic crosses have been made between selected parents for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance followed by progeny evaluations at the Dallas Center, and at other locations, for developing improved turfgrass cultivars. On an annual basis, hybridization, segregation, evaluation, selection of superior genotypes of turfgrass species will be performed in a cyclical manner. Conducting Zoysiagrass and bluegrass National Cooperative Trial in 12 different states (university locations) throughout the country. These trials provide an opportunity to evaluate elite experimental breeding lines at different locations and under different environments, and provides collaborators an opportunity to have a first look at the advanced material and identify those materials that are best suited for their region. We are continuing to move ahead with developing a seeded, fine textured zoysiagrass. We have identified 15 seeded parental clones to advance in a recurrent selection breeding scheme. This summer we will plant out a seeded spaced plant nursery to continue the selection process for better lines with good seed parent traits with finer texture. We will also plant replicated field trials with plots planted from seed to evaluate turf quality. Large patch is a major disease in Zoysia spp. on golf courses and other recreational areas causing substantial damage to the aesthetic quality and reducing the playability of the turf surface. A segregating mapping population has been generated between large patch susceptible and resistant parents. The progeny of this cross is currently beings tested using RAPD markers to confirm their hybrid status. Parallel to this we are developing our SSR marker database based on information available from other related grass species (synteny) such as sorghum, wheat, barley, tall fescue. These SSRs will be used to identify genes and/or genetic markers tightly linked to genes for tolerance to resistance to Rhizoctonia. Assessed genetic variability within and between populations of Southern Chinch Bugs using AFLP markers to better understand their population structure. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals- Dr. Dennis genovesi - CoPI on seeded zoysiagrass development project. Dr. Jim Reinert - Collaboration on major insect pest screening project(s). Dr. Marla Binzel - Collaboration on salinity and drougth screening project(s). Dr. Ben Whereley - Collaboration on turfgrass management project(s). Partenr organizations- Oklahoma State Univ Univ. of Missouri Virginia Polytechnic. Institute Stephen F. Austin Univ Univ. of Tennessee Kansas State Univ Univ. of Georgia Mississippi State Univ Auburn Univ. North Carolina State Univ Univ. of Florida Training- Dr. Jon LaMantia - Post dotoral research associate Mr. Mason Kearns - MS graduate student TARGET AUDIENCES: Sod producers Seed companies Golf course superintendents Homeowners PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Breeding and development of improved cultivars of turfgrass species for use in home lawns, parks, cemeteries, highway roadsides (low-maintenance turf surfaces), and athletic fields, golf courses (medium and high maintenance turf surfaces). Identification and isolation of specific genes and proteins controlling agronomically important traits, and those molecular markers which are tightly linked to these genes, from turfgrass species. Elucidating the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying a plant's ability to respond and adapt to biotic and abiotic stress using functional genomics and metabolomics. Efficiently use genomic and cellular tools to genetically manipulate/engineer turfgrass species for characteristics like tolerance for environmental stress (drought, extreme temperatures), resistance to insects and pathogens, competitiveness against invasive weeds, and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency.

Publications

  • Chandra, A., and D.R. Huff. 2010. A fungal parasite regulates a putative female-suppressor gene homologous to maize Tasselseed2 and causes induced hermaphroditism in male buffalograss. Molecular Plant Microbe Interaction. 23(3): 239-250.
  • Okeyo, D. O., J. D Fry, R. St. John, A. Chandra, A. D. Genovesi and M. C. Engelke. 2010. Recovery growth of Meyer and experimental zoysiagrass progeny after sod harvest. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2010-1203-01-RS