Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Steven R. Alm (stevealm@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;
Paul Backman (pbackman@psu.edu) - Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station;
Mark J. Carroll (mc92@umail.umd.edu) - University of Maryland;
J. Marshall Clark (jclark@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;
Bruce B. Clarke (clarke@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;
Richard S. Cowles (rcowles@caes.state.ct.us) - Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;
J. Scott Ebdon (sebdon@pssci.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;
Steven Fales;
Karl Guillard (karl.guillard@uconn.edu) - University of Connecticut;
Richard J. Hull (rhu6441@postoffice.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;
Noel Jackson;
Peter J. Landschoot (pj11@psu.edu) - The Pennsylvania State University;
Pim Larsson-Kovach (il11@cornell.edu) - Cornell University;
James Lin - USEPA;
Bill Meyer (wmeyer@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;
Kevin Morris - NTEP;
Bridget Ruemmele (bridgetr@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;
Mike Sullivan (senmike@uriacc.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;
Patricia Vittum (pvittum@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts

PROGRESS OF THE WORK AND PRINCIPAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Objective 1: Identify plant characters appropriate for use as selection criteria for genetically improving stability, quality, and productivity of hay, silage, and pasture crops.

1.1 Birdsfoot trefoil. Convergent-divergent selection for root and crown rot resistance: Resistant selections to Pratylenchus penetrans were crossed in Nova Scotia and a small amount of seed produced. seeds were shipped to cooperators in NY, MN, and WI.


Evaluation of the first cycle of selection will be done in greenhouse and field-testing. In NY, three cycles of selection for resistance to Fusarium oxysporum wilt attained a 3S % increase in resistance. The NY population was released as the cultivar ‘Pardee‘ and certified seed will be sold in spring, 2001. Introgression of rhizomes into improved populations: Field nurseries of birdsfoot trefoil established in 1999 by cooperators have been evaluated for the rhizomatous trait. Plants will be dug by cooperators this fall and in 2001 and sent to MO for evaluation.

1.2 White clover. Identification of white clovcr traits important for grass compatibilitv and broad adaptation: Data from collaborators in I9ova Scotia, IA, and WV will be completed in 2000 and will be analyzed in 2001. Nearly 2000 vegetative collections of white clover were made in 1999 from 63 different locations in the Central Appalachian region.

1.3 Forage quality. Selection of improved cell wall pectin concentration in alfalfa: A breeding program was initiated in NY to increase pectin concentration in four alfalfa populations. Plants will be selected for higher vigor, lower NDF concentrations, and higher NDSF concentrations. A similar program to increase nonstructural carbohydrate concentration is underway in WV.

1.4 Alfalfa. Identification of traits useful for improving Medicago sativa ssp. falcata germplasm: Collaborators in IA, Canada, ND, SD, WV, and KS have completed evaluations of the 97-accession test population. E.C. Brummer is analyzing the data and developing a manuscript. Pure yellow- and a variegated-flowered populations have been developed, random mated in the greenhouse, and will be screened for desirable plants.

1.5 Molecular Markers. Identifying molecular markers useful for forage improvement: In order to identify QTL markers in a Medicago sativa X M. fakata cross, about 200 vegetative progeny propagates were established in NY, IA, and KS along with parents and check cultivars in 1999. Forage yield data were taken in 2000, Plant height, growth habit, and multileaf expression were also evaluated. About 100 RFLP loci were placed on the parental maps. AFLP markers arc being mapped for two anthracnose resistance genes. Preliminary QTL identification is underway. Genetic variation within and arnong white clover collections and cultivars from the US and Canada was evaluated using RAPD genomic DNA markers. A UPGMA dendrogram demonstrated two closely related groups of T. repens populations: one group consisted of GA, IA, PA, and PEI collections and the second group consisted of a WV collection and cultivars ‘Regal, ‘Sacramento‘, and ‘Will‘. By comparison, the alsike clover cultivar ‘Aurora‘ (T. hybridum )was separated from the T. repens collections and cultivars. D.L. Gustine is analyzing the data and developing a manuscript.

Objeethre 2: Develop and modify breeding methods for use in improving broadly-adapted germplasm of forage crops.

2.1 Alfalia. Phenotypic and genotypic selection methods for improving alfalfa yield: This breeding project was completed and a first draft manuscript to report the results was prepared by B. R. Christie. In NY, KS, and IA, germplasm for the second cycle of mass and S1 progeny selection were transplanted to a field in June 2000, Comparison of mass. S1. and S2 selection: S2 progenies from each S1 row will be selected for vigor in fall 2000. Cycle 1 material will be intercrossed in 2001, followed by two generations of selfing.

2.2 Orchard grass and perennial ryegrass. Nothing to report.

Objective 3: Develop and evaluatc experimental populations and cultivars for use in sustainable, integrated, crop-livestock production systems.

3.1 Kurs clover. Nothing to report.

3.2 Orchard grass: Evaluation of convergent-divergent orchard grass populations: This work was completed and data will be analyzed and published.

3 3 Birdefoot trefoil: Evaluation of birdsfoot trefoil populations selected for resistance to the crown and root rot complex using convergent-divergent selections: Data collection was completed in 1999 and a manuscript is under development by R.R. Smith. Field nurseries of birdsfoot trefoil were established in l 999 by cooperators and have been evaluated for the rhizomatous trait. Plants will be dug this fall and in 2001 and sent to MO for evaluation.

3.4 Alfalfa: Evaluation of alfalfa populations developed for resistance to the alfalfa snout beetle: Alfalfa plants in a replicated space-plant trial established in 1998 in NY were evaluated for root damage by the alfalfa snout beetle (Otiorhychus ligustica). Al1 plants were susceptible, but statistically significant variation in resistance was found. A recurrent selection for resistance screen will be initiated in the most resistant populations. A system is being developed with Cornell entomologists to screen for resistant alfalfa plants in the greenhouse. Resistant plants from these screens will be sent to NE-144 cooperators for yield and persistence testing at multiple field locations.

USEFULNESS OF FINDINGS: The NE-144 Multistate Committee fosters an environment conducive to collaboration in developing and testing germplasm at a wide range of locations. The results of these projects have significant outcomes for forage breeders and forage producers. A number of improved populations expressing broad geographic adaptation have been developed for birdsfoot trefoil, orchard grass, alfalfa, and white clover. Though complete evaluations of these new populations will not be concluded for several years, information on new crops, e.g,, kura clover, is being expanded throughout a wide geographic area. This committee facilitates organizing these wide area evaluations. This committee produces information on breeding methodologies and develops strategies for determining the most efficient production of improved varieties. Several methods have been analyzed in recent years in alfalfa. Finally this committee will produce previously unknown molecular markers useful for more efficient and quicker development of new varieties.

STATEMENT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The NE 144 Multistate Committee has accomplished three broad objectives. First, we have developed improved experimental populations of birdsfoot trefoil, orchard grass, alfalfa, and white clover. After sufficient evaluation, we expect that some populations could be released as cultivars. The improved disease resistance, forage, and seed yield, and broad geographic adaptation of these cultivars will help producers manage risk and sustain profitability. Second, we have evaluated a number of alternate breeding methods for alfalfa, orchard grass, and perennial ryegrass in order to identify method most effective for producing improved cultivars. This research will indirectly help producers by allowing breeders be more efficient during the cultivar development process. Third, the committee has evaluated germplasm of alfalfa for agronomic qualities and cultivars of kura for adaptation. This research will assist breeders in utilizing the genetic variability existing in these species as they develop improved cultivars. The NE-144 Multistate Committee has allowed forage breeders from the Midwestern and eastern US and eastern Canada to pursue the breeding end evaluation of various forage crops, limiting duplication, and maximizing returns on research investment.

WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR: During the next year, cooperators on the NE-144 Multistate Committee will collect data on continuing research projects. These include: i) identification of white clover traits important for grass compatibility; ii) identification of traits useful for improving M. sativa ssp. fatcata germplasm; iii) identification of molecular markers useful for forage improvement; iv) development of selection methods for improving alfalfa forage yield; v) comparison of mass, S1, and S2 selection in alfalfa; and vi) evaluation of new screening methods for rating resistance of alfalfa to the alfalfa snout beetle.

PUBLICATION ISSUES OF MANIJSCRIPTS APPROVED DURING THE YEAR

Refereed Journals

Beuselinck, P.R. and R.L. McGraw. 2000. Vestigial corolla in glowers of birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Sci. 40:964-967.

Brummer, E.C., M.M. Shah, and D. Luth. 2000. Reexamining relationship between fall dormancy and winter hardiness in alfalfa. Crop Sci. 40:971-977.

Casler, M.D., K.P. Vogel, J.A. Balasko, J.D. Berdahl, D.A. Miller, J.L. Hansen, and J.O. Fritz. 2000. Genetic progress from 50 years of smooth bromegrass breeding. Crop Sci. 40:13-22.

English, J.T. and P.R. Beuselinck. 2000. Methods for valuating birdsfoot trefoil for susceptibility to foliar and shoot blight caused by Rhizoctonia spp. Crop Sci. 40:841-843.

Gustine, D.L. and D.R. Huff. 1999. Genetic variation within and among white clover populations from managed permanent pastures of the northeastern U.S. Crop Sci. 39 :524-530

Kimpinski, J., Y.A. Papadopoulos, B.R. Christie, K. B.. McRae, and C.E. Gallant. 2000. lnvasion and reproduction of Pratylenchus penetrans in birdsfoot trefoil cultivars. Phytoprotection 80 179-184.

Michaud, R. and G.F. Tremblay. 1999. Assessment of crude protein degradation in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). 1999. p. 140-145 Proc. XIII Eucarpia Medicago spp Group Meeting, 1316 September 1999. Perugia, Italy.

Staley, T.E. and P.W. Voigt. 2000. Methodological considerations for elucidating low-level limiting effects on white clover symbiosis establishment in an acidic soil model system. Soil Sci. 165:567-S77.

Steiner, J.J. and P.R. Beuselinck. 2000. Registration of ARS- 1221 big trefoil germplasm. Crop Sci. 40:1204-1205.

Stcincr, J.J. and P.R. Beusclinck. 2000. Registration of ARS-1207 narrow leaf trefoil gemplasm. Crop Sci. 40:1205.

Tremblay, G.F., R. Michaud, G. Belanger, K.B. McRae, and H.V. Petit. 2000. In vitro ruminal undegradable proteins of alfalfa cultivars. Can. J. Plant Sci. 80:312-325.

Non-Refereed Publications

Beuselinck, P.R. 2000. Lotus spp. as model systems for nematode resistance studies in soybean. p. 73. Proc. Boroconf. "Molecular genetics of model legumes, 24-28 June 2000. Norwich, UK.

Bleusclinck,P.R. 2000. LotusNewsletter. Vol.31.(www.psu.missouri.edu/lnl/)

Beuselinck,P.R. 2000. Lotusjaponicus homepage. Vol.2. (www.psu.missouri.ed~lul/ljaponicus2/lj.htm)

Byers, R.A., G.A. Pederson, and P.W. Voigt. 2000. Evaluating white clover for resistance to Sitona hispidulus larva. p. 5. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf.

Gustine, D.L. and M.A. Sanderson. 2000. Molecular analysis of white clover population structure in grazed swards. p. 12. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf.

Hansen, J.L., C.L. Morehouse, D.R. Viands, and S.M. Haner. 2000. 2000 Forage crop data summaries. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-3. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY.

Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, S.M. Haner, and C.L. Morehouse. 2000. Cornell University/ New York State Porage yield trials summary-2000: Company and Extension Report. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-4. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY.

Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, S.M. Haner, and C.L. Morehouse. 2000. Cornell University/New York State Forage yield finals summary-2000: Producer Report. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-5. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY.

Voigt, P.W. 2000. White clover collections from central Appalachia. p. 23. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf.

Voigt, P.W., K.E. Turner, and D.R. Morris. 1999. Grazing tolerance of elite white clover germplasm in Appalachia. Agron. Abstr. 91:71.