Location: Crop Genetics and Breeding Research
Project Number: 6048-21500-001-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2020
End Date: Jun 30, 2025
Objective:
Develop genomic technologies for centipedegrass and use those technologies to understand and improve desirable ecological and aesthetic traits for this species. Work may include, but is not limited to, water and nutrient efficiency, resilience to foot traffic, color, and pollinator support.
Approach:
Identification of loci associated with desirable turf traits in centipedegrass, a genome-wide association study will be conducted using a population of approximately 300 vegetatively propagated lines replicated in the field. Morphological traits will be measured for two years after establishment. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) will be created from each line using genotyping by sequencing and the genome of a centipedegrass line will be sequenced. SNPs will be aligned to the reference sequence and SNPs will be identified that are associated with the traits. For the identification of pollinators of centipedegrass inflorescences, a collection of centipedegrass lines will be grown in a randomized complete block design with four replicates in large field plots. Morphological traits of the plants will be measured (inflorescence density, anther color, etc). In collaboration with an entomologist, pollinators will be documented that transit into each plot and those directly pollinating the inflorescence.
