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S009: Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Utilization (S-009)

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [09/17/2004] [09/15/2005] [07/28/2006] [09/26/2007] [09/19/2008] [09/29/2009] [09/20/2010] [09/27/2011] [09/06/2012]

Date of Annual Report: 09/17/2004

Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/02/04 to 08/03/04
  • Period the Report Covers: 08/2003 to 08/2004

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Call to Order The Regional S-9 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was called to order at 1:05 PM on Monday, August 2, 2004, by chairperson Jorge Mosjidis in room 1151 McCarty Hall on the University of Florida campus, Gainesville, FL.

    Roll Call Each person did a self-introduction including their organizational affiliation and their professional responsibilities. Representatives from some states were not present.

    Welcome and Opening Remarks Dr. Gerald Arkin welcomed the group via a conference call from his office in Griffin, GA. He could not attend the S9 meeting due to an urgent meeting on Monday evening relating to potential funding of a project on the Griffin campus. Dr. Arkin commended Gary Pederson, the curators and staff, and the S9 Committee for the germplasm repository functioning at its best in many years. He also commented about the relatively stable funding support that the SAES directors have provided over the past few years for conservation and utilization of the germplasm collections. Dr. Arkin reported that the S9 project is the only off-the-top SAES funded project in the southern region. He reviewed the role of the S9 Committee as being (1) providing annual state reports as accountability to the local AES director of germplasm utilization in their state, (2) advise Dr. Pederson and the curators on use and conservation of germplasm, and (3) lobby the local state AES director for continued investment in this program.

    Dr. Mary Duryea, Assistant Dean for UFL/IFAS, welcomed the group to campus and to Florida. She stated that agriculture was a major source of revenue to Florida, $60 billion annually in agriculture products, second only to tourism. She also stated that IFAS was firmly committed to plant breeding and to germplasm use and conservation. She also stated that UFL had plans to add a $10 million building dedicated to genetic research and education.

    Ken Quesenberry, 2004 host for the meeting, added his welcome to the group and covered local arrangement details.

    PGRCU Overview Gary Pederson gave a presentation (Appendix 1)* covering the activities and improvements of the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (PGRCU) at Griffin during the past year. He reviewed the mission of PGRCU as well as the progress that had been made in backing up the various plant collections since 1996. Dr. Pederson also reported on the domestic and foreign distributions of germplasm from the unit during the past year. Additionally, he reported on the status of funding, staffing, equipment purchases, facilities acquisitions, repairs and maintenance. The committee commented on the continued positive leadership and improvements to the unit under Dr. Pedersons tenure as research leader.

    Legumes and Miscellaneous Crops: Brad Morris made a presentation (Appendix 2)* on status of regeneration and backup on various specialty uses (e.g., ornamental and human health) of some legume species such as winged bean, sesame, castor bean (ricin), water chestnut, and Crotolaria (protein and fiber).

    Vegetable Crops and Sweetpotato Bob Jarret described (Appendix 3)* the addition of an enhanced descriptor process of taking digital photos which embody 37/42 descriptors such as whole plant, fruit, and flowers regenerating. He reported that his program was regenerating ~150 accessions/year. He highlighted some of the work being done with okra (digital images), sweet potato (tissue regeneration), and watermelon (regeneration of heirloom varieties for storage in CO).

    Molecular Lab Rob Dean reported (Appendix 4)* that the most recent molecular marker work had been focused on morphological traits and disease resistance genes in sorghum germplasm. The core collection of sorghum has been characterized for several traits.

    * Appendices 1, 2, 3, and 4 are located with the 2004 minutes on the S-9 website at http://www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/reports/min2004.pdf

    Examples of Germplasm Use in University of Florida Programs Eileen Kabelka, Cucurbit Breeding & Genetics, presented background information on important cucurbits in FL such as watermelon, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins. She reported that the market is driven by consumer preferences of size, color, flavor and seedless fruit (watermelon). Traits important in breeding new varieties to meet consumer preferences are disease resistance, fruit quality, uniformity, yield, and nutritional attributes. She cited an example of exotic germplasm utilization in the FL watermelon breeding program of using wild bitter gourd and wild species to obtain disease resistance. Another example she cited was using attributes of squash germplasm accessions and pedigree information to decide which material to use in crosses aimed at new variety development.

    Ken Quesenberry, Forage Legume Breeding, distributed copies of three publications, New Plants for the South (1961), Value of University of Florida Forage Legume Cultivars to Livestock Production (1999), and New Plants for Florida (2003) that reviewed some of the history of the use of germplasm accessions in crop improvement and variety development for numerous crops that are important in Florida agriculture. Dr. Quesenberry briefly discussed the impact that plant breeding programs have had on FLs agricultural economy.

    Dr. Barry Tillman, Peanut Breeding, discussed some of the history and goals of FLs peanut improvement program. He reported that the genetic base of the runner type varieties trace back to approximately 13 PIs. He indicated that the market demands flavor and uniformity and as such the market is dominated by a few varieties such as Florunner and GA Green. These have been driving factors for a narrow genetic base. Dr. Tillman reported that much of the utilization of plant introductions in breeding come through sources of disease and pest resistance (e.g., PI 209336 used as a resistant parent for tomato spotted wilt virus in peanut).

    National Overview Due to flight delays and cancellations, Dr. Peter Bretting was unable to be present for the afternoon meeting but joined the group later in the day. Dr. Ann Marie Thro gave a general overview of the National Plant Germplasm System as follows: I. Background: The National Plant Germplasm System, NPGS, includes: - 4 multistate projects (S-9, W-6, NE-9, NC-7) which are multi-crop collections -6 more single crop collections -the National Center for Genetic Resources Conservation, in Ft. Collins CO -the Genetic Resources Information Network -and many other sites and units. The NPGS is funded primarily by ARS (>90%). ESCOP* participates in the NPGS through regional funds to the 4 multi-state projects and off-the-top funds to one of the single-crop collectors (potatoes, NRSP-6). **ESCOP participates in planning and management of the NPGS via SAES directors who serve as Administrative Advisors: one director per region for the multi-state projects and four directors who serve as AA=s for NRSP-6. Collaboration between ESCOP and ARS provides increased management options and flexibility to the projects, and leverages additional funding and in-kind support.

    *ESCOP: Experiment Station Committee on Policy. ESCOP is composed of directors of State Agricultural Experiment Stations (SAES). **ESCOP funding varies from 8% to 22% depending on the project

    II. The NPGS is more valuable today than at any previous time. Molecular tools improve management efficiency and give new power to gene discovery using the collections Consumers are increasingly interested in variety and quality in foods. NPGS collections will be the source of new consumer traits to take advantage of this new market. More restrictions and costs apply to international collecting of plant germplasm; international inventions will limit access in future. Germplasm is recognized by the Federal Government as important for national food security

    III. Current challenges Federal funding is expected to be flat or declining for some time. ESCOP interest in making funding available to new initiatives Potential for piece-by-piece dis-investment of ESCOP=s participation in NPGS before there is a long-term plan for ESCOP=s engagement with NPGS in future (may limit opportunities)

    IV. ESCOP and the NPGS - future and long-term Should ESCOP continue to be engaged with planning and management in the NPGS? If so, what mechanisms are available to ESCOP for continued involvement? The present system (4 multistate projects and 1 NRSP): Has strong regional support for some projects Has proven to be an effective way for SAES involvement to add value to the germplasm collections and get them into plant breeding programs and other research, producing benefits for science, educators, farmers and consumers May be the optimum mechanism for the future - or - there may be other options that fit ESCOP's long-term plans

    Tuesday, August 3, 2004 The group traveled to Citra, FL and toured the Plant Sciences Research and Education Unit. The tour highlighted the peanut, sorghum, cotton, corn, perennial peanut, pigeon pea, horticultural and ornamental research being conducted on the station as well as some of the research facilities and equipment.

    S9 RTAC Meeting Resumed Chairman Jorge Mosjidis reconvened the group at 11:10 a.m., August 3, 2004 in room 1151 McCarty Hall. Dr. Peter Bretting presented the National Program Staff Report with the activities at the national level (Appendix 2). He reviewed: (1) the general budget situation for NPGS sites, (2) NP reviews, (3) public stakeholder meeting results, and (4) international germplasm issues. He announced that all of the RTACs would be invited to meet with the National Program group in Ames, IA in 2006.

    Committee Members Discussions Discussion focused on suggestions that could help the unit and the whole system make an even more efficient use of the resources available. (1) Dr. Tom Zimmerman recommended that the CGC reports be sent to S9 TAC members at least one week prior to the annual meeting. This would allow time for committee members to review the accomplishments and status of each project and be in a better position to make helpful suggestions. Dr. Pederson stated that attempts would be made to meet this request in the future. (2) Dr. Tom Stalker asked Dr. Pederson about upcoming constraints for the overall program. Dr. Pederson addressed four areas: (a) Land availability on the Griffin campus is on a year-to-year basis. The solution may be to lease 17 acres across from existing land on the Westbrook farm. On that property there is a need for well for irrigation, pump house and fencing. Dr. Pederson stated that there is land available in Bryon and at some other stations in GA, but the problem is distance. (b)Equipment - some need for additional pollination cages, (c) Additional herbarium specimens of species, especially for grasses. (d) Lists of major priority needs for each curator- needs vary by curators. Some use equipment that reduces labor loads; however, many labor needs are met by shifting farm crew members from one project to another at peak labor demands.

    Dr. Stalker requested that next year Dr. Pederson provide the committee with a list of priorities for equipment and other needs of the program. Dr. Mosjidis commented that this would be very useful for the S9 TAC members to provide support for the Unit and helping the Unit stay on course. Dr. Stalker reiterated that the purpose of the TAC is give advice.

    Dr. Mari Marutani asked if the digital photos could be entered into the GRIN network. Dr. Pederson reported that the GRIN data information was entered by a separate group in Beltsville, MD.

    Tobacco Germplasm Collection Dr. Tom Stalker brought up the issue regarding the tobacco germplasm collection that is being maintained at NC State University. For the past several years, NCSU has maintained the collection of ~2000 accessions + 200 species. The current dilemma is that the person who has served as the curator is departing and there is no person or program to take over the collection. The U.S. Congress has taken the stand that no federal money can go to support tobacco research, even though most of the basic research focuses on tobacco as a model plant or focuses on medical - pharmaceutical research using tobacco as a bio-factory. After some discussion a motion was made by Hussey and seconded by Allen that the S9 TAC recommend that the USDA take back the tobacco collection from NC State. The motion passed. The USDA-ARS representatives abstained from the vote. It was recommended that the Director of NC State Experiment Station take the action item to the next SAES directors meeting for their thoughts and action (especially the tobacco states).

    Business Session K. Quesenberry moved to approve the minutes as distributed and Zimmerman seconded. The motion passed. Mosjidis moved and Zimmerman seconded that Emerson Shipe be elected as secretary and Fred Allen as chair for the 2005 S9 TAC meeting. The motion passed. The location for the 2005 meeting was discussed and F. Allen volunteered to host the meeting in 2005. Quesenberry moved and Shipe seconded that the meeting will be held in TN in 2005, preferably during the first week of August.

    The group thanked Dr. Quesenberry for hosting the meeting, and the participating FL faculty for their presentations.

    Yearly reports from the S-9 TAC were distributed. State representatives were encouraged to complete one if they hadnt done so. Each report should include yearly activities, impact and publication.

    Meeting was adjourned 12:15 pm (Hussey/Stalker)

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2004 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9.html). A brief summary of the accomplishments is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: Plant genetic resources collected or obtained from throughout the world are valuable sources of genetic diversity for use in agronomic and horticultural crop improvement programs in the U.S. This project forms part of a comprehensive nationwide program, National Plant Germplasm System, to preserve plant genetic resources for use today and for use by future generations. Two cowpea lines were identified with resistance to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) by Graves Gillaspie. These resistant lines could lead to development of cowpea cultivars with improved CMV resistance. Digital images of cowpea flowers and seeds were prepared for inclusion on GRIN. Twenty-five wild peanut accessions collected in Paraguay in 2003 were identified, vegetatively increased, and distributed to the Arachis Research and Evaluation Group by Roy Pittman. Researchers in FL, GA, TX, and Puerto Rico are evaluating the accessions for possible forage and horticulture use. A total of 775 cultivated peanut accessions were selected for regeneration. The entire seashore paspalum grass collection was fingerprinted by Melanie Newman and Ming Li Wang using transferred simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for more efficient curation of the collection and to aid in marker assisted breeding of this grass. Digital images were taken of grass and bamboo accessions. Genetic variability among genotypes of a lectin from hyacinth bean and sesamin and tocopherol from sesame was determined by Brad Morris in collaboration with AgResearch Consultants (hyacinth bean) and Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (sesame). Fall regeneration of short-day African clovers was successfully conducted in the greenhouse. Regeneration of 2,100 sorghum accessions in St. Croix and Puerto Rico were conducted by the sorghum curator, John Erpelding. The Sorghum CGC plans to conduct a photoperiod sensitivity evaluation next year of 9,000 sorghum accessions maintained only at Ft. Collins and all accessions insensitive to photoperiod will be moved to Griffin. Accessions insensitive to photoperiod are in most demand by U.S. grain sorghum researchers. Bob Jarret characterized chile pepper species germplasm collections via digital images and descriptors. More than 1,500 vegetable crop accessions were grown for seed regeneration or maintained in tissue culture (sweetpotato). Almost 600 of the 700 sweetpotato accessions in tissue culture have been backed up in Ft. Collins, CO. SSR markers from common legume and grass databases were transferred for use to other legume and grass species including peanut, cowpea, clover, lablab, guar, seashore paspalum, bamboo, and bermudagrass by Ming Li Wang. An HPLC was purchased to characterize variation for phytochemicals among genetic resources within the collection. The -18 C cold room was upgraded with moveable storage shelves to maximize seed storage space in 2003 and maximize seed longevity. Germination tests were conducted on almost 8,000 pepper, sorghum, and 16 other crop accessions. Over 3,000 accessions were sent to Ft. Collins for back up samples. A 60 x 100 metal machine shed was purchased for storage of farm, regeneration, and irrigation equipment. 100 pepper regeneration cages were purchased by ARS.

    Alabama: Current work focuses on evaluation of the sunn hemp, clovers and Vicia species. Sunn hemp germplasm is being used for development of cultivars for the continental U.S. that can be used as fodder and as cover crops.

    Florida: Dan Gorbet and Barry Tillman, Marianna, evaluated peanut PIs for resistance to tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and other diseases (536059, 512249, 540866, 497358). Other PIs were evaluated as parents in our peanut CRSP project. Ann Blount and colleagues released two sexual tetraploid lines of bahiagrass, Q4188 and Q4205 (PI 619631 and 619632). Ken Quesenberry and Ann Blount evaluated Wilmington type bahiagrass (PIs 315732, 315733, 315734, and 434189) for forage and turf potential. Ken Quesenberry is evaluating native warm and cool season legumes for forage potential. Gordon Prine collected seed from tall ecotypes of castor bean to preserve adapted Florida genotypes for future research. Dr. Prine plans to release ornamental perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) PI 262839 (Abrlick) and PI 262840 (Ecoturf) this year and three populations of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan).

    Hawaii: Quality and performance trials of HAES macadamia selections are ongoing at the Univ. Hawaii Expt. Station in Kona. Evaluation of the newest HAES selections (862, 879, 887, 896, 900, and 932) is ongoing at the Univ. Hawaii stations in Hilo and Kainaliu. Nutrient content of fruits for two longan cultivars (Biew Khiew and Sri Chompoo) growing at 3 different locations on the island of Hawaii are reported in the complete S-9 report. Louisiana: Blair Buckley, LSU screened the Vigna core collection for reaction to the bacterial blight pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola. Wink Alison, LSU, tested alfalfa varieties at the Southeast Station. John Veremis, USDA/ARS, Houma acquired exotic sorghum relatives to make crosses with Saccharum species to improve sugarcane. He planted the core collection of sorghum (2,000 accessions) and evaluated to provide yield data to potential growers. Stephen Boue, USDA, New Orleans will be screening samples soon for unique estrogenic compounds in legumes and other plants. Don La Bonte and Chris Clark evaluated sweetpotato accessions for genetic variability in uptake of Fe and Zn to enhance micronutrient levels to lessen nutritional deficiencies in developing countries.

    North Carolina: Plant breeding and genetics faculty at NC State University are conducting research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrass, knead, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. Interdisciplinary teams are incorporating disease resistance, quality factors, or abiotic stress resistance from introduced plant accessions into their improved breeding materials and cultivar development. Germplasm collections include cultivated and/or wild species accessions of Nicotiana and Arachis species, South American maize, soybean, blueberries and sweet potato. Specific projects are reported in the complete S-9 annual report. The curator of the Nicotiana collection recently left the Department of Crop Science and maintenance of this collection may be problematic in the future unless additional resources can be obtained. The collection consists of approximately 2000 cultivated, 200 wild species, and a monosomic series for N. tobaccum. To adequately maintain the collection, a full-time technician and operating support is needed.

    Oklahoma: C. M. Taliaferro reported bermudagrass accessions have contributed to the breeding of new seed- and vegetatively-propagated cultivars. Yukon and Riviera are new seed-propagated and Patriot is a new vegetatively-propagated turf bermudagrass. Switchgrass accessions (110) were assessed for descriptors and many incorporated into breeding populations for studies of genetic variation and geographic adaptation. Shashi B Sharma, De-Yu Xie and Richard A. Dixon, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore are working on condensed tannin biosynthesis in legumes including Desmodium uncinatum to introduce condensed tannin biosynthesis in alfalfa leaves. David Porter and Yinghua Huang, USDA-ARS, Stillwater screened 29,541 sorghum accessions from Griffin, GA for their responses to greenbug feeding. The germplasm is a rich gene pool for breeding insect resistance in sorghum.

    Puerto Rico: Resistance to sorghum anthracnose was identified for 196 accessions from Mali at TARS, Puerto Rico and College Station, TX in collaboration with Louis Prom. Stable anthracnose resistance over multiple locations will provide a more durable source of resistance. TARS-PT03-1, a small seeded pinto dry bean was released. In collaboration with Graves Gillaspie, Griffin, GA, 12 cowpea lines are being screened for yield and tolerance to cowpea chlorotic mottle, CMV, and blackeye cowpea mosaic virus. The regeneration of 2100 sorghum accessions with low seed viability was conducted at the Germplasm Introduction Research Unit, St. Croix. A total of 220 sorghum, 50 cowpea, 12 cucurbits, 15 winged bean, and 15 Leucaena accessions were planted at Isabela, Puerto Rico, for seed increase. Also, 420 sorghum and 42 corn accessions were planted at St. Croix for seed increase and release from quarantine. Photographs of 1500 sorghum panicles and 200 images of cacao pods, banana racemes, and mamey sapote fruits were entered into GRIN.

    South Carolina: A total of 29 watermelon accessions were distributed to Judy Thies and 364 cowpea accessions to Paul Berland, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston. Soybean PIs 548316 (Cloud), 548658 (Lee 74), 548402 (Peking), 88788, 89772, 90763, 209332, and 437654 were used in a greenhouse bioassay to categorize two South Carolina populations of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines). A glyphosate-tolerant soybean line, SC00-1075, was released in 2003 by the South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station and is marketed as AGS 825 RR.

    Tennessee: The following projects are being conducted at the University of Tennessee in which novel or exotic germplasm lines are being utilized. Fred Allen and Richard Johnson crossed a soybean fibrous root line, PI 416937, and cultivars with differing leaflet orientation to develop recombinant inbred isolines with different leaflet orientation and root trait combinations and compare their water-use relative to seed yield. Vincent Pantalone is developing new soybean populations with enhanced genetic diversity. The TAES registered the soybean variety 5002T (PI 634193), developed from the cross Holladay x Manokin. Four new cross hybridizations are being initiated to expand diversity for applied variety development. Early generation lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, coordinated through the USDA Maize project at Iowa State University, are crossed with elite adapted corn lines. Dennis West, Univ Tenn and Major Goodman, NCSU have 891 experimental hybrids from the GEM project in yield trials in Tennessee. They also have 377 nursery rows of GEM material for inbreeding and selection. Janice Zale and Ludmila Ohnoutkova, Univ. Tenn., and Camille Steber, USDA/ARS, Pullman , WA have transformed one wheat germplasm line and one millet accession using the floral dip. Neal Stewart is evaluating the biosafety of genetically modified plants using the crop canola (Brassica napus) as a model to assess transgene flow, persistence and consequence to free-living wild relatives. He is evaluating the molecular mechanisms conferring tolerance in glyphosate-tolerant horseweed (Conyza canadensis).

    Texas: Peggy Thaxton and Wayne Smith, College Station, derived converted race stocks (CRS) of cotton from photoperiodic, primitive Gossypium hirsutum accessions collected in Mexico and Central America. With David Stelly, advanced interspecific backcross populations BC1F3 and BC1F2 between G. hirsutum with G. tomentosum or G. mustelinum were developed and are being evaluated. 116 CRS are being screened for resistance to fleahopper, aphid, and whitefly, seed and seedling disease complex, and nematodes. Studies were initiated with the CRS or their BC progeny for salt tolerance, drought tolerance, seed-seedling disease resistance, and fleahopper resistance. Selections were made in 2003 from a large population of F4 PR of G. hirsutum and sea island (G. barbadense). This material produced several very high fiber quality lines. John Gannaway, Lubbock, is increasing seed to initiate screening of wild cotton germplasm from collections at College Station (8500), Russia (6500), and CIRAD in France (2500) for insect resistance (aphids, lygus, thrips), disease (black root rot) as well as drought and salinity tolerance. Yin-Tung Wang reports that Phalaenopsis orchids for summer and fall flowering must be grown in air-conditioned greenhouses. Phalaenopsis Will Bates, Phalaenopsis Alameda, and Doritaenopsis Cherry Bates orchid hybrids were registered with the Int. Orchid Reg. Authority, Kew, England. Mark Burow reported wild peanut species were used to generate interspecific breeding lines that developed COAN and NemaTAM. These materials are currently being used to develop leaf-spot resistant peanut cultivars. In addition, Bolivian landraces are being examined for early maturity and an African accession is being used for developing early maturity Spanish and runner populations to combine earliness with high yield and a high oleic/linoleic ratio.

    Impact Statements:
    1. In 2003, a total of 50,995 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. This is the greatest number of accessions distributed in one year from the Griffin location since the plant genetic resource collection was established in 1949.
    2. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 83,601 accessions of 246 genera and 1,432 species. In the last year, 87% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation and 84% of the accessions are available for use by the research community.
    3. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 582 orders to users in 44 states and 35 foreign countries. The demand for genetic resources from Griffin has grown from an average of 13,000 accessions distributed per year in the 1990s to an average of over 35,000 accessions distributed per year since 2000.
    4. Additional impact statements and future plans are noted within the complete 2004 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9.html
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 09/15/2005

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/02/05 to 08/03/05
  • Period the Report Covers: 08/2004 to 08/2005

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Call to Order: The Regional S-9 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was called to order at 1:10 PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 by chairperson Fred Allen in room 128 Ellington Plant Sciences Building on the University of Tennessee campus, Knoxville, TN.

    Roll Call: Each person did a self-introduction including their organizational affiliation and their professional responsibilities. Representatives from some states were not present.

    Welcome and Opening Remarks: Dr. Gerald Arkin welcomed the group and stated his responsibility as representative for S-9 to the Southern Agricultural Experiment Station Directors. He stated that the S9 project is an off-the-top SAES funded project in the southern region. He then encouraged each state committee member to communicate with his/her experiment station director about the importance of the S-9 project and how it serves each state in the region. He commented briefly on a report to be released soon by a national germplasm task force committee. The objective of the task force is to strengthen U.S. germplasm programs. Dr. Quesenberry and Dr. Bretting also commented briefly about the task force and the outcome of their deliberations. It is anticipated that a National Germplasm Coordinating Committee will be formed with membership from ESCOP, CSRES, and ARS. Dr. Arkin has been asked to be one of the committee members from the ESCOP group (state agricultural experiment station directors). It was suggested that a link to the task force report be added to the S-9 web page.

    Fred Allen, 2005 host for the meeting, added his welcome to the group and covered local arrangement details.

    Mr. Buddy Mitchell, Interim Vice-President, Institute of Agriculture, Univ. of Tennessee welcomed the group to campus and to Tennessee. He gave a brief overview of agriculture in Tennessee emphasizing the states diverse geography and agricultural commodities. He high-lighted the success of U.S. farmers by showing a graph depicting dramatic corn yield increases and relatively flat corn prices from 1900 through 2000. Other graphs illustrated the relatively small percentage of income that Americans spend on food and the increasing importance of agricultural research to allow farmers to compete in a global economy. He also discussed the importance of continued adequate funding for individual state research and extension priorities.

    National Overview: Dr. Peter Bretting presented three written reports: (1) 2005 National Program Staff Report for Program 301 - Plant, Microbial, and Insect Genetic Resources, Genomics, and Genetic Improvement, (2) June, 2005 Report from the National Germplasm Resources Laboratory and Plant Exchange Office and (3) The GRIN 2005 Report to Regional Technical Advisory Committees. Highlights of the report included:

    - Retirements of Allan Stoner (Beltsville) , Loren Wiesner (Ft. Collins) , and Ed Percival (College Station) - The NGRL supported fifteen plant explorations and one plant exchange expedition in 2004. - Despite recent increases, budgets at some NPGS sites are still strained. The FY05 budget contained modest increases for plant genetic resource management in maize genetic enhancement. Future outlook is somewhat bleak since the budget for USDA-ARS is in the discretionary dollars category. - Assessment for NP301s first five-year cycle (2000-2005) is underway. An accomplishment report will be developed which will serve as the basis for an assessment conducted by an external review panel. A report from the panel will be presented at the second NP 301 Customer-Stakeholder Workshop scheduled for November, 2005.

    PGRCU Overview: Gary Pederson gave a presentation (Appendix 1)* covering the activities and improvements of the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (PGRCU) at Griffin during the past year. He reviewed the mission of PGRCU as well as the progress that had been made in backing up the various plant collections since 1996. A total of 84,446 accessions are held at Griffin as of June, 2005. Dr. Pederson also reported on the domestic and foreign distributions of germplasm from the unit (24,102) during the past year. A total of 8,260 digital images (plant, flowers, leaves, seed, etc.) have been entered in the GRIN system for seven different crop species. Additionally, he reported on the status of funding, staffing, equipment purchases, facilities acquisitions, repairs and maintenance. A list of needs and priorities related to equipment and personnel were presented as requested by the S-9 Committee in 2004.

    Vigna: Graves Gillaspie made a presentation (Appendix 2)* on the status of regeneration and distribution of Vigna species. He also described an extensive effort to provide digital images of flowers, seeds, leaves, and pods through the GRIN system and demonstrated how to access in the GRIN system.

    Germination Lab: Dave Pinnow described ongoing work in the germination laboratory (Appendix 3)*. Since 2001, over 27,000 germination tests have been conducted at Griffin. Germination test results for seed from new regenerations and seed in cold storage were presented for sorghum, pepper, peanut, Vigna, and watermelon.

    Molecular Lab: Noelle Barkley (Appendix 4)* described the molecular procedure known as TILLING (target induced local lesions in genomes). She described several advantages of TILLING including cost benefits and ability to screen large numbers of individuals rapidly to assess natural genetic variation. Specific goals are: (1) to assess natural genetic variation in 100 mung bean accessions (within and between), identify SNPs, and design SNP markers; and (2) assess diversity in the peanut collection, develop SNP markers, and assay the collection for disease resistance...

    Sorghum: John Erpelding, located at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico reported on research efforts (Appendix 5)* in (1) screening for ergot resistance, (2) screening for anthracnose resistance, (3) germplasm regeneration, (4) wild sorghum species regeneration, and (5) germplasm characterization. Digital imaging of panicles is being utilized to characterize accessions from Ethiopia.

    * Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are located with the 2005 minutes on the S-009 website www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9report.html

    University of Tennessee Programs: Tim Rials, director of the Univ. of Tennessee Forestry Products Center made a presentation describing the importance of the forestry industry in Tennessee. He reviewed some of the research projects his group is working on to enhance wood processing and development of new wood products in the U.S.

    Vince Pantalone, soybean breeder, described the importance of plant introductions in his breeding program. His primary goals are improvement of seed yield and seed quality. Plant introductions have been utilized for modification of fatty acid levels and drought tolerance. Recent cultivar releases include 5002T and 5601T.

    Wednesday, August 3, 2005 The group traveled a few miles south of campus on Hwy. 129 to the East Tennessee Research and Education Center, Plant Science Unit. Presentations were made by John Hodges, superintendent, Dennis West, grains breeder, Fred Allan, and Richard Johnson. Dr. Hodges gave an overview of the Plant Sciences Unit. Dr. West discussed his work in corn breeding and showed some progeny of hybridizations between corn and teosinte. Richard Johnson discussed his research with Dr. Allen on soybean leaf orientation/root morphology trait combinations as related to water use efficiency.

    S-9 TAC Meeting Resumed: Chairman Fred Allen reconvened the group at 11:00 a.m., August 3, 2005 in room 128 Ellington Plant Sciences Building.

    Committee Members Discussions Tobacco Germplasm Collection: At the 2004 meeting the S9 TAC voted and recommended that the USDA take back the tobacco collection from NC State. The USDA-ARS representatives abstained from the vote. It was recommended that the Director of NC State Experiment Station take the action item to the next SAES directors meeting for their thoughts and action (especially the tobacco states). Apparently, there has been no action taken on this issue. There was considerable discussion as to what action the Committee might recommend. It was suggested that committee members from those states where tobacco is an important economic crop take the 2004 recommendation to their respective experiment station directors. It was pointed out that a considerable portion of the current tobacco germplasm collection is used for purposes other than variety development. This discussion has implications for other state-maintained germplasm collections as well including the wild Arachis spp. collection in Texas, a clover collection at the Univ. of Kentucky, and the tropical/subtropical forage collection (mainly legumes) in Florida.

    Business Session: Tim Phillips was elected secretary and Emerson Shipe chair for the 2006 S-9 TAC meeting. Dr. Peter Bretting stated that a national meeting of regional germplasm committees is scheduled at Ames, Iowa on June 6-8, 2006. It will be hosted by the North Central Regional PI Station and organized by Candice Gardner, research leader. The likely agenda is a two day meeting with one-half day allotted for a tour, national presentations, and individual regional committee meetings, respectively. A motion was made by Ken Quesenberry and seconded by Tom Zimmerman that the S-9 committee participate in and hold our annual meeting in conjunction with the national meeting at Ames. Motion passed. The incoming chair was urged to send out a reminder email to committee members early in 2006 providing the dates of the 2006 meeting.

    The group thanked Dr. Allen for hosting the meeting, and the participating University of Tennessee faculty for their presentations.

    Yearly reports from the S-9 TAC were distributed and each state representative present gave a brief summary. Reports should include yearly activities, impact and publications. Melanie Newman, grass curator at PGRCU, Griffin, gave a brief report on her work with warm season grasses. Gary Pederson requested guidance as to how to incorporate long state reports into the S-009 annual report on the National Information Management and Support System (NIMSS) website since it will not accommodate a long report. The Committee preferred to continue to put the longer, more complete state reports on the S-009 website and a shorter condensed version on NIMSS.

    Meeting was adjourned 12:05 pm.

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2005 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9.html). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: Plant genetic resources collected or obtained from throughout the world are valuable sources of genetic diversity for use in agronomic and horticultural crop improvement programs in the U.S. This broad genetic diversity enables research programs to efficiently produce new cultivars, develop new knowledge, discover value-added uses, and preserve food security for the general public. The germplasm collection at Griffin, GA has increased to 84,446 accessions of 244 genera and 1,437 species. In 2004, a total of 24,102 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 918 orders to users in 41 states and 31 foreign countries. In the last year, 91% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation and 85% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm. A cowpea line was identified and released with resistance to cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) by Graves Gillaspie. This resistant line could lead to development of cowpea cultivars with improved CMV resistance and increased yields. Roy Pittman, in cooperation with researchers in Georgia, Florida, and Bolivia, identified two advanced cultivated peanut lines for possible release. The lines have new sources of disease resistance for tomato spotted wilt virus, early and late leaf spot, and rust. Seed increases were successful for 807 cultivated peanut accessions. A total of 124 accessions of cultivated peanuts were processed through quarantine to be available for researchers. The entire finger millet collection (671 accessions) was regenerated by Melanie Newman and a core collection including additional descriptor data was formed. Regeneration of the entire bahiagrass collection (178 accessions) was initiated at Byron, GA, in 2004 and seed harvesting initiated in 2005. Based on results from a molecular study of the bamboo collection, two contaminated plots were identified and will be renovated to remove contaminants. Amounts of four phytochemicals (daidzein, genistein, quercetin, and kaempferol) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from 36 guar accessions. Genetic variability of 96 guar accessions was determined using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and morphological data. Regeneration of 45 Trifolium tembense, a short-day African clover, accessions was successfully conducted in the greenhouse during the fall. Regeneration of sorghum accessions in St. Croix and Puerto Rico continued in coordination with the sorghum curator, John Erpelding. Over 1,100 accessions were sent to St. Croix for regeneration and seed from the first set of regenerations has arrived at Griffin. Bob Jarret characterized 700 accessions of the Capsicum annuum (chile pepper) germplasm collection. Almost the entire U.S. sweetpotato collection (96%) maintained in tissue culture has been backed up in Ft. Collins, CO. In 2001, only 12% of the collection was backed up. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from wheat, rice, maize, and sorghum database were transferred for use to other grass species including finger millet, seashore paspalum, and bermudagrass by Ming Li Wang. Germination tests were conducted on over 9,100 accessions in 2004. Over 5,500 accessions were sent to Ft. Collins for new back up or replacement of other back up samples. Over 7,200 accessions were put into -18 C storage. Currently, almost 58% (over 48,500 accessions) of the entire collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.

    Alabama: Work continues on evaluation of sunn hemp, sericea lespedeza, clovers and Vicia species. Sunn hemp germplasm is being used for development of cultivars that can be used as fodder and as cover crops. Evaluations are being done in cooperation with colleagues at Auburn, GA, LS, AR, and USDA at several locations. Evaluation of the TX collection of upland cotton (G. hirsutum) for resistance to reniform nematode, and tolerance or resistance to heat and drought stress is being conducted to find resistance and incorporate it into adapted cotton germplasm. Evaluations are in cooperation with colleagues at Auburn. Phylogenetic relationships of Citrullus were studied using DNA sequences from several chloroplast regions.

    Florida: In 2004, 418 PIs of 20 different plant species were distributed to 37 different individuals representing private breeders, USDA and University of Florida scientists, and the general public. Some examples of those uses are listed below. Dr. K. H. Quesenberry, Univ. Florida, is evaluating bahiagrass PIs for forage potential and native forage legume germplasm (Desmodium incanum and Lotononis bainesii) for use in mixtures with bahiagrass. Four PI selections of Arachis glabrata are being evaluated for possible cultivar release. Dr. Ann Blount, Univ. Florida, is selecting bahiagrass for increased fall and spring growth in bahiagrass, leaf tissue tolerance to moderated frost events, and resistance to dollar spot disease. Dr. Kevin Kenworthy, Univ. Florida, is evaluating various plant introductions of zoysiagrass and bermudagrass. Dr. Jay Scott, Univ. Florida, has found resistance to bacterial spot race T4 in PI 114490 and PI 126932 of tomato. The inheritance of T4 resistance is the main subject of a Ph.D. students dissertation. Dr. Barry Tillman, Univ. Florida, reports that PI 576623 is the grandparent of some peanut breeding lines that in field testing have the highest level of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) resistance that we have seen to date. Dr. Eilene Kabelka, Univ. Florida, reports that the Cucurbita and Citrullus PI material obtained from S-9 during 2004 is being utilized as sources of beneficial genes for introgression into squash and watermelon, respectively. Beneficial genes that may be obtained from this material include resistance to papaya ring spot virus, watermelon mosaic virus, zucchini yellow mosaic virus, phytophthora blight, and powdery mildew.

    Georgia: More than 50 different requests for a total of 855 plant accessions were supplied to University scientists, USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, gardeners, and numerous individuals. The most requested crops were peanut, pepper, various legumes, and bamboo. The University of Georgia has strong plant breeding and advanced molecular biology programs that supply new crop cultivars and associated technologies to our agricultural sector and rely heavily upon the plant materials maintained within the S-9 unit. UGA currently has active cultivar development programs in soybean, peanut, small grains, turfgrasses, forages, blueberries, and numerous ornamental crops that frequently utilize the plant genetic resource collections. In addition, research programs in crop science, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology and other disciplines utilize the genetic resources of the S-9 unit in both basic and applied research projects.

    Guam: Field evaluation of hot peppers (Capsicum annuum) and large tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) was conducted for their adaptation to tropical environment, pest resistance, and consumer preference in Guam. The consumers preferred local very pungent peppers than high yielded Taiwan cultivars. A new large tomato cultivar Solar Fire developed at the University of Florida performed well and comparably with the other heat tolerant cultivar Solar Set. The phenetic analysis of sweetpotato accessions indicated that germlines from Guam and Rota were very similar. Germplasm collection, conservation and distribution continued.

    Hawaii: Evaluations of six new macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) selections are in progress at two Univ. Hawaii Research Stations. Selection 932 exhibits greater precocity compared to the standard industry cultivars. Longan (Dimocarpus longan) trials showed that flowering in three cultivars was stimulated within 2 months after trees were treated with soil drenches containing calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite. In commercial rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) orchards in Hawaii fruit set is often limited by the production of low numbers of male flowers for pollination. Earlier we showed that the potassium salt of NAA (K+NAA) at 90 ppm could stimulate the development of male flowers on rambutan panicles which are comprised primarily of functionally female flowers. Experiments treating 11 rambutan cultivars with the potassium salt of NAA stimulated male flower production and induced male flowers to produce viable pollen for pollination. Louisiana: Accessions of sweetpotato were obtained to screen germplasm for iron and zinc uptake potential. Initial results show about a 50% variation among accessions in their ability to uptake these micronutrients. Additional germplasm was requested for on-going work towards developing resistance to various sweetpotato viruses. The Vigna collection is routinely assessed for resistance reactions to the bacterial blight pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola. The sorghum collection is being used to make crosses to improve sugarcane. Work on legumes is focused on identifying other sources of isoflavones other than soybean.

    Mississippi: The kenaf (Hisbiscus cannabinus L.) breeding program at Mississippi State University is selecting for altered leaf-shape and yield and anticipate a cultivar release in 2005. The USDA corn host plant resistance program is developing sources of resistance to Aspergillus flavus and various corn insects. A proposal for the release of a new germplasm (Mp717) with enhanced tolerance of aflatoxin has been submitted for review. The USDA Cotton Breeding program at Mississippi State University has been evaluating the use of random mating among diverse cultivars to obtain recombination among desirable yield and fiber quality traits in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). This group also released 14 upland cotton, primitive-derived germplasm lines with improved fiber strength and 21 BC4-F4 noncommercial flowering day neutral germplasm lines of upland cotton involving Gossypium hirsutum L. race accessions in 2004.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. In tobacco, a new burley tobacco cultivar, NC 103, was released with high levels of resistance to multiple viruses and diseases. In small grains, four germplasm lines were released with significantly more freezing tolerance than the most winter hardy oat. A new hulless oat, cultivar NC-Hulless, was released with superior performance for the horse industry. High yielding peanut lines N98003 and N00090ol were proposed for cultivar release; N00090ol is the first large-seeded peanut with high oleic acid content. Three new peanut cultivars were developed for the boiling market. In cotton, 9,239 EST sequences representing genes expressed during the secondary wall phase of cotton fiber development were deposited in GenBank. Soybean lines were identified with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. A total of 19 corn breeding lines were released. Transgenic tall fescue plants were obtained with more tolerance to water deficiency than other known tall fescue genotypes. Additional cultivar releases have been made in the peach and blueberry programs. Dr. Jennifer Levin, Assist. Professor of Crop Science, is the curator of the national Nicotiana collection. The collection has about 2,000 cultivated and 200 species accessions maintained by the NC State Univ. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Technical and operating support will be needed for proper maintenance in the future.

    Oklahoma: Yinghua Huang, USDA-ARS, is identifying new sources of genetic resistance to greenbug (i.e. aphid) pest through evaluation of all available sorghum germplasm. Over 40,000 accessions received from NPGS are tested against greenbug feeding through artificial infestation in greenhouse. Twain Butler, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, is evaluating 7 PIs of Strophostyles helvula (trailing wild bean) to select lines with desirable maturity and agronomic characters suitable for summer reseeding legume in permanent pastures. He is also comparing PI 215298 Strophostyles leiosperma (smooth-seeded wild bean) with local ecotype collections to select lines with desirable reseeding ability. Tim Springer, USDA-ARS, is increasing seed of little bluestem PIs (Schizachyrium scoparium) to develop a larger population of plants to select for seed and forage production.

    Puerto Rico: In 2004, three researchers in Puerto Rico requested a total of 322 seed samples of Sorghum (302), Vigna (4), and Desmodium (16) from the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit in Griffin, GA. Numerous research studies were conducted by the University of Puerto Rico scientists. Field studies of quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus) clones; guava (Psidium guajava) accessions; plantain and banana (Musa sp.) clones; yam (Dioscorea sp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta), and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) collections; sweet cherry pepper (Capsicum chinense) accessions; citrus plantings with various rootstock/scion combinations; mango (Mangifera indica) clones; fresh market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) variety trials; maize (Zea mays) populations were conducted at numerous locations in Puerto Rico. USDA, ARS, Tropical Agricultural Research Station scientists evaluated sorghum accessions from Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Mali for anthracnose resistance. Cultivars and rootstock of lychee (Litchi chinensis), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), longan (Dimocarpus longan), mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota), and sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) were surveyed for susceptibility to root-feeding pests. Mamey sapote supported the most root pests and longan supported the fewest. All 84 accessions in the banana (Musa spp.) collection will be evaluated for phenotypic and agronomic traits as well as molecular marker data to estimate genetic diversity in the collection. The regeneration of 1680 sorghum accessions with low seed viability or number was conducted at GIRU, US Virgin Islands. A total of 230 cultivated sorghum accessions and 10 wild species were transplanted to the field in Isabela for seed regeneration. Also, 50 cowpea, 20 maize, 15 winged bean, 5 cucurbits and 15 Leucaena accessions were regenerated. A total of 1785 distributions of more than 40 plant species of tropical germplasm were distributed to researchers and cooperators at the local, national and international level.

    South Carolina: A total of 612 germplasm accessions of watermelon, pepper, sweetpotato, cowpea, zoysia, and eggplant were distributed from PGRCU in Griffin, GA to scientists and individuals in South Carolina in 2004. Seed of soybean (Glycine max) germplasm line, LG00-3372, was obtained the Soybean Germplasm Collection, USDA-ARS, Urbana, IL, and crossed with two elite South Carolina glyphosate-tolerant experimental lines to combine diverse genes for seed yield with genes in the adapted lines which provide nematode resistance and agronomic characteristics suitable for the southeastern U.S.A. F2 plants from both crosses are currently being grown at Clemson, South Carolina. PI 594651-L2, with a high level of resistance to peanut root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria) was crossed with an adapted South Carolina cultivar, Dillon, to combine an improved level of M. arenaria resistance with high seed yield and acceptable agronomic traits.

    Tennessee: The following projects are being conducted at the University of Tennessee in which novel or exotic germplasm lines are being utilized in research projects. Recombinant inbred lines (RIL) are being developed from a cross between a prolific rooting line, PI 416937, and a high leaflet orienting cultivar, USG 5601T, to determine the effects of combinations of fibrous root and leaflet orientation on water-use efficiency in soybeans. Four new cross hybridizations have being initiated by the TN program to expand diversity in elite soybean germplasm for applied variety development. Several populations are being grown by soybean breeders throughout the U.S. to select adapted lines for local conditions as potential new cultivars, or use the lines as parents in crosses to introgress new germplasm into breeding programs. Early generation lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, coordinated through the USDA Maize project at Iowa State University, are crossed with elite adapted lines and evaluated for field performance. The best lines from these hybrid trials are entered in breeding programs, using traditional breeding methods, to develop new maize parental lines. Three accessions of teosinte were obtained from NCRPIS at Ames, Iowa in 2004 and crossed with adapted corn. F1 hybrids will be backcrossed to adapted corn lines during the 2005 growing season.

    Virgin Islands: There are two native orchid species remaining in St. Croix; Epidendrum ciliare and Psychilis macconnelliae, both of which are on the VI endangered species list. Current research includes media comparison studies to determine the most appropriate method for micropropagation of the plants by seed and developing acclimatization protocols for species which are more difficult to harden off than conventional hybrids. Preliminary results indicate that the Epidendrum ciliare germinates best on a modified Knudson-type media whereas the Pyschilis macconnellia prefers a modified Orchid replate/maintenance media. Greater production of in vitro grown native orchids, through the use of specific media for the species, has reduced the cost to local growers. Papaya strains obtained from Venezuela, Columbia and Bangladesh are being evaluated with eight selected lines grown in the US Virgin Islands. The new papaya lines are being assessed for disease tolerance, production potential and fruit quality under the semi-arid tropical conditions found in the US Virgin Islands.

    Virginia: Several accessions from the USDA plant germplasm collection were used for studies of systematics and genetic diversity. Legume cover crops are under investigation for their potential in meeting nitrogen needs of various summer crops. Peanut accessions acquired from the Plant Germplasm Conservation Unit in Griffin Georgia were used in development of newly released cultivars and germplasm. These activities document the distribution and utilization of plant genetic resources, a primary objective of the regional project, the study of genetic relationships among crop plants and their wild relatives, and the release of new cultivars of crop plants, the cornerstone of agriculture.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 84,446 accessions of 244 genera and 1,437 species. Currently, 91% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 85% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. In 2004, a total of 24,102 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 918 orders to users in 41 states and 31 foreign countries. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location are in great demand by the research community and provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on over 9,100 accessions in 2004. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Over 7,200 accessions were put into -18 C storage. Currently, almost 58% (over 48,500 accessions) of the entire Griffin col
    4. Characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Digital images of flowers and seeds were taken on all cowpea regeneration plots and 157 lines in the cowpea core collection. The entire finger millet collection (671 accessions) was regenerated and a core collection was formed. Digital images and agronomic descriptors were taken on all accessions in the finger millet core collection. Amounts of four ph
    5. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2005 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 07/28/2006

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 06/06/06 to 06/07/06
  • Period the Report Covers: 08/2005 to 06/2006

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

    Call to order The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm by Chair Emerson Shipe. The agenda was adjusted to allow Peter Bretting and Ann Marie Thro to drop in when they were between other sessions.

    Welcome Jerry Arkin, Administrative Advisor for S-9, informed the group of a recent move to create a National Crop Germplasm Committee, composed of personnel from USDA-ARS, CSREES, and the State Agricultural Experiment Station directors, to provide advocacy of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). He also updated the group on the review of NP301 in the USDA-ARS.

    Minutes and Committee Appointments Ken Quesenberry moved and Tom Isleib seconded that the minutes from the 2005 meeting in Knoxville, TN, (which had been circulated to members via email) be approved. The motion passed.

    Two committees were formed: 1. Officer nomination committee (Thomas Zimmerman, Ken Quesenberry, and Tom Isleib) and 2. Time and place committee for 2007 meeting (Don LaBonte and Tim Phillips).

    PGRCU Summary Gary Pederson gave a report on distribution of germplasm from Griffin over the past year, and a summary of activity there. He gave a hearty thumbs up for the Reigi weeder that they recently acquired.

    Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center Francis Zee from Hilo, HI informed the group on the Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center. The first phase will completed by the end of 2006, with two more phases of development planned. In 1999 two new positions were added (plant pathologist and horticulturalist/plant physiologist). He reported that the research center is located on 33 acres of rocky (young lava) fields, with 200 inches of annual rainfall. Research is conducted on 13 tropical fruit crops. About 1000 accessions are housed there, with three scientists and eight technicians. Recent research has found that potassium chlorate (an ingredient in fireworks) triggers flowering in longan. Blueberry production is being evaluated in Hawaii as well.

    Lisa Keith, tropical fruit pathologist, reported on the 1993 outbreak of papaya ringspot virus. She said that transgenic work saved the industry, but anti-GMO sentiments are a problem.

    Peanut Curation Roy Pittman gave a report on peanut curation activity over the past year at Griffin. He mentioned work on tomato spotted wilt virus.

    Sorghum Curation John Erpelding, USDA-ARS-TARS (St. Croix and PR) discussed sorghum work that he has conducted. He said that bird problems necessitate bagging of seed heads. Grain mold under shade cloth production can be a problem, but some tolerant lines have been identified (but with high tannins). He said that the wild species collection is being regenerated. He reported on work in evaluating sorghum collections from Mali for Anthracnose resistance.

    Old Business The issue of the tobacco germplasm collection was discussed under old business.

    Committee Reports We discussed location of the meeting for 2007, and decided to meet in Charleston, SC on August 7-8, 2007. Dr. Richard Fery is the contact person there.

    Tim Phillips will serve as chair for the 2007 meeting. Ken Quesenberry moved and Fred Allen seconded that Tom Isleib be elected incoming secretary. Tom Isleib was elected by acclamation.

    New Business Tom Zimmerman moved that we extend an invitation to other regional curators in the S-9 area to be ex-officio members of the S-9 RTAC. The group strongly supported this, and unanimously recommended that we invite them to attend the meeting next year.

    Difficulties with distribution of cassava germplasm was mentioned, mainly regulation issues.

    Mari Marutani expressed thanks to Merrelyn Spinks, USDA-ARS IT specialist at Griffin, for the excellent contributions she makes to our RTAC in the form of the Excel spreadsheets of the material shipped to each state or area.

    It was recommended that we extend an invitation to Jennifer Nicholson, curator of tobacco germplasm at NCSU, to attend next years S-9 meeting.

    Peter Bretting and Ann Marie Thro discussed some issues from Washington, DC.

    The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2006 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9.html). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 85,483 accessions of 246 genera and 1,473 species. In 2005, a total of 16,846 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to researchers and educators in 592 orders to users in 44 states and 38 foreign countries. In the last year, 92% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO and 85% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Cowpea regeneration was conducted by Graves Gillaspie, PGRCU, with 30 lines increased in the winter, 185 lines increased in Griffin, and 51 lines increased in Puerto Rico. Digital images of flowers (482 images), seeds (538 lines), and some leaves and pods were taken on regeneration plants and other lines in the cowpea core collection. One hundred forty one peanut accessions which include the mini core collection, known botanical varieties and near relatives of cultivated peanut were assessed for genetic diversity and identification to botanical variety by 35 SSR markers. Seed increases were obtained for 695 cultivated peanut accessions and 75 accessions of cultivated peanuts were processed through quarantine to be available for researchers. Regeneration of the entire bahiagrass collection (178 accessions) was initiated at Byron, GA, by Melanie Harrison-Dunn, PGRCU, with seed harvested from 106 accessions. A total of 69 accessions of minor grasses were transplanted to the field with seed successfully harvested from 53 accessions. A total of 841 images were entered in GRIN for 77 bamboo accessions, herbarium specimens for 143 accessions, photographs of 413 accessions, and whole plant images of 131 clonally maintained Cynodon accessions. A total 227 misc. legumes, new crops, and other misc. crops were regenerated by Brad Morris, PGRCU. Seed was harvested from an additional 25 accessions planted in 2004 that required two years to produce seed. A total of 48 self-pollinated annual clover accessions were regenerated in the greenhouse, and 38 annual clover accessions were regenerated in the field. Regeneration of sorghum accessions in St. Croix and Puerto Rico continued in coordination with the sorghum curator, John Erpelding. Over 1,480 accessions were sent to St. Croix for regeneration in 2005 and seed from regenerations of over 1,455 of those accessions has been sent to Griffin. Cleve Frank, ARS, at Lubbock, TX conducted a photoperiod sensitivity evaluation of over 8,500 sorghum accessions maintained only at Ft. Collins. A total of 2,121 sorghum accessions were identified as insensitive to photoperiod and seed were sent to Griffin to become part of the active collection. Bob Jarret, PGRCU, characterized 800 accessions of the Capsicum annuum (chile pepper) germplasm collection grown in the field and greenhouse via digital images and descriptors and uploaded the information onto the GRIN database. Seed lots from the Capsicum core collection were assayed for infection with pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) with about 15-20% of the accessions found to be infected. This information prompted a screening of the entire Capsicum collection for this virus. Molecular evaluations to determine phylogenetic relationships and/or genetic diversity present within plant genetic resource collections were conducted on 141 accessions from the peanut mini-core collection and wild relatives of peanut, 94 accessions from the pepper collection, and 26 accessions from the Crotalaria collection. A novel strain of alfalfa mosaic virus was detected in Crotalaria germplasm. In the last year, germination tests were conducted on over 8,690 accessions. Since 2002, germination tests have been conducted on 38.7% of the entire collection. Over 3,300 accessions were sent to Ft. Collins for new back up samples or replacement of other back up samples. Currently, almost 59% (over 49,800 accessions) of the collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.

    Alabama: Sunn hemp, sericea lespedeza, clovers and Vicia species are being evaluated. Sunn hemp germplasm is being used for development of cultivars that can be used as fodder and as cover crops. The Texas collection of upland cotton (G. hirsutum) is being evaluated for resistance to reniform nematode, and tolerance or resistance to heat and drought stress.

    Florida: In the last year, 532 accessions of various plant species were distributed to scientists and other users in Florida. Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV-W) resistant germplasm was used to separate an unknown and novel virus from PRSV-W in mixed field infections. Hibiscus germplasm was used to augment the living Malvaceae collection at the University of South Florida Botanical Garden. Over 300 P. notatum and P. nicorae, P. quadrifarium and P. guaraniticum are under evaluation. An adult education horticulture program at Falkenburg Jaio has grown out over 400 pepper accessions from S9 for evaluation for flavor and heat. Hybrid cherry seed from Australia was cleared through quarantine and received. Cucurbita and Citrullus PI material is being utilized as sources of resistance to several potyviruses, phytophthora blight, and powdery mildew for introgression into squash and watermelon. A 2003 TSTAR grant was obtained to evaluate the morphological, agronomic, and chemical characteristics of Desmodium incanum accessions. Cymbopogon and Capsicum germplasm was used in research on herbs and plant material that have historical use for health related purposes. Four peanut accessions in a nitrogen fixation experiment. The University of Florida Peanut Breeding Program has 733 active breeding lines with at least one PI as a direct parent. Three new cultivars were released in 2006 and two of them trace their parentage to at least one PI. Georgia: A total of 554 plant accessions were distributed to University scientists, USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, gardeners, and numerous individuals. The most requested crops were cultivated and wild peanut, cowpeas, warm season grasses, bamboo and various legumes. The University of Georgia has maintained a strong emphasis on plant breeding and continues to expand its advanced molecular biology programs. UGA currently has active cultivar development programs in soybean, peanut, small grains, cotton, turfgrasses, forages, blueberries, pecans, fruits, vegetables, and numerous ornamental crops that frequently utilize the plant genetic resource collections. In addition, research programs in crop science, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology and other disciplines utilize the genetic resources of the S-9 unit in both basic and applied research projects designed to address the needs of Georgia agriculture. Guam: During 2005-2006, the main activity of the project was to collect germplasm of hot peppers (Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens) for the field trials. Nearly 100 lines were obtained from commercial seed companies, Asian Vegetable Research Development Center, USDA-ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit, and local collection. These hot pepper accessions will be evaluated in the 2006 field trial for general screening of tropical climate adaptation in Guam, marketable yield and fruit pungency. Three large-fruited heat tolerant tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) were studied for their total soluble sugar content and dry matter (%). USDA-NRCS, Pacific Island Area obtained eight accessions of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis for future cover crop studies. Hawaii: Germplasm requested in the last year includes gourds, eggplant, grasses, various legumes, peanuts, pearl millet, cowpea, and okra. Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) selections were evaluated for nut and kernel quality. Longan (Dimocarpus longan) trees are being evaluated for nutrient management and nutrient content of fruits. Rambutan (Nephelium lappacium) studies are underway to characterize the flowering pattern of rambutan cultivars grown on the eastern coast of the Island of Hawaii.

    Kentucky: Research is conducted on red, white, and kura clover breeding. Two new red clover cultivars were released (Kenton and Kenway). Other studies are conducted on sweet sorghum breeding and seed production. Desmodium species are being evaluated as reservoirs of viruses of soybean. Evaluations are underway on the winter hardiness of some of the warm season grasses in the S9 collection.

    Louisiana: Accessions of sweetpotato were obtained to screen germplasm for iron and zinc uptake potential. Initial results show about a two-fold variation among accessions in their ability to uptake these micronutrients. Additional germplasm was requested for on-going work towards developing resistance to various sweetpotato viruses. Germplasm requests for Ipomoea species were requested for varied systematic work. The Vigna collection is routinely assessed for resistance reactions to the bacterial blight pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola. The sorghum (Saccharum) collection is being used to make crosses to improve sugarcane. Work on legumes is focused on identifying other sources of isoflavones other than soybean.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. Priorities have concentrated on incorporating disease and insect resistance, abiotic stress resistance, and quality factors into improved breeding lines and cultivars. Plant introductions are critical components of plant improvement programs. Germplasm collections are maintained for the U.S. Nicotiana cultivated and species collection, Arachis species, South American maize germplasm, and many accessions of soybean, blueberries, sweet potato and other crop species. A total of 4,094 accessions were distributed for research use in North Carolina in 2002-2005. A total of 4,871 accessions were filled by the curator of the United States Nicotiana Germplasm Collection held at North Carolina State University in 2000-2005. Cultivars, parental lines, and germplasm of cucumbers, maize, oat, peanut, soybean, sweetpotato, and tomato were released.

    Puerto Rico: Eighteen quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus) cultivars, 14 guava accessions, and six banana clones are being evaluated. Yields of Estela tanier (Xanthosoma spp.) and Florida White were compared under humid upland conditions of Puerto Rico. Twelve Mayagüezano type mango clones and sweet cherry pepper (Capsicum chinense) accessions are being evaluated at Lajas. Mandarin orange cultivars and orange cultivars are being evaluated using different rootstocks. Fresh market tomato germplasm (eight cultivars) was evaluated at Juana Díaz. Open pollinated maize populations were selected for superior horticultural traits, including yield and insect resistance, in a recurrent selection breeding program. Sorghum and pigeonpea germplasm is being evaluated at Isabela and Mayaguez. Genetic improvement of three ornamental crops, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Leandra krugii and ornamental Musa sp., is being done at Lajas. South Carolina: A total of 2,950 germplasm accessions were distributed to individuals in South Carolina in 2005. These accessions included Citrullus spp. (watermelon), Capsicum (pepper), Vigna (cowpea), Ipomoea spp. (sweetpotato), Praecitrullus, Curcurbita, Zoysia (warm season grass), Hibiscus, and Miscanthus (warm season grass). Two-hundred eight soybean plant introductions (PIs) in maturity groups VI, VII, and VIII were obtained to evaluate for resistance to Asian soybean rust disease (ASR), Phakopsora pachyrhizi, in a field environment and identify resistant PIs. Twenty-four elite soybean breeding lines from the soybean breeding program were tested in a greenhouse to determine their suitability as hosts for reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis. Tennessee: The following projects are being conducted at the University of Tennessee in which novel or exotic germplasm lines are being utilized in research projects. Recombinant inbred lines (RIL) are being developed from a cross between a prolific rooting line and a high leaflet orienting cultivar to develop near-isogenic lines that have leaflet orientation and prolific rooting trait combinations and compare their water-use relative to seed yield. Four new cross hybridizations have being initiated to expand diversity for applied variety development. Several populations are being grown by soybean breeders in different parts of the U.S. to select adapted lines for local conditions for potential new cultivars. Research is underway to incorporate genes from exotic maize germplasm into adapted U.S. maize germplasm. Currently 891 experimental hybrids from this project are in yield trials and 377 nursery rows are grown for inbreeding and selection. Three accessions of teosente were obtained from NCRPIS at Ames, Iowa and crossed with adapted corn. Virginia: Several accessions from the USDA plant germplasm collection were used for studies of systematics and genetic diversity at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Vegetable soybean cultivars have been released through Virginia State University. Transformation experiments were conducted on a set of diverse eggplant cultivars to determine efficiency of transformation at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Watermelon accessions were studied to determine their suitability for making watermelon rind pickle. Pepper germplasm was requested to use in classroom exercises to teach elementary school students about seed germination and seedling growth. These activities document the distribution and utilization of plant genetic resources, a primary objective of the regional project, the study of genetic relationships among crop plants and their wild relatives, and the release of new cultivars of crop plants, the cornerstone of agriculture.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 85,483 accessions of 246 genera and 1,473 species. Currently, 92% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 85% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. In 2005, a total of 26,846 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 592 orders to users in 44 states and 38 foreign countries. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on over 8,690 accessions in 2005. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Over 4,050 accessions were put into -18 C storage. Currently, almost 59% (over 49,800 accessions) of the entire Griffin collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.
    4. Characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Digital images of cowpea accessions (flowers and seeds), bamboo accessions, bermudagrass accessions, and chile pepper accessions were taken. Genetic diversity and identification to botanical variety in 141 peanut accessions in the mini core, 94 chile pepper accessions, and 26 Crotalaria accessions were determined by SSR markers. Characterization for descriptors was conducted on chile pepper, bahiagrass, minor grasses, peanut, misc. legume, new crop, annual clover, cucurbit, and other accessions in the field and bermudagrass and other accessions in the greenhouse. All evaluation, characterization, and image data was uploaded onto the GRIN database.
    5. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2006 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9report.html
    Last Modified: unknown

    Date of Annual Report: 09/26/2007

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/07/07 to 08/08/07
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2006 to 09/2007

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The 2007 meeting was called to order at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 by Chair Dr. Timothy Phillips. The committee was welcomed by Dr. Richard Fery, Research Leader; by Dr. Emerson Shipe representing Dr. Susan Barefoot, CEO, Clemson University Exp. Sta.; and by Dr. Gerald Arkin, Administrative Advisor. Further comments were provided by Dr. Darrell Cole, Area Director, South Atlantic Area; Dr. Peter Bretting, National Program Leader for Plant Germplasm and Genomes; and Dr. Gail Wisler, National Program Leader for Horticulture and Sugar.

    Items of particular interest from Dr. Bretting's report included the following items: There are two vacancies in the National Program Staff, one for Oilseeds formerly occupied by Richard Wilson and one in Cotton and Plant Physiology formerly occupied by John Radin. There are also two vacancies in the Data Base Management Unit at Beltsville, those formerly occupied by Allan Stoner and Jim Mowder. There was a record number of distributions of germplasm by NPGS in 2006-2007. The National Plant Germplasm Coordinating Committee helped to preserve NRSP-6, the potato germplasm center at Sturgeon Bay, WI, and helped to get more funding for the NE-9 RTAC from the Northeastern states. With respect to international exchange of germplasm, the International Treaty is under consideration by the US State Department. Items of concern include the language for proposed Standard Material Transfer Agreement which has an onerous reporting requirement and a requirement for benefit sharing.

    Minutes of the 2006 meeting were approved as published on the S-009 RTAC web site (motion by K. Quesenberry, second by E. Shipe). No additions to the agenda were proposed at this time.

    Chair Timothy Phillips appointed K. Quesenberry and E. Shipe as an ad hoc subcommittee to nominate officers for the 2008 meeting. Thomas Isleib and Mike Collins were appointed as an ad hoc subcommittee to recommend the time and place of the 2008 meeting.

    G. Pederson presented a summary of the activity of the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit at Griffin.

    N. Barkley presented the results of her clustering of peanut minicore collection and wild species accessions based on M13-tailed SSR marker profiles. Within Arachis hypogaea, there was fairly accurate assignment of the minicore accessions into subspecies and botanical varieties. PIC scores averaged 0.68, ranging from 0.08 (not informative) to 0.96 (highly informative) for different marker loci.

    B. Morris presented a summary of the Miscellaneous legumes and Industrial Crops collection held at Griffin.

    State reports for Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Virgin Islands, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Guam, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia were presented orally. There was discussion of sunn hemp's potential as a cover crop, as a forage, and as an invasive species. K. Quesenberry pointed out that several other critically important forage species (tall fescue, bermudagrass, and bahia grass) are all on the invasive species list. T. Isleib expressed appreciation for the data provided by Merrilyn Spinks of PGRCU on the state-by-state distributions of germplasm from PGRCU as well as other regional centers.

    At 5:00 PM, the meeting was adjourned until 8:00 AM on Wednesday, August 8 when the presentation of state reports was continued.

    In the business session, the ad hoc committees reported on their deliberations. Ray Smith of Texas A&M was designated recording secretary for the 2008 meeting which is to be held in Raleigh, NC on August 5 and 6, 2008 at a venue to be determined.

    Two items of new business were discussed: First, a resolution was passed (motion by K. Quesenberry) to recommend to Dr. Phyllis Johnson, Area Director for BARC, that the vacant positions in the DBMU at Beltsville be filled as soon as possible.

    Second, M. Collins stated that Mississippi State Univ. is having difficulty in offering some graduate-level plant breeding and genetics courses due to low enrollment. There was concurrence by several committee members. Erosion of plant-oriented courses in favor of animal and medical courses was mentioned as contributing to the problem. There is a need for inter-institutionally shared plant breeding courses offered via distance education by those universities that have a critical mass of plant breeding and genetics faculty with teaching appointments. NC State Univ. and the Univ. of Georgia were identified as potential sources of such courses as each is in the process of forming a center or institute of plant breeding and genetics. Private sector firms like Monsanto and Pioneer have expressed concern about the numbers of trained plant breeders being turned out by US universities. A resolution was passed (motion by F. Allen, second by K. Quesenberry) to have G. Arkin relay to the Southern SAES Directors the need for distance learning opportunities. Greater investment in plant breeding combined with sharing of resources and sharing of coursework will provide a cadre of trained personnel that will utilize the germplasm collected and maintained by NPGS. F. Allen and M. Collins will develop a short white paper on the topic.

    USVL staff provided a tour of the facility to S-9 members.

    The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM.

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2006 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9.html). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 86,829 accessions of 250 genera and 1,488 species. In 2006, a total of 18,826 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to researchers and educators in 628 orders to users in 46 states and 34 foreign countries. In the last year, 93.6% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO and 86.7% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Cowpea regeneration was conducted by Graves Gillaspie, PGRCU, prior to his retirement in early 2007 with 49 lines increased in the winter, 75 lines increased in Griffin, and 49 lines increased in Puerto Rico. Digital images of flowers (311 images) and seeds (275 lines) were taken. One hundred forty one peanut accessions which include the mini core collection, known botanical varieties and near relatives of cultivated peanut were assessed for genetic diversity and identification to botanical variety by 31 SSR markers. Seed increases were obtained by Roy Pittman, PGRCU, for 551 cultivated peanut accessions and 242 accessions of cultivated peanuts were processed through quarantine to be available for researchers. Switchgrass germplasm maintained at NCGRP, Ft. Collins, CO, was sent to Griffin for regeneration and characterization by Melanie Harrison-Dunn, PGRCU. Seed was harvested from a total of 70 accessions of native warm-season grasses. A total of 205 misc. legumes, new crops, and other misc. crops were regenerated by Brad Morris, PGRCU. A total of 136 annual clover accessions were regenerated in the field and 21 African annual clover accessions were regenerated in the greenhouse by Gary Pederson, PGRCU. Regeneration of sorghum accessions in St. Croix and Puerto Rico continued in coordination with the sorghum curator, John Erpelding. A total of 1,680 accessions were sent to St. Croix for regeneration in 2006 and seed was regenerated from 1,644 accessions and sent to Griffin. All MN sweet sorghum accessions from the Meridian, MS collection were removed from glass jars and placed in -18 C storage. Bob Jarret, PGRCU, regenerated and characterized 500 accessions of the Capsicum sp. (chile pepper) germplasm collection in the field. Digital images and descriptor data were uploaded into the GRIN database. The Capsicum germplasm collection was assayed for infection with pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) with about 31% of the accessions found to be infected. This information resulted in a modification of regeneration and distribution procedures for chile pepper. Molecular evaluations to determine phylogenetic relationships and/or genetic diversity present within plant genetic resource collections were conducted on 141 accessions from the peanut mini-core collection and wild relatives of peanut and 25 accessions from the mung bean collection. Fruit from 200-320 accessions of Capsicum chinense were evaluated for pungency, simple sugars, and organic acids to determine variability for fruit quality. In the last year, germination tests were conducted on 8,793 accessions. Since 2002, germination tests have been conducted on 48.8% of the entire collection. Over 3,400 accessions were sent to Ft. Collins for new back up samples or replacement of other back up samples. Currently, over 65% (over 55,000 accessions) of the collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.

    Alabama: Sunn hemp germplasm is being used for development of cultivars for the continental US. The objective is to develop cultivars that can be used as fodder and as cover crops. Sericea lespedeza is being evaluated for control of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants and for condensed tannin content. Evaluations are being done in cooperation with colleagues at Auburn, GA, LS, AR, and USDA at several locations. An evaluation of the wild G. hirsutum collection for resistance to reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) has been completed. No accessions were found to have high levels of resistance, but seven were identified as moderately resistant. Populations of adapted by moderately resistant accessions are in various stages of development.

    Florida: Records received from S-9 indicate that 636 accessions of various plant species were distributed during 2006 to 27 individuals or organizations in Florida. There is a steady trend of 400 to 600 accessions distributed per year in Florida. In 2006 UF/IFAS plant breeders released 38 new crop cultivars, breeding lines or germplasms. Two limpograss accessions were used as parents for a group of 51 new limpograss hybrids being evaluated for yield, persistence, and nutritive value. Perennial Arachis germplasm from recent NPGS sponsored germplasm collection trips to Paraguay are being evaluated. Carpetgrass germplasm across the Southeastern US has been collected and is being evaluated for turf characteristics. A collection of Paspalum spp. germplasm PIs are being evaluated at Marianna for various agronomic forage traits including yield and persistence. Several different PIs are being used in cucurbit improvement program to try to obtain resistance to several potyviruses, phytophthora blight, and powdery mildew. Georgia: More than 40 different requests for plant germplasm are made annually to the S-9 Unit by scientists and educators of Georgia. As a result of these requests, hundreds of plant accessions are supplied yearly to University scientists, USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, educators, and numerous individuals. The most requested crops are peanut, pepper, various legumes, bamboo, and warm season grasses. Guam: Hot pepper, sweet peppers, and leafy greens were evaluated for their adaptability to Guams environment. The primary objective of the hot pepper trial was to screen red pungent peppers for making processed chill sauces or pastes. Among 77 tested germlines, twenty-six were obtained from USDA-ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit. The plant growth and fruit morphology of these accessions were recorded. The amounts of capsaicinoids are being tested for selected lines. An evaluation of four commercial cultivars of sweet pepper at farmers field found that cv. Bounty Hybrid seemed less susceptible to mites. In an aquaponic system, various leafy vegetables were tested for their growth. The general observation of a preliminary trial indicated that some lettuce cultivars and other green vegetables and herbs were potential agricultural produce in Guam for local consumption. A cover crop project by NRCS in Guam was terminated and no seeds had been distributed.

    Hawaii: Germplasm requested last year include Lablab, pearl millet and peppers. Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) selections in Captain Cook-Kona were evaluated for kernel quality and yield. Nutrient management studies are in progress with the Kaimana lychee (Litchi chinensis) cultivar to determine the range of leaf mineral nutrient concentrations associated with productive trees and to determine the amount of mineral nutrients depleted from the soil during removal of mature fruits at harvest. Rambutan (Nephelium lappacium) fruit development studies from anthesis to harvest are underway for cultivars grown under Hawaii's stable climatic conditions.

    Kentucky: Norman Taylor continues to work on red, white, and kura clover breeding projects. He recently acquired collections of buffalo clover from Davidson County, NC and from a white-flowered population in Perry County, Indiana. He is increasing seed of a tetraploid red clover, among others, for release in the near future. Todd Pfeiffer and Morris Bitzer continue to work on sweet sorghum breeding and seed production. Pfeiffer has screened the PI collection and is evaluating the top lines at several locations in KY this year. In 2006 a hybrid sweet sorghum was released jointly by the University of Kentucky and the University of Nebraska (KN-Morris). A genetic study of castor oil profile is underway by a graduate student in David Hildebrands lab. Tim Phillips has planted a trial to evaluate the winter hardiness of some of the warm season grasses in the S9 collection.

    Louisiana: Accessions of sweetpotato were obtained to screen germplasm for iron and zinc uptake potential. Initial results show about a two-fold variation among accessions in their ability to uptake these micronutrients. Additional germplasm was requested for on-going work towards developing resistance to various sweetpotato viruses. Germplasm requested from Kenya was virus-tested and released for research related to resistance to Sweet Potato Virus Disease. Several molecular markers were found linked to resistance. Additional plant material was imported from Kenya to assess the presence of Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus. Tissue samples indicated that the virus was present in East Africa. Germplasm requests for Ipomoea species were requested for varied systematic work. The Vigna collection is routinely assessed for resistance reactions to the bacterial blight pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola. Germplasm from the bamboo collection is routinely evaluated by a nursery in Louisiana for commercial landscape applications.

    Mississippi: Brian Baldwin has completed cycle 6 in lowland-type switchgrass selecting for reduced seed dormancy and increased velocity of germination. He is also working with scientists in Oklahoma and TTU to determine appropriate isolation distance for castor germplasm developed in Mississippi. Bioenergy oilseed work was initiated on winter annual oilseeds including development of winter hardiness of crambe. USDA-ARS scientists are actively engaged in identifying and developing maize germplasm with resistance to several insects and to Aspergillus flavus infection/aflatoxin accumulation. Germplasm accessions from the GEM project are useful sources of resistance to aflatoxin contamination and are undergoing evaluation in test crosses at Tifton, GA and Raleigh, NC. Ted Wallace develops high yielding cotton cultivars with superior fiber quality traits by selections for genetic diversity, reduced micronaire, increased fiber strength, fiber length and uniformity, lint yield, yield stability and identification of nectarless lines resistant to the tarnished plant bug.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. Priorities are on incorporating disease and insect resistance, abiotic stress resistance, and quality factors into improved breeding lines and cultivars. Plant introductions are critical components of plant improvement programs, and NCSU scientists make use of germplasm maintained in the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Germplasm collections are maintained for the U.S. Nicotiana cultivated and species collection, Arachis species, South American maize germplasm, and many accessions of soybean, blueberries, sweet potato and other crop species. Propagules of 1661 accessions from the NPGS were sent to public- and private sector researchers and an additional 270 to private individuals in North Carolina in 2006. Twenty-four cultivars, parental and germplasm lines were released, and 39 germplasm-related articles were published with NCARS personnel and USDA-ARS personnel stationed at the NCSU campus in Raleigh as authors.

    Puerto Rico: Evaluations were conducted on a number of different crops including 18 quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus) cultivars for tree height, diameter, and canopy volume; 14 guava accessions; 5 bananna cultivars for yield and reaction to yellow Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella musicola); 28 yam; 22 cassava; 16 sweetpotato; 75 tanier clones; 12 Mayagüezano type mango clones grafted on Banilejo dwarfing rootstocks; sweet cherry pepper (Capsicum chinense); several clones of Cabezona pineapple; and 4 orange cultivars (7 years old) evaluated on four citrus roostocks. Solar Fire and Sebring fresh market tomato were among the four highest commercial yielders at two locations. Mean grain yield of the Mayorbela O.P. maize population was 6494 kg/ha with few disease or pest problems and is being considered for release as Mayorbela 05. The second cycle of mass selection was initiated for the Suresweet sweet corn population. Caesalpinia pulcherrima is being bred for triploidy, Leandra krugii is being characterized and selected in the wild, and seven ornamental Musa species are being hybridized. South Carolina: A total of 2,397 germplasm accessions from 14 genera including sweetpotato, peanut, cowpea, watermelon, gourd, and bamboo were distributed in 2006 from Griffin to eight individuals in South Carolina. Scientists at the USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, received 2,381 of the total accessions distributed. Plants were selected from a 2006 F3 population from hybridization of PI594651-L2, resistant to peanut root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne arenaria), with the adapted S.C. cultivar, Dillon to develop germplasm and/or cultivars with an improved M. arenaria resistance, high seed yield, and acceptable agronomic traits. Elite soybean breeding lines from Clemson were tested for suitability as hosts for reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, by Dr. R.T. Robbins at the University of Arkansas. Nine lines were identified with reproduction no different than resistant controls. Tennessee: A cross between a prolific rooting line, PI 416937, and a high leaflet orienting cultivar, USG 5601T was used to develop near-isogenic recombinant inbred lines with different combinations of rooting and leaflet orientation to compare their water-use relative to seed yield. F6, F7 and F8 generation lines are being evaluated via sap-flow instrumentation for water use efficiency. Four new cross hybridizations utilizing PIs have being initiated to expand genetic diversity for applied variety development. Several populations are being grown by soybean breeders in U.S. to select adapted lines or introgress new germplasm into breeding programs. Several experimental corn hybrids derived from the GEM project are in yield trials. In addition to the yield trials there are several nursery rows of GEM material for inbreeding and selection purposes. Three accessions of teosente were obtained from NCRPIS at Ames and crossed with adapted corn. BC2F1 hybrids are being backcrossed to adapted corn lines. Three switchgrass PIs are being intercrossed with two experimental lines and two released cultivars to develop a C1 synthetic. Texas: Active plant breeding is underway in cotton, soybean, cowpea, lablab, corn, rice, sorghum, wheat, oats, melons, clovers, sugarcane, ryegrass, several turfgrass genera, potato, several small fruits and ornamentals. About 2000 sorghum accessions are under evaluation for anthracnose and downy mildew resistance in Texas environments for use in resistance breeding. Both lablab and cowpea accessions are being used in forage legume breeding. Rio Verde lablab was developed as a new forage crop for the US southern region through selection in PI 388018. Crosses have been made using G12293 lablab to investigate inheritance of pod type and purple coloration. Progeny testing for hard seed production and forage potential continues on 60 half-sib lines of crimson clover derived from two PI accessions. Schizachyrium scoparium, Calamovilfa longifolia, Panicum virgatum, Elymus canadensis, Solidago nemoralis, Artemisia campestris, Lathyrus japonicus, Monarda punctata, Cornus sericea, and Vitis riparia accessions were used to study genetic and species diversity for healthy ecosystem functioning.

    Virginia: Several accessions from the USDA plant germplasm collection were used for studies of systematics and genetic diversity at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Vegetable soybean cultivars have been released through Virginia State University. New peanut cultivars were released through the Tidewater Agricultural Research & Extension Center. These activities document the distribution and utilization of plant genetic resources, a primary objective of the regional project, the study of genetic relationships among crop plants and their wild relatives, and the release of new cultivars of crop plants, the cornerstone of agriculture.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 86,829 accessions of 250 genera and 1,488 species. Currently, 93.6% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 86.7% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. In 2006, a total of 18,826 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 628 orders to users in 46 states and 34 foreign countries. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on 8,793 accessions in 2006 with over 48% of the entire collection at Griffin tested for germination since 2002. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Currently, over 65% (over 55,000 accessions) of the entire Griffin collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.
    4. Characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Digital images of cowpea accessions (flowers and seeds) and chile pepper accessions were taken. Genetic diversity and identification to botanical variety in 141 peanut accessions in the mini core and 25 mung bean accessions were determined by SSR markers. Characterization for descriptors was conducted on chile pepper, bahiagrass, minor grasses, peanut, misc. legume, new crop, annual clover, cucurbit, and other accessions. Over 200-350 chile pepper accessions were evaluated for pungency, simple sugars, and organic acids. All evaluation, characterization, and image data was uploaded onto the GRIN database.
    5. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2006 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website www.ars-grin.gov/ars/SoAtlantic/Griffin/pgrcu/s9report.html
    Last Modified: 05-Oct-2007

    Date of Annual Report: 09/19/2008

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/05/08 to 08/06/08
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2007 to 09/2008

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The 2008 meeting was called to order at 1 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 by Tom Stalker, filling in for Chair Tom Isleib. Roger Crickenberger, Assistant Director of NCARS, welcomed the group to North Carolina, and discussed the important role of germplasm in the release of cultivars recently developed by NCSU breeders. Dr. Gerald Arkin, the administrative advisor for the S-009 RTAC, commented on his 21 years as a liaison for Southern Agric. Directors, and the importance of each member discussing S-009 related activities with our Agricultural Experiment Station Director, among other issues. Next, a discussion on the current and future status of the Hatch system followed. The Specialty Crop Initiative was described.

    Minutes of the 2007 meeting were approved as published on the S-009 RTAC website (motion by Jorge Mosjidis, seconded by Fred Allen). The issue of the white paper on plant breeding prepared by Mike Collins and Fred Allen after last years meeting was brought up, including the topic of distance education (shared courses across states). Emerson Shipe commented on the lack of commitment in replacing breeders by administrators at Land Grant universities, and that shared courses have a tuition-sharing problem that must be addressed. Don LaBonte stated that lack of courses in plant breeding hurts recruitment of graduate students. Jerry Arkin advised us to inform our Deans of Academic Programs about the need and interest in shared courses. The new plant breeding RTAC was mentioned as a more appropriate voice for our concerns about this subject.

    No additions to the 2008 meeting agenda were made. An open discussion of the need for committees for officer nominations and time and place determination of the next meeting resulted in Tim Phillips being appointed as secretary for next year, and Griffin, GA on August 4-5, 2009 as the location and time for the next meeting.

    Gary Pederson gave his report on the activities at Griffin as a PowerPoint presentation. He showed that of the 88,321 accessions at Griffin, 87.6% are available for distribution, and 94.4% have been backed up. Digital images of seed or fruit of many accessions have been recorded. Germination testing of the accessions has been increased. More accessions are in storage at -18C, including 100% of grass accessions.

    Funding continues to be challenging, partly due to the budgets not increasing to cover salary increases. Pederson listed several top needs: 1. Technical support (peanut field technician, help for forage legumes, HPLC characterization, grass tissue culture, and general field crew help); 2. Curation: category 4 curator for vigna, watermelon, and curcurbits; 3. Equipment: Reigi weeder and low-gear tractor, cone planter, Weed Badger weeder, no-till drill, ultra-low freezer, peanut thresher, Dual axle truck for hauling equipment, NMR for oil content characterization, light scanner, gas chromatograph, four-row flex planter, moveable storage shelves for 4C room; 5. Building: addition of 4C cold storage room (convert existing 4C room to -18C).

    Melanie Harrison-Dunn, curator of warm-season grasses at Griffin, reported on her activities. She curates a collection of 6,955 accessions comprising 447 species in 102 genera. She maintains 416 vegetative accessions, about half of which are bermudagrass. Her collection contains 95 bamboo accessions from 47 species. She reported 324 new acquisitions, many of which were from NRCS Plant Material releases. Forty accessions of zoysia from China have been received, as well as ~140 accessions of switchgrass from Fort Collins. CO. During 2003-2007, 991 accessions have been regenerated, including finger millets, bahiagrass, black gamagrass, and little bluestem. She has instituted some improvements in the handling of clonal material, such as increasing the number of plants maintained (four pots per accession), dual labeling, and a cooling pad system in the greenhouse.

    State reports for Alabama, Florida, Guam, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Virgin Islands were presented orally (written reports at the NPGRCU website). At 5 pm the meeting was adjourned until 8 am on Wednesday, August 6 where state reports continued until completed.

    Old business items included a discussion of the tobacco germplasm collection and its future. The collection currently is housed at Oxford, NC, but likely will be moved to Raleigh. The white paper on plant breeding training concerns will be distributed to members by Tom Stalker. New business included the incoming secretary position to be filled by Tim Phillips, and the location/time of the next meeting (Griffin, GA, August 4-5, 2009).

    Tom Stalker had some questions about the peanut collection. He mentioned that with 9,000 accessions of peanuts, it is not possible to get the botanical variety or market type (it is not listed). He was advised by Gary Pederson to request that this information be added. Pederson mentioned the GRIN-Global beta version. How mixed accessions are dealt with was discussed. They are kept as received, rather than separating them, and the descriptions would include how the mixture is composed (e.g., 20% purple seed, 80% brown seed). Pederson mentioned that the germplasm system doesnt like to distribute original seed, but often an original accession could supply requests for 20 years with no problem.

    Tom Stalker commended the Griffin groups efforts; stating that the collection has improved recently due to the good job the curators have done. He thanked them for their excellent work.

    There was some discussion about the procedure for scheduling meeting times and locations. It was remarked that it would be good to return to Griffin every several years, with other meetings being rotated among committee members as agreeable to the committee.

    The group was adjourned mid-morning for a trip to Clayton, southeast of Raleigh, for a tour of the Central Crops Research Station. We had tours of corn plots with exotic germplasm from Dr. Major Goodman, and then toured corn plots which were part of the GEM project led by Dr. Matt Krakowsky. We were shown around soybean plots by Dr. Tommy Carter, USDA-ARS soybean breeder, and associates. He showed the group soybean lines with a high percentage of exotic germplasm in their pedigrees. Around noon, the visit to the research farm ended, with members dispersing until the meeting in 2009 in Griffin.

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2008 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 88,321 accessions of 251 genera and 1,492 species. In 2007, a total of 27,312 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to researchers and educators in 721 orders to users in 43 states and 33 foreign countries. In the last year, 94.4% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO and 87.6% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Cowpea regeneration was conducted with 52 lines increased in the greenhouse and 51 lines increased in Puerto Rico. Digital images of flowers were taken. Seed increases were obtained by Roy Pittman, PGRCU, for 490 cultivated peanut accessions. CRSP-14 peanut germplasm with resistance to tomato spotted wilt, early leaf spot, and late leaf spot was released. Seed was harvested from 88 warm-season grass accessions by Melanie Harrison-Dunn, PGRCU. A proposal was funded to collect switchgrass accessions in Florida. A total of 183 misc. legumes, new crops, and other misc. crops were regenerated by Brad Morris, PGRCU. A total of 42 annual clover accessions were regenerated by Gary Pederson, PGRCU. Over 70 accessions of an African clover, Trifolium tembense, were susceptible to tomato spotted wilt virus and few seed were obtained. Regeneration of sorghum accessions in St. Croix and Puerto Rico continued in coordination with the sorghum curator, John Erpelding. A total of 1,260 accessions were sent to St. Croix for regeneration in 2007 and seed was regenerated from 1,234 accessions and sent to Griffin. Also 420 quarantine sorghum accessions were regenerated. All MER sweet sorghum breeding lines from the Meridian, MS collection were added to GRIN. Bob Jarret, PGRCU, regenerated 120 and characterized 300 accessions of the Capsicum sp. (chile pepper) germplasm collection in the field. Digital images and descriptor data were uploaded into the GRIN database. Pungency was determined for 150 Capsicum spp. accessions. Molecular evaluations to evaluate genetic diversity present within plant genetic resource collections were conducted on 48 mung bean accessions using EcoTILLING. Variation in oil content and fatty acid composition was determined for 50 peanut accessions. Flavone content and anthocynin index was determined for several legumes and Hibiscus. Variation in oil content was determined for 48 castorbean accessions. In the last year, over 9,700 germination tests were conducted. Since 2002, germination tests have been conducted on over 48,000 accessions. Over 2,100 accessions were sent to Ft. Collins or Svalbard, Norway for new back up samples. Currently, over 68% (over 58,500 accessions) of the collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.

    Alabama: Sunn hemp germplasm is being used to develop cultivars that can be used as fodder and as cover crops. Sericea lespedeza is being evaluated for control of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants and for condensed tannin content. A new population of sericea lespedeza was evaluated as inter-row crop in vegetable production at Auburn, GA, LS, AR, and USDA at several locations. In cotton, we have begun the introgression of resistance to reniform nematode from two accessions (TX 245 and TX 1419) into adapted germplasm. F2:3 and BC1:2 lines from eight different cross combinations (four adapted parents × two resistant accessions) are being evaluated in the greenhouse for resistance. Preliminary screening of the germplasm collection using chlorophyll fluorescence after heat shock showed TX 337 and 6 other accessions to have significantly better tolerance to high temperatures and water deficit than Deltapine 90. We have participated in a cooperative USDA project to evaluate soybean germplasm for resistance to Asian soybean rust with several accessions showing high levels of resistance. We have completed evaluation of Lupinus albus, L. angustifolius, and L. luteus for resistance to lupin anthracnose (Colletotrichum lupini). L. luteus lines displayed resistance, and one L. angustifolius line displayed resistance.

    Arkansas: AFLPs (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms) are being used to fingerprint molecular diversity and natural hybridization of Gossypiium australe, G. bickii, G. nelsonii and G. sturtianum. Reniform nematode resistance from G. arboreum PIs is being evaluated. Evaluation of Caribbean basin cotton relative to south Florida native cottons is also being evaluated by AFLP molecular fingerprinting. We evaluated 66 PI lines of Brassica napus for winter hardiness and Sclerotina sclerotiorum resistance and 53 PI lines for Brassica sclerotiorum resistance. Verticillium dahliae is widespread in nature but only recently has it been proven to be a pathogen of spinach seed production. V. dahliae isolates were recovered from seed produced in the U.S., Denmark and the Netherlands. A total of 120 Spinacia spp. accessions from the USDA-NCRPIS germplasm collection were screened for resistance to V. dahliae. Accessions with the lowest disease severity ratings were PI 193618, Ames 26243, PI 604789, PI 179591, PI 261789, PI 319220 and PI 286435. Pedigree analysis and molecular data show that the genetic base of southern soybean is extremely narrow. Studies have demonstrated that 80% of the genes in public soybean cultivars came from 13 ancestral lines. Our recent research has identified a number of plant introductions (PI) with acceptable yield and desirable diversity. We have crossed some of these PIs, as well as elite lines from the North, to southern elite cultivars.

    Florida: Records received from S-9 indicate that 221 accessions of various plant species maintained at PGRCU at Griffin, GA were distributed during 2007 to 21 individuals or organizations with addresses in Florida. In 2007 UF/IFAS plant breeders released the following cultivars, germplasms or breeding lines: 7 coleus, 2 peanut, 7 tomato, 1 caladium, 1 peach rootstock, 2 winter oat, 5 blueberry, 2 grape, and 1 bahiagrass. Dr. Ken Quesenberry, is continuing evaluation of limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) hybrids, new perennial Arachis germplasm, and Desmodium and Aeschynomene forage legume germplasm. Dr. Kevin Kenworthy and colleagues have completed a project evaluating turf potential of carpetgrass germplasm across the Southeastern USA. Dr. Ann Blount, released a new diploid bahiagrass cultivar, Riata, with improved early spring and late fall production. Dr. Jay Scott, has mapped a begomovirus resistance gene Ty-3 in breeding lines derived from Solanum chilense and has identified resistance to pepino mosaic virus was discovered in S. habrochaites. Dr. Eileen Kabelka, continues to use Cucurbita PI material obtained from S-9 as sources of beneficial genes for introgression into squash. Molecular markers linked to beneficial genes from the S-9 PI material will be of direct use to public and private breeding programs and the scientific community. Georgia: During 2007, eighty-nine different requests for plant germplasm were made to PGRCU by Georgia users. As a result of these requests, more than four thousand plant accessions were supplied to University scientists, USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, gardeners, and numerous individuals. The most requested crops were pepper, peanut, various legumes, bamboo, and warm season grasses. UGA programs supply new crop cultivars and associated technologies to our agricultural sector and rely heavily upon the plant materials maintained within the S-9 unit. UGA currently has active cultivar development programs in soybean, peanut, small grains, turf grasses, forages, blueberries, and numerous ornamental crops that frequently utilize the plant genetic resource collections. In addition, research programs in crop science, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology and other disciplines utilize the genetic resources of the S-9 unit in both basic and applied research projects designed to address the needs of Georgia agriculture. The S-9 unit remains a critical component of our research and cultivar development programs.

    Guam: Conservation activity during 2007 focused on preservation of locally collected chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) germplasm in Guam. Distribution of seeds to a local community included corn seeds (Zea mays cv. Guam White Corn), okra seeds (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. Charlie), and sunnhemp seeds (Crotalaria juncea). Seeds of nitrogen fixing legumes (Grilicidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala cv. K636) as windbreak were also distributed to the organic farming sustainable agriculture project of Guam Cooperative Extension program. Other plant included in germplasm evaluation program was a potential biofuel plant, Jatropha curcas, collected locally. Plant evaluation data on chili peppers conducted at the Guam Agricultural Experiment Station were summarized. Among 77 entries, 26 germlines were obtained from USDA-ARS, PGRCU. Many lines did not survive after transplanting to the field possibly due to heavy rains received during the beginning of the experiment. PI 547069 had 81,600 Scoville Heat Unit, which was the highest level of capsaicinoids by HPLC determined among lines from PGRCU. Two selected lines, cv. Chivalry and cv. Marilyn (a local collection), were further evaluated for their yield and were processed to make a hot sauce for a preference study. Consumer survey and field evaluation of basil (Ocimum basilicum) was initiated including five cultivars, Napolentano, Genovese, Gecofure (Nufer 1), Envigor, and Thai.

    Hawaii: Germplasm requested in 2007 included Crotalaria retusa, C. spectabilis and C. juncea. Germination was sporadic due to poor seed quality. Once plants were established, they grew and seeded well, and greenhouse tests indicated they were poor root-knot nematode hosts. Growth, moisture and nutrient accumulation patterns during Kaimana lychee (Litchi chinenesis) fruit development, and nutrient accumulation in leaves were monitored to develop fertilizer management information and field culture guidelines for this cultivar. Flowering, flushing, and fruit development of 8 rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) cultivars ('R156 Red', 'Jitlee', 'Silengkeng', 'Rongrien', 'R9', 'Binjai', 'R167' and 'R134') growing along the eastern coast of Hawai'i Island were studied over 4 consecutive years near Hilo, HI. Studies on longan (Dimocarpus longan) demonstrated that chlorite and hypochlorite (bleach) induced flowering in a similar manner to chlorate-treated trees. Two new infestations of macadamia felted coccid (Eriococus ironsidei) were discovered in macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) orchards along the eastern coast of Hawaii Island. M. integrifolia and M. tetraphylla are the only hosts for this native Australian insect pest, and movement of infested plants or grafting material is the most common method for dispersal.

    Kentucky: Todd Pfeiffer continues to expand his breeding work with sweet sorghum, including a new project on biomass/biofuel production and attempts to produce perennial sweet sorghum by crossing with Johnsongrass. Pfeiffer has screened the PI collection and is using several accessions in crosses with established cultivars. A genetic study of castor is underway by a graduate student in David Hildebrands graduate student, working on oil profiles of several species including flax, chia, soybeans, and castor. Tim Phillips has planted a trial to evaluate the winter hardiness of some of the warm season grasses in the S9 collection, as well as a breeding nursery for several native warm-season grasses. Only two accessions of flaccidgrass, PI 315868 and 434640, survived the past winter. Approximately 3,000 switchgrass plants were established in the field this May for possible cultivar development. Norman Taylor is still busy breeding clovers with seed blocks and selection nurseries underway for white, kura, and several red clover populations. Several new cultivar releases are imminent.

    Louisiana: A number of bamboo genotypes were requested for suitability in the landscape. Mr. Flexer noted that the collection in Byron, GA is well maintained now in comparison to past visits he has made to the site. Research on Ipomoea species includes evolutionary ecology, molecular evolution and population genetics of genes involved in flower color, as well as the phylogenetic systematics of morning glories (species of the tribe Ipomoeae). Sweetpotato clones (Don La Bonte and Chris Clark, Louisiana State University) were requested to determine genetic variability in uptake of micronutrients Fe and Zn to lessen nutritional deficiencies found in developing countries. An extensive screen of germplasm is underway to identify sources of resistance to Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus. Michael Dowd, SRCC, USDA examined fatty acid profiles (as methyl esters) of Hibiscus repository plants to help us confirm the identity of peaks we were observing in some of our related Gossypium (cotton) samples.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. Priorities are on incorporating disease and insect resistance, abiotic stress resistance, and quality factors into improved breeding lines and cultivars. Plant introductions are critical components of plant improvement programs, and NCSU scientists make use of germplasm maintained in the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). The U.S. collection of cultivated and wild Nicotiana species is maintained at NCSU as are collections of Arachis species, South American maize germplasm, and many accessions of soybean, blueberries, sweet potato and other crop species. Propagules of 1291 Nicotiana accessions were distributed to U.S. public and private-sector researchers (670 accessions), U.S. individuals (112 accessions), and foreign recipients (509). Of 1706 accessions distributed to North Carolina in 2007, more (691) came from PGRCU at Griffin, GA, than from any other NPGS center. Propagules of 636 accessions from PGRCU were sent to public- and private sector researchers and 55 to private individuals in North Carolina. Thirty-one cultivars and parental and germplasm lines were released, and 11 germplasm-related articles were published with NCARS personnel and USDA-ARS personnel stationed at the NCSU campus in Raleigh as authors.

    Puerto Rico: Eighteen quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus) cultivars are in the third year of evaluation at Juana Diaz and Lajas. Significant differences have been observed among cultivars for tree height, trunk diameter, and canopy volume, with a few accessions showing precocious fruiting. A replicated guava planting consisting of 14 accessions was maintained and evaluated at Juana Díaz. A new yellow tannier cultivar is being increased in the field for evaluation. Seventeen plantain and 26 banana cultivars are being maintained in the field at Corozal. Twelve Mayagüezano type mango clones are being evaluated at Lajas. Sweet cherry pepper (Capsicum chinense) was evaluated in the field at Lajas. Fruit quality parameters were measured on Hamlin orange monthly to determine the optimum season for harvest. Three mandarin cultivars on four citrus rootstocks were evaluated at Corozal and Isabela. One hundred half-sib lines of the Suresweet sweet corn O.P. population were planted at the Isabela Substation. Another cycle of recurrent selection of this O.P. sweet corn will be conducted before formal release as Suresweet 08. Interspecific hybrids of ornamental Musa species were evaluated in the field at Lajas and clonal propagation experiments were conducted on Leandra krugii in Rio Piedras. Germplasm requests in Puerto Rico in 2007 included 1 Solanum, 1 Capsicum, 2,288 Sorghum and 7 Citrullus accessions.

    South Carolina: A total of 146 germplasm accessions were distributed by PGRCU at Griffin, GA in 2007 to eight individuals in South Carolina. Accessions distributed were from thirteen different genera and included the following plants: sorghum, sweet potato, watermelon, gourd, bamboo, and fourteen special purpose legume accessions. In 2007, twenty-eight elite lines from the Clemson University soybean breeding program were tested in a greenhouse to determine their suitability as hosts for reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis. The lines SC98-1930, SC01-819, SC02-208, SC03-9093, and SC04-297 had reproductive indices lower than the resistant S.C. cultivar Santee. Soybean rust (SBR) was first identified in the U.S. in November, 2004. The disease is caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi and can cause severe yield losses under optimal temperature and humidity conditions. Researchers collaborated in 2007 to evaluate USDA germplasm accessions for SBR resistance in seven locations in the southern U.S. Four hundred twelve accessions across maturity groups 000 - X were planted at Blackville, SC in late July. Rust symptoms were first observed in late September. Ten leaflets from each of 323 accessions were collected during October and examined under a microscope for the presence of rust. Data were submitted to Dr. David Walker, USDA-ARS, Urbana, IL, who summarized results from all locations. Approximately 85 of the PIs showed high to moderate resistance to rust at two or more locations. Tennessee: Recombinant inbred soybean lines (RIL) are being developed from a cross between a prolific rooting line, PI416937, and a high leaflet orienting cultivar, USG 5601T, to develop near-isogenic lines with different rooting and leaflet orientations to compare their water-use relative to seed yield. 18 soybean genotypes including 15 high oleic plant introductions (PI) and three checks were planted 16 different environments across five locations during three years. Experimental line TN03-349 is an F6-derived line from the cross TN93-99 x PI 416937 which was released as the new edible vegetable soybean cultivar NUTRIVEG Soy6407. Heterogeneous plant populations developed from exotic Chinese plant introductions by Dr. Randy Nelson and locally adapted single-plant selections were made. Early generation lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, coordinated through the USDA Maize project at Iowa State University, were crossed with elite adapted lines. Several experimental hybrids derived from the GEM project are in yield trials in Tennessee. Three accessions of teosinte from NCRPIS at Ames, Iowa have been planted in Knoxville and crossed with adapted corn. BC2F2 hybrids are being backcrossed to adapted corn lines. The hybrids have survived four fairly mild winters in TN. Three switchgrass PIs are being intercrossed with two experimental lines and two released cultivars to develop a C1 synthetic. Eight switchgrass PIs and newly developed cultivars are being evaluated for rust and bunt resistance, and controlled hybridizations made amongst desirable parents. Three miscanthus PIs are being evaluated for growth characteristics, yield measurements, and disease resistance evaluations in Knoxville. Texas: Texas A&M University requested Sorghum bicolor germplasm for an array of evaluation and breeding purposes, including disease resistant, quality and yield traits. Three new peanut cultivars have been released, all with PI lines in their pedigree. Both lablab and cowpea accessions are being evaluated and used as parents in the forage legume breeding program. The lablab cultivar Rio Verde was developed as a new forage crop for the US southern region through selection in the PI line 388018. Breeder seed increases were made in Oregon on two experimental crimson clover cultivars derived from two PI accessions. Dr. Dick Auld, Texas Tech University, evaluated 228 accessions of castor (Ricinus communis L.) for seed yield potential under limited moisture conditions. Crosses were made between several of the most promising accessions and the commercial cultivars evaluated in this test. Sorghum lines were evaluated by Dr. John Goolsby, USDA, ARS, as potential hosts for the biological control agent Tetramesa romana, but T. romana did not feed or develop on sorghum. Brown midrib and high sugar sorghum lines were requested by Milo Genetics to introduce these traits into breeding lines.

    Virginia: Several accessions of Vigna and Eleusine were used for studies of systematics and genetic diversity at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. A new peanut cultivar was released through the Tidewater Agricultural Research & Extension Center. Investigations at Virginia State University were conducted on the biological quality of edamame (vegetable soybean) and the chemical composition of glandular hairs of Vernonia (ironweed), a source of vernonia oil, which is rich in a useful epoxy fatty acid used to make plastics, rubbery coatings, and drying agents. Brabant Research, Inc. evaluated sweet potato germplasm for nutritional value compared with commercially produced sweet potatoes. These activities document the distribution and utilization of plant genetic resources, a primary objective of the regional project, the study of genetic relationships among crop plants and their wild relatives, and the release of new cultivars of crop plants, the cornerstone of agriculture.

    Virgin Islands: Sorrel or roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffara, is a plant originally native to Africa which has been grown in the Caribbean for centuries that is used fresh, during the winter months to make a seasonal beverage, or drier for later use. Sixty accessions of sorrel germplasm were obtained from PGRCU in Griffin, GA. Seedlings of sorrel were transplanted in calcareous soils with a pH range of 8.0-8.9 and compared with seven local cultivars. All sorrel developed interveinal chlorosis and many developed terminal necrosis. Applications of micronutrients didnt resolve the nutrient deficiency symptoms. Five accessions were found that have potential for production in the Virgin Islands: PIs 268097, 496717, 496938, 464809 and 500721. Plans are to acquire seeds from ten selected accessions and establish them on better soil with a more neutral pH located at the VI Department of Agriculture this fall. Both papaya seed and pineapples from Hawaii are being grown and evaluated. Papaya seeds hadnt been available from the Hawaiian tropical germplasm center for a number of years.

    Impact Statements:
    1. 1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 88,321 accessions of 251 genera and 1,492 species. Currently, 94.4% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 87.6% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. 2. In 2007, a total of 27,312 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 721 orders to users in 43 states and 33 foreign countries, with 16,156 accessions distributed to users in the S-009 states. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. 3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on 9,790 accessions in the last year with over 56% of the entire collection at Griffin tested for germination since 2002. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Currently, over 68% (over 58,500 accessions) of the entire Griffin collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.
    4. 4. Characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Digital images of cowpea accessions and chile pepper accessions were taken. Variation for oil content was determined for 48 castorbean and variation for oil content and fatty acid composition was determined for 50 peanut accessions. Genetic diversity molecular evaluations were conducted on 48 mung bean accessions. Characterization for descriptors was conducted on chile pepper, warm-season grasses, peanut, misc. legume, new crop, annual clover, cucurbit, and other accessions. Over 150 chile pepper accessions were evaluated for pungency. All evaluation, characterization, and image data was uploaded onto the GRIN database.
    5. 5. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2008 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514).
    Last Modified: 24-Sep-2008

    Date of Annual Report: 09/29/2009

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/04/09 to 08/05/09
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2008 to 09/2009

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The meeting was called to order at the UGA-Griffin Research and Education Garden building at 1:00 pm on August 4, 2009 by Gerald (Ray) Smith, President. Those present introduced themselves. Dr. Gerald Arkin, the administrative advisor for the S-009 RTAC, welcomed the group to Griffin, a place where preservation, conservation, collection, and distribution of germplasm has been happening for decades. He relayed to the group that the Directors of Southern Agricultural Experiment Stations hold the Griffin PI station in high regard, but we should help our home directors know how valuable Griffin is to our research programs. He discussed current challenges, such as maintaining funding to support the national germplasm system, training the next generation of plant breeders, filling vacancies in tough budgetary times, etc. Dr. Arkin next discussed the expansion of the UGA-Griffin campus. An $11 million learning center was close to being opened, and now UGA-Griffin has all three components of the land grant mission. He praised the commitment of the local Griffin community, in that a local option sales tax was used to raise money to build the new learning center. Tom Stalker asked about potential loss of plot land from the PI station as the campus expands. Dr. Arkin suggested that eventually there may be a need to move research and germplasm plots as campus gets crowded in the future, but currently there is lots of space nearby. He mentioned that with fewer Ag students relative to other colleges, traditional College of Agriculture programs may shrink, unless strategic planning is done successfully to deal with this. Paul Raymer commented that although there is plenty of land to move to, resources to cover the relocation and redevelopment are the problem. Dr. Arkin speculated about how big the UGA-Griffin campus could grow, and suggested that eventually Atlanta would be contiguous with Griffin, and perhaps 30,000 students would be enrolled at UGA-Griffin. He stressed the need to plan, have an outlook for the future in long-term planning. Emerson Shipe asked about student numbers currently. Dr. Arkin said that about 200 students will be enrolled, and 35 have done coursework at Athens. New money will be required to grow this program. The new Student Learning Center building should accommodate 800-1000 students. Gary Pederson asked for a count of those planning on eating together for dinner so reservations could be made.

    Minutes from the 2008 S-009 meeting in Raleigh were discussed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Fred Allen, and seconded by Paul Raymer. The motion passed. A committee to nominate candidates for secretary for 2010 was formed, consisting of Emerson Shipe and Jorge Mosjidis. The location for the 2010 meeting was predetermined to coincide with the PGOC-CGG meetings in Geneva, NY during July 27-29, 2010 with our S-009 RTAC meeting for one day during this period.

    Gary Pederson gave his report for the Griffin location after discussing Peter Brettings report and Ann Marie Thros poster from the Horticulture meetings. Gary reported that there are 89,451 accession at Griffin, with 78,349 (87.6%) available and 86,237 (96.4%) backed up. Emerson Shipe asked what kinds of material make up the new accessions. Gary Pederson said that it varies by species, with some new acquisitions. Tom Stalker asked about the backup collection, and wanted to know how often it is tested for germination, and will they need to be updated. Gary Pederson said that it is standard procedure to send an update to the backup site each time a germplasm accession is grown out for renewal. Some species such as sorghum can store for 50 years. Dr. Arkin asked about duplications in the collection and the sorghum association panel. Merrilyn Spinks said that there is a lot of duplication in the system, and some of the duplication has been cleaned up. Paul Raymer asked about backup at Ft. Collins. Gary Pederson answered that seeds at Ft. Collins are stored at -18C, and collections of material outside the National Plant Germplasm System, such as the collection of bermudagrass at Tifton, is not counted as backups. Emerson Shipe asked about other locations for the bamboo collection at Savannah, and Gary Pederson mentioned Puerto Rico. Melanie Harrison-Dunn stated that private collections of bamboo are larger than the PI collection, and that the Savannah collection may be in danger. Tom Stalker asked how many accessions of grasses are vegetative, and Melanie Harrison-Dunn stated that 400 accessions are vegetative. Paul Raymer mentioned that peppers are in high demand, due to many small companies. Gary Pederson reminded us that homeowner requests are not granted. Mari Marutani asked if he didnt want those (homeowner) customers, and he responded that the seed is utilized for research, breeding, and educational purposes. Emerson Shipe asked about cucurbits and okra numbers, and Bob Jarret stated that resource (space) issues are a problem with cucurbits, and that okra is a low-priority crop. Mari Marutani asked about shipping costs. Gary Pederson said that some cooperators supply Fedex account numbers for large requests. Tom Stalker asked about hiring/personnel, specifically what number of curators is needed, what is the critical number. Gary Pederson reminded us that at one time, Gil Lovell was the sole curator at Griffin. Currently, ARS policy requires a budget amount of $25,000 per SY for operating expenses, and if this isnt available, the slot is terminated. The Unit must have sufficient funding for curatorial support and operating funds. He said that the Vigna curation position (Graves Gillespie) was lost a few years ago due to insufficient funds. He noted the difference in Cat. 1 vs. Cat. 4 positions, in which Cat. 4 personnel (service scientists) do not have to conduct research and publish. Fred Allen asked about shipping costs, but Gary Pederson said that shipping is not a large expense. Yangi Wu asked about seed increase of cross-pollinating species. Melanie Harrison-Dunn replied that spatial separation is used for cross-pollinated grasses. Tom Stalker asked what proportion of support staff is used for activities other than curation. Gary Pederson answered that the molecular laboratory personnel conduct molecular activities and chemical analyses.

    The group had a break from 3:00-3:25 pm after which time state reports were given. State reports for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas were presented orally (written reports at the S-009 website).

    The nominations committee (Jorge Mosjidis and Emerson Shipe) reported that the candidate for the next secretary of the group was Paul Raymer. No other nominations were made. Fred Allen moved that Paul Raymer be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Tom Stalker and passed. We were reminded that the meeting next year would be in Geneva, NY, July 27-29, 2010. Plans were made for the tour of field plots, greenhouses, and laboratories at Griffin the following morning, August 5, 2009. The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm, August 4, 2009.

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2009 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: A total of 89,451 accessions of 1,529 plant species were maintained in the Griffin plant genetic resources collection. Over 87% of accessions were available for distribution to users and over 96% were backed up for security at a second location. Bulk seed samples for 60,269 accessions were maintained at -18 C for long-term storage with seed of the remaining accessions stored at 4 C. A total of 30,883 seed and clonal accessions in 881 separate orders were distributed upon request to scientists and educators in 47 U.S. states and 45 foreign countries. Acquisitions made to the collection included 94 switchgrass, 230 pearl millet, 67 finger millet, 31 Hibiscus, and 30 vegetable accessions. Seed regenerations and characterization were conducted on 587 peanut, 150 warm-season grass, 323 legume, new, and misc. crop, 106 annual clover, and 10 cucurbit accessions. New regeneration techniques were developed for two Hibiscus, several cucurbits, and a sweetpotato species. Over 600 pepper accessions were grown in the field for characterization and recording of digital images. Digital images of watermelon seed and characterization data for big bluestem were added to the Germplasm Resources Information Newwork (GRIN). A new tablet PC was used to facilitate collection of peanut descriptor data. Long-term maintenance of 525 wild peanut and 398 warm-season grass accessions was continued in the greenhouse. Over 30 warm-season grass accessions and 750 sweetpotato accessions were maintained in tissue culture with eight replications of each sweetpotato clone. Virus screening was conducted on the warm-season grass clonal collection (for maize dwarf mosaic and johnsongrass mosaic viruses) and sweetpotato collection (for sweetpotato leaf curl virus). Tomato spotted wilt virus was found on peanut and clover species in the greenhouse and accessions were evaluated for virus infection by field, lab, and molecular techniques. Germination testing has been completed for 54,054 accessions (over 60% of collection) since 2002. A genotyping technique was developed to detect high oleic acid peanuts and will be useful in evaluating segregating populations to identify progeny with the desirable high oleic acid trait. In collaboration with other ARS scientists, 800 sorghum mutant lines were evaluated by tilling by ten candidate genes and gene function for brown midrib mutants was identified. In collaboration with university and ARS scientists, 96 sweet sorghum accessions were genotyped with 95 markers to determine their genetic diversity and population structure. These accessions will be used as a panel for association mapping in sweet sorghum. The oil content and fatty acid composition was determined for 48 castor bean and 200 peanut accessions. To determine nutritional value of peanut accessions, over 130 peanut accessions or breeding lines were evaluated for resveratrol and isoflavonoid content, and ratio of oleic/linoelic acid. Genetic variability for mineral, flavonoid, and anthocyanin index were determined for lablab, roselle, and perennial soybean accessions. Genetic relatedness was determined among species of pepper and among species of sweetpotato.

    Alabama: Work has focused on evaluation, utilization and breeding of sunn hemp, sericea lespedeza, and upland cotton. Sunn hemp germplasm is being used to develop cultivars that can be used as fodder and as cover crops. Sericea lespedeza is being evaluated for control of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants and for condensed tannin content. A new low-growing sericea lespedeza will be evaluated for road-side use. Upland cotton accessions are being evaluated for resistance to heat and drought.

    Florida: The state of Florida was again active in 2008 for plant genetic resources distribution. According to records provided by S-9, 31 different individuals requested materials from 26 different genera of plants and a total of 310 unique PIs distributed. Eleven of the 31 individuals submitted reports regarding their use of plant genetic resources. These reports described projects involving fourteen genera. Major commodities utilizing plant genetic resources were forages, cucurbits, stone fruits, turfgrass, bioenergy, ornamentals, and a project involving the Department of Homeland Security and Ricinus. Scientists from the University of Florida or with commercial seed companies were utilizing their requested material to screen for increased vigor and agronomic traits, to transfer pest resistance or low chill characteristics, and allelopathic effects. A home schooling group utilized plant genetic resources to obtain vegetable seeds to educate their students about how to plant seeds, produce food, and to harvest and store seeds for future use. Most individuals who responded to a request for information indicated a high level of satisfaction with materials provided and appreciation for the availability of the germplasm.

    Georgia: Eighteen separate requests for plant germplasm were made to the S-009 unit from Georgia during 2008. As a result of these requests, a total of 1173 plant accessions were supplied to University scientists, USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, gardeners, and individuals. The most requested crops were peppers, peanuts, sorghum, watermelon, and bamboo. The University of Georgia has maintained a strong emphasis on plant breeding and continues to expand its advanced molecular biology programs. The Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (IPBGG) was officially established at UGA in 2008. The Institutes philosophy is that modern plant breeding should be integrated with modern genomics and biotechnology to achieve maximum efficiency. These programs supply new crop cultivars and associated technologies to our agricultural sector and rely heavily upon the plant materials maintained within the S-009 unit. UGA currently has active cultivar development programs in soybean, peanut, small grains, cotton, turfgrasses, forages, blueberry, pecan, fruits, vegetables, and numerous ornamental crops that frequently utilize the plant genetic resource collections. In addition, research programs in crop science, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology and other disciplines utilize the genetic resources of the S-009 unit in both basic and applied research projects designed to address the needs of Georgia agriculture. The S-009 unit remains a critical component of our research and cultivar development programs.

    Guam: Horticulturists and undergraduates of Tropical Agricultural Science Program at the University of Guam collected 36,737 seeds, cuttings and plantlets of 23 indigenous species in Guam for a reforestation project of a local landscape company during 2008. Other plant germplasm conservation activity continued to focus on the collection of local germlines of chili pepper and sweetpotato. Propagation of Jatropha curcas continued to support a biofuel research project. At the Guam Agricultural Experiment Station, the distribution of seeds to a local community included corn and okra seeds. Conservation of important tropical plant germlines will support development of sustainable agriculture and forest program in the region. Seven accessions originated from the World Vegetable Center (the Asian Vegetable Research Development Center) in Taiwan were evaluated for their adaptability to the tropical climate of Guam during 2008. Accessions ICPN15#5 and ICPN15#7 had greater yields. Five cultivars, Napolentano, Genovese, Gecofure (Nufer 1), Envigor, and Thai. were studied for their adaptability to tropical conditions in a potting soil medium and in an aquaponic system, and with or without pinching. The greater yield obtained in aquaponics due mainly to the production of more leaves. Nufar 1 produced the highest yield in the aquaponics. Pinching back new growth at the earlier stage of plant development also affected yield and other plant characteristics in various degrees depending on cultivars and environments. Cultivar Thai produced the most number of small leaves. Although Nufar 1 produced the highest yield in our aquaponics system, some chefs preferred other cultivars.

    Hawaii: Germplasm requests in 2008 included Megathyrsus, Pennisetum, Arachis, and Cenchrus. A scientist at the University of HI, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) reported that 252 accessions of Guinea grass and 3 varieties of Bana grass were germinated from seed with a germination rate of 42%. Guinea grass (105 varieties) and Bana grass (3 varieties) were transferred to the field at the CTAHR Waimanalo Research Station on Oahu Island on December 5, 2008. Initial morphological observations suggest high genetic diversity, and evaluation of the accessions is ongoing. Initial analysis with molecular approaches corroborates morphological differences in the above accessions and in wild accessions obtained throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Information from Syngenta on utilization of the Arachis and Cenchrus germplasm is not available. A rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) flowering study in Hawai'i was completed and shows that with the exception of Silengkeng, cultivars planted in Hawai'i produce few or no of hermaphroditic functionally male (HFM) flowers for pollination. Silengkeng produces numerous HFM flowers throughout the anthesis period which makes it a suitable pollinator cultivar. When NAA is applied to panicles, which are composed of predominantly hermaphroditic functionally female (HFF) flowers, development of HFM flowers is stimulated within 6 to 12 days after treatment. Incorporating Silengkeng and male trees in the orchard or treating HFF panicles with NAA at the appropriate stage of development can be strategies for increasing male flowers and fruit set and for reducing the number of fruit with poorly developed arils.

    Kentucky: Todd Pfeiffer expanded his breeding work with sweet sorghum to include biomass/biofuel production. Pfeiffer has screened the PI collection and is using several accessions in crosses with established cultivars, and hybrid production. Tim Phillips has planted a trial to evaluate the winter hardiness in KY of some warm season grasses in the S-009 collection, as well as a breeding nursery for several native warm-season grasses. Only two accessions of flaccidgrass, PI 315868 and 434640 survived two winters, with PI 315868 being superior in hardiness and yield potential. Other warm-season grasses (switchgrass, big bluestem, indiangrass, sideoats gramagrass, and little bluestem) are being evaluated in nurseries for cultivar development. Other germplasm from S-009 coming into KY regularly includes peppers, watermelons, eggplants, and specialty legumes. In 2008, more accessions were shipped to private companies (non-university) than university researchers.

    Louisiana: Accessions of sweetpotato were obtained to screen germplasm for iron and zinc uptake potential. Initial results show about a two-fold variation among accessions in their ability to uptake these micronutrients. A related study showed high heritability for iron and zinc. Additional germplasm was requested for on-going work towards developing resistance to various sweetpotato viruses. Germplasm requested from Kenya was virus-tested and released for research related to resistance to Sweet Potato Virus Disease. Several molecular markers were found linked to resistance. A sizable request of sweetpotato germplasm was made in 2007 to assay for resistance to Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus for a CGC funded project. Germplasm requests for Ipomoea species were requested for varied systematic work. Two sweetpotato varieties were released. Murasaki-29 included parentage originating from the germplasm repository. Germplasm from the bamboo collection is routinely evaluated by a nursery in Louisiana for commercial landscape applications.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. Plant introductions are critical components of plant improvement programs, and NCSU scientists make use of germplasm maintained in the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). The U.S. collection of cultivated and wild Nicotiana species is maintained at NCSU and numerous seed requests are filled annually both to U.S. and international individuals and organizations. During the past year, germplasm and cultivar releases by the NC Agricultural Research Service included one peanut cultivar, one cotton germplasm, one soybean cultivar, two cucumber cultivars, two butterfly bush cultivars, and two watermelon inbred lines. The use of Plant Introductions in the breeding programs in North Carolina is very important to introduce needed germplasm into populations. For example, in the NC State University peanut breeding project, the mean PI ancestry among all lines and families was 19.9%, but the distribution is skewed toward the low end. Twelve percent of the total of 2415 lines and families had more than 50% PI ancestry. In the peanut breeding program, very few families and lines had no PI ancestry, but more than third of all families and lines had less than or equal to 1/64th , and more than 60% had less than or equal to 1/8th PI ancestry.

    Oklahoma: A total of 536 plant accessions from S-009 were distributed to organizations or individuals in Oklahoma in 2008 while the distribution numbers for 2005, 2006 and 2007 were 597, 169 and 295. The requested plant species include sorghum, squash, gourd, okra, peppers, vigna, switchgrass, miscanthus, and other warm-season grasses, and legumes distributed to researchers of Oklahoma State University, the Noble Foundation, USDA-ARS laboratories, Johnston Seed Company, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and two individuals. Dr. Yinghua Huang, USDA-ARS, requested sorghum germplasm to genotype and phenotype the accessions for important traits including greenbug resistance. Their research identified one major QTL and one minor QTL on chromosome nine of sorghum genome contributing to the major part of greenbug resistance. Dr. Yanqi Wu, Plant and Soil Sciences Department, Oklahoma State University requested switchgrass accessions for a graduate thesis research to characterize genetic diversity using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers in switchgrass. The student has completed all the designed gel electrophoreses, and now starts to score the PCR amplified bands. A new switchgrass cultivar, Cimarron developed by the breeding program, was released by Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station in 2008.

    Puerto Rico: At the University of Puerto Rico, research studies were conducted on quenepa (Spanish lime), mandarin, lime, rough lemon, pepper, maize, mango, guava, yam, and ornamental Musa species. At the USDA-ARS,Tropical Agriculture Research Station, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, a light red kidney bean cultivar and nine cacao clones were released. Research was conducted on field collections of mamey sapote, Musa spp., cacao, rumbutan, and banana clones. Sorghum accessions were evaluated for anthracnose resistance, photoperiod sensitivity, and acid soil tolerance. Approximately 1000 seedlings of Spanish lime have been planted for the establishment of a germplasm collection that will become part of the USDA NPGS. Seed increases were conducted for 110 sorghum accessions with critically low seed quantities. The regeneration of 1,260 sorghum accessions with low seed viability or number was conducted at GIRU, US Virgin Islands and a quarantine seed increase was conducted for 420 accessions. Also, 52 accessions of cowpea, 162 of maize, 4 cucurbits, 20 winged bean, and 17 Leucaena were seed regenerated at Mayaguez and Isabela. Over 200 sorghum panicles from accessions regenerated at St. Croix were photographed, images edited, and database tables prepared for the Griffin location for their incorporation into GRIN.

    South Carolina: A total of 423 germplasm accessions were distributed from S-009 to eleven requestors in South Carolina. Accessions distributed were from fourteen different genera and included the following: sweet potato, watermelon, gourd, eggplant, cowpea, peanut, okra, cucurbits, and bamboo. In 2008, twenty-six elite soybean lines or cultivars were tested in a greenhouse to determine their suitability as hosts for reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis. Lines SC98-1930, SC01-819, SC02-208, SC03-9093, SC04-83, SC01-803, and SC01-783A had reproductive indices lower than the resistant S.C. cultivar Santee. The glyphosate-tolerant line SC01-819 has been released and licensed to AgSouth Genetics and will be marketed as AGS 747 RR. Plant introductions from the USDA soybean germplasm collection are being evaluated to identify resistant genotypes to soybean rust disease (SBR). One hundred seven PIs across maturity groups I through IX were evaluated at Blackville, SC in 2008. Data were also collected from Quincy, FL, Attapulgus, GA, Fairhope, AL, and Baton Rouge, LA and submitted for summarization. A preliminary summary indicates that 46 PIs had low scores indicating some level of resistance to SBR across the five locations.

    Texas: The sorghum improvement program at Texas A&M University requested about 3,000 sorghum accessions to identify potentially useful sources of agronomic productivity, disease resistance and biomass composition. Triumph Seed Co. has received sorghum accessions to be used in the development of new A, B and R lines with improved cold tolerance and biomass production. Crimson clover, lablab and cowpea accessions are being evaluated and used as parents in the Texas AgriLife Research forage legume breeding program. Safflower accessions were evaluated on the Texas High Plains. The Texas AgriLife Research peanut improvement program is evaluating PI lines for improved oil content. A new forage peanut release is in progress with selected material derived from PI 262819. Peanut minicore accessions were evaluated in the field for tolerance to drought and salt stress in separate experiments. Research was conducted at the USDA-ARS Childrens Nutrition Research Center at Houston, TX on 14 accessions of Teramnus labialis (wild relative of soybean) to assess the potential of this legume to provide dietary minerals for humans. Seed concentrations were comparable to other cultivated grain legumes for P, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn and higher for Ca and Mg. Cucurbit PI lines were evaluated in the TAMU Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center for health beneficial phytochemicals.

    Virgin Islands: At the University of the Virgin Islands, papayas have been bred and selected for early bearing with fruit set within one meter from the soil level to impart wind tolerance. During 2008, the papaya field was exposed to class 3 hurricane force winds from Omar. The standard sized papayas trees had damage of 90% due to stem breakage or blown over plants. However, the compact early bearing lines developed at UVI had no stem breakage and less than 15% blown over. One of the papaya lines is under trials and expected to be licensed in the near future. Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) was started late due to the seeds, though correctly labeled, sent to the British Virgin Islands. Seedlings were set out in the late fall which resulted in a crop past the normal season. A survey of sweet potatoes grown by local farmers indicated all were infected by one or more viruses. Virus-free sweet potatoes, obtained from Griffin, have been used in micropropagation studies as well as field trials. Eleven virus-free lines are under cultivation to evaluate their production under Virgin Island conditions and compare it with the local virus-infected material.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 89,451 accessions of 252 genera and 1,529 species. Currently, 96.4% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 87.6% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. In 2008, a total of 30,883 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 881 orders to users in 47 states and 45 foreign countries, with 13,563 accessions distributed to users in the S-009 states. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on over 11,200 accessions in the last year with over 60% of the entire collection at Griffin tested for germination since 2002. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Currently, over 68.7% (over 60,200 accessions) of the entire Griffin collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.
    4. Characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Digital images of cowpea, bamboo, and chile pepper accessions were taken. Variation for oil content and fatty acid composition was determined for 107 peanut accessions. A new technique was developed to detect high oleic acid peanuts. A panel of 96 sweet sorghum accessions was genotyped with 95 molecular markers to determine the population structure and genetic diversity within this group of accessions. Characterization for descriptors was conducted on chile pepper, warm-season grasses, peanut, misc. legume, new crop, annual clover, cucurbit, and other accessions. All evaluation, characterization, and image data was uploaded onto the GRIN database.
    5. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2009 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514).
    Last Modified: 05-Oct-2009

    Date of Annual Report: 09/20/2010

    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:
    The meeting was called to order at the Ramada Geneva Lakefront Hotel at 1:00 pm on July 27, 2010 by Tim Phillips, Chair. Those present introduced themselves. Due to weather problems and flight delays, Don LaBonte (LA), Paul Raymer (GA), and Tom Zimmerman (Virgin Islands) were unable to make it to Geneva in time to attend the S-009 meeting. Ann Blount agreed to serve as acting S-009 Secretary and take minutes for Paul Raymer. Dr. Gerald Arkin, the administrative advisor for the S-009 RTAC, welcomed the group to the S-009 meeting in Geneva. He gave an overview about the role of the CGCs, citing their responsibilities. He stressed the need to report back to the state administrators about the PI collections and GRIN if there are any short comings or needs. He mentioned the importance of letting clientele know where plant germplasm comes from and inform the public more about the role of NPGS in our presentations and writings. The minutes from the 2009 meeting were approved as previously circulated and posted on the website. There were no changes to the agenda. Two new Crop Germplasm Committees (CGC), Medicinal Plants CGC and Specialty Nut Crops CGC, have been created and are being organized.

    Ann Marie Thro gave a NIFA update and stressed that we remember to recognize and cite that Hatch funding was used to support various research projects. Hatch funding support should be mentioned in any relevant CRIS reporting, resulting publications, annual reports, and presentations. Also it should be reported in plant registration articles in the Journal of Plant Registration and Journal of Horticulture Science where Hatch funding supported the development of cultivars or germplasm. Hatch funding will be flat this next year. AFRI funding is up 20% and genetic resources will be up under AFRI. The only way to get Hatch funding increased is to promote the fact that Hatch funds directly support our programs. We need to ask the editors of the various journals to remind authors to mention Hatch funding support where applicable. Ken Quesenberry might be willing to contact the CSSA editorial chair and suggest this to authors. Ann Marie also mentioned CRIS reporting, particularly the outcome and impact sections. The non-technical summary is a mini publicity effort and needs to be taken more seriously; especially noting how the research involves other researchers and how the outcome impacts clientele/farmers. Soon reporting will be done through REEport within a two year period.

    Gary Pederson discussed the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit accomplishments over the past year. This included a general discussion about what is housed at the Griffin, GA location. There was some discussion of seed storage at -18 C and a building addition to the ARS Seed Processing building that will house a new 4 C cold room for seed storage at Griffin. The addition of this cold storage room will enable previous 4 C cold storage to become -18 C storage enabling bulk seed of the entire Griffin collection to be housed at -18 C. Gary also reiterated Ann Marie Thros concern about mentioning the Hatch funding that we use to support our research and also that we should recognize NPGS and its impact on our research. More specifically, we should indicate in publications and presentations what percent (%) NPGS germplasm contributed to the development of any new variety. Gary discussed changes in curation of collections located at Griffin. John Erpelding, sorghum curator at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, has taken a new position at Stoneville, MS. Currently, Gary is serving as the acting sorghum curator. He also reported that Roy Pittman will become the Vigna curator as soon as a new peanut curator is hired. The plan is to complete the search and selection of a new peanut curator shortly after October 1, 2010. There was discussion about the amount of accessions that had low germination rates and how to better report that information at S-009 and CGC meetings. Tom Stalker encouraged more reporting of regeneration plans from the curators, especially regeneration plans from the new peanut curator. Gary noted that he will have the curators present their regeneration plans to the S-009 committee at the meeting next year in Griffin.

    Noelle Barkley reported on Detection of sweetpotato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) in the U.S. germplasm collection via real-time PCR. Mari Marutani asked how difficult the assay was to run and discussed the possibility of learning how to run the assay during the next S-009 meeting in Griffin. She would like to have a better understanding of the viral status of sweetpotatoes in Guam. Peter Bretting discussed GRIN Global and stated that it is 90% accomplished. He stated that Griffin will have a modest increase in its budget. Overall budget increases of $40 million dollar will mostly go into salaries, cost of living increases, and STEP increases across the agency. Also, the Foreign Affairs committee has to approve the germplasm treaty and there is still a hold up.

    State reports for Florida, Guam, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and South Carolina were presented orally (written reports at the S-009 website). Written reports were distributed for Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, and Virginia. James Frelichowski reported on the status of the cotton germplasm collection at College Station, TX. The 2011 S-009 meeting will be held in Griffin, GA, on August 2-3, 2011 starting at 1:00pm on Tuesday, August 2nd. The incoming S-009 Chair will be Paul Raymer. Kevin Kenworthy was nominated to be the incoming secretary. There were no other nominations and Kevin was elected. S-009 members were encouraged to attend the joint RTAC/CGC Chairs/PGOC session tomorrow morning and the tour at Geneva in the afternoon. The meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm.

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2010 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: A total of 90,668 accessions of 1,546 plant species were maintained in the Griffin plant genetic resources collection. Over 87.9% of accessions were available for distribution to users and over 96.3% were backed up for security at a second location. Bulk seed samples for 62,524 accessions were maintained at -18 C for long-term storage with seed of the remaining accessions stored at 4 C. A total of 40,449 seed and clonal accessions in 899 separate orders were distributed upon request to scientists and educators in 50 U.S. states and 38 foreign countries. Acquisitions made to the collection included 354 sorghum, 125 peanut, 70 annual clover, 68 warm-season grasses, and 22 vegetable accessions. A plant collection trip was conducted in northern Florida for native switchgrass germplasm. Seed regenerations and characterization were conducted on 275 peanut, 103 warm-season grass, 70 pepper, 346 legume, new, and misc. crop, 42 annual clover, and 8 cucurbit accessions. New regeneration techniques were developed for Hibiscus and Bituminaria species. Over 300 pepper accessions were grown in the field for characterization and recording of digital images. Digital images of cowpea, sorghum, pepper, and warm-season grass accessions, and pepper root rot and watermelon root knot nematode data were added to the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Long-term maintenance of 543 wild peanut and 410 warm-season grass accessions was continued in the greenhouse. Over 30 warm-season grass accessions and 750 sweetpotato accessions were maintained in tissue culture with eight replications of each sweetpotato clone. Virus screening was completed on the sweetpotato collection for sweetpotato leaf curl virus. Germination testing has been completed for 60,207 accessions (over 67% of collection) since 2002. A genotyping technique was developed to detect high oleic acid peanuts and will be useful in evaluating segregating populations to identify progeny with the desirable high oleic acid trait. Molecular analysis and ploidy level determinations are underway for newly acquired switchgrass germplasm from Florida. Basic descriptors were collected on the entire U.S. bamboo collection. The oil content was determined for the entire U.S. castor bean (over 1,000 accessions) and okra (over 1,200 accessions) collections and the U.S. sesame collection is currently being evaluated for oil content. Fifty castor bean accessions are being grown in the field to verify oil content and determine relationships with fatty acid composition. Okra accessions varying in oil content will be evaluated for fatty acid composition. In collaboration with other ARS scientists in Dawson, GA, the peanut mini-core collection was grown in the field for morphological evaluation, is being biochemically analyzed in the lab, and is being genotyped with 84 genetic markers. In collaboration with Kansas State University scientists, association analysis will be conducted to identify association of genetic markers with useful peanut traits.

    Alabama: Current work focuses on evaluation, utilization and breeding of sunn hemp and sericea lespedeza species. Sunn hemp germplasm is being used for development of cultivars for the continental US. Sericea lespedeza is being evaluated for control of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants and for condensed tannin content. A new low-growing sericea lespedeza will be evaluated for road-side use with colleagues at Auburn, GA, LA, AR, and USDA at several locations. Current work focuses on evaluation, utilization and breeding of upland cotton. Cotton accessions continue to be evaluated to resistance to reniform nematode, but we have not been able to find adequate resistance in materials we have evaluated. We also continue to evaluate accessions for resistance to heat and drought, and have begun the introgression of some putative heat tolerant accessions into adapted germplasm for further study. We are also conducting a study on the impact of exotic germplasm introgression on cotton yield and fiber quality traits.

    Florida: Florida remained active in 2009 for plant genetic resources distribution and use, with 28 different individuals requested materials from 25 different genera of plants and a total of 510 unique PIs distributed. Affiliation of individuals obtaining materials included University of Florida scientists, USDA scientists, private research organizations, private citizens, and public schools. Most individuals who responded to a request for information indicated a high level of satisfaction with materials provided and appreciation for the availability of the germplasm. Users included public and private plant breeding companies, NGOs, and private individuals.

    Georgia: Thirty separate requests for plant germplasm were made to the S-9 unit by the citizens of Georgia during 2009. As a result of these requests, a total of 723 plant accessions were supplied to University scientists, USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, gardeners, and individuals. The most requested crops were sorghum, castor, watermelon, peanut, paspalum and peppers. The Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (IPBGG), officially established at UGA in 2008, has 20 faculty members and six affiliated members. Georgia plant breeding programs supply new crop cultivars and associated technologies to our agricultural sector and rely heavily upon the plant materials maintained within the S-9 unit. UGA currently has active cultivar development programs in soybean, peanut, small grains, cotton, turf grass, forages, blueberry, pecan, fruits, vegetables, and numerous ornamental crops that frequently utilize the plant genetic resource collections. In addition, research programs in crop science, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, and other disciplines utilize the genetic resources of the S-9 unit in both basic and applied research projects designed to address the needs of Georgia agriculture. The S-9 unit remains a critical component of our research and cultivar development programs.

    Guam: The University of Guam continued to maintain local lines of sweetpotato and chili pepper. Seeds of sunnhemp originated from Taiwan were collected for future field evaluation with other lines. A chili pepper cultivar was collected locally as a new entry. Seeds of Jatropha curcas and Calophyllum inophyllum are being collected for a research project on evaluation of potential biodiesel oil production in Guam. A local line of pumpkin was planted for seed collection at Guam Agricultural Experiment Station Yigo Farm. Nine leafy lettuce cultivars were evaluated at the Yigo Farm during the rainy season. A two-year field trial of five yardlong-bean selections in three different soils, Pulantat clay soil, Akina silty clay soil and Guam cobbly clay loam soil in Guam was summarized for dissemination of the results. Four cultivars and a germline obtained from a local farm were tested. The study indicated that yield potential of yardlong bean would be improved by selection of planting season, location, and cultivar.

    Hawaii: Germplasm requested in 2009 included Dactyloctenium, Ipomea batatas, Megathyrsus, and Pennisetum. Dactyloctenium australe (sweet smother grass) seeds were received for evaluation as a shade tolerant ground cover in macadamia orchards by the University of Hawaii (UH) and two commercial macadamia growers. Plantlets of 86 sweetpotato varieties were received by a UH cooperative extension agent and will be evaluated for their productivity, insect and disease tolerance and commercial potential. Pennisetum purpureum and Megathyrsus maximus accessions are being evaluated at the UH with wild accessions from Hawaii for biofuels production in different environments. Collaborative research with Dr. Lisa Keith, USDA-ARS Plant Pathologist, has determined that Phytophthora tropicalis is the cause of macadamia quick decline (MQD), a problem which has been responsible for death of a large number of mature macadamia trees in Hawaii. Experimental results show that trunk injections with Fosphite fungicide can be effective in preventing or delaying return of MQD symptoms if trees are treated when signs of MQD are first observed. A study to monitor longan (cv. Biew Kiew) fruit growth, fruit quality, and the pattern of moisture and nutrient accumulation during fruit development was initiated. A heavy infestation of armored scales on rambutan tree leaves and fruits was observed at the University of Hawaii Waiakea Agricultural Research Station. A presentation to growers and its impact on fruit export was made to enable growers to identify the pest. Growers were also alerted that a number of bio-control insects were found feeding and that chemical control options are available with buprofezin.

    Kentucky: Todd Pfeiffer continues to work on sweet sorghum breeding, but much less now that he is the chairman of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky. Mike Barrett has picked up his sweet sorghum biomass research project. Sadly, Dr. Morris Bitzer passed away from a sudden illness in the spring. He has been an avid advocate of sweet sorghum and had retired from a grain crops extension position at U.K. Tim Phillips has planted a trial to evaluate the winter hardiness in KY of some warm season grasses in the S9 collection, as well as a breeding nursery for several native warm-season grasses. In 2009, he obtained some finger millet accessions and a few other African species to investigate performance of C4 gluten-free grain crops. Many of the switchgrass accessions in a selection nursery appear to have become infected with a virus. Other germplasm sent to KY in 2009 includes sorghum, pepper, watermelon, clovers, peanut, Ipomoea, and vinca. In 2009, more university researchers requested accessions than private companies or individuals, with three institutions housing these researchers (University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University, and Kentucky Wesleyan University).

    Louisiana: Germplasm from the bamboo collection is routinely evaluated by a nursery in Louisiana for commercial landscape applications. More accessions of Phyllostachys edulis, Phyllostachys vivax, Bambusa multiplex, and Bambusa textilis are needed in the collection. Sweetpotato accessions were requested to identify sources of resistance to Sweet Potato Leaf Curl Virus. Research on Ipomoea accessions include evolutionary ecology, molecular evolution and population genetics of genes involved in flower color, as well as the phylogenetic systematics of morning glories (species of the tribe Ipomoeae). Hibiscus accessions were requested to identify fatty acid profiles (as methyl esters) of repository plants to help confirm the identity of peaks observed in related Gossypium (cotton) samples. Legumes were examined for induced flavonoids/isoflavonoids (phytoalexins) in legumes for anticancer and antiobesity activities. Research has expanded to other legumes. Certain species of Teramnus make a phytoalexin called glyceollins that is produced in soybean and has anticancer activity.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. NCSU is hiring a soybean breeder to replace Dr. Joe Burton when he retires within the coming year. Priorities are on incorporating disease and insect resistance, abiotic stress resistance, and quality factors into improved breeding lines and cultivars. Plant introductions are critical components of plant improvement programs, and NCSU scientists make use of germplasm maintained in the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). During the past year, 32 individuals received 459 entries to NC from the Griffin station, including 6 cultivated peanut, 212 Arachis species, 13 sorghum, 1 cowpea, 92 sweetpotato, 2 eggplant, 10 peppers, 3 clover, 2 Cucurbit spp., 2 watermelon and 116 warm season grasses. The U.S. collection of cultivated and wild Nicotiana species is maintained at NCSU and numerous seed requests are filled annually both to U.S. and international individuals and organizations. During the past year, both germplasm lines and cultivars have been released by the NC Agricultural Research Service including 7 maize inbreds, 2 oat inbreds, 1 pickling cucumber germplasm, 1 pickling cucumber cultivar, 3 redbud clones, 1 soybean cultivar, 1 soybean germplasm, 1 summersweet clone, 2 sweetpotato ornamental clones, 1 switchgrass population, 2 tomato cultivars, 3 tomato germplasms, 2 winter wheat cultivars, and 4 winter wheat germplasms.

    Oklahoma: Plant germplasm distribution records received from S-9 indicate that 352 plant accessions maintained at the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit at Griffin, GA were distributed to organizations or individuals in Oklahoma the last year, from August 2009 through July 2010. The accessions were distributed in 21 respective requests. Respective annual plant germplasm distribution numbers for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 were 597, 169, 295 and 431. The requested plant species in 2009 include sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) (214), sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) (81), Guar (Cyamopsis sp.) (33), squash (Cucurbita spp.), Okra (Abelmoschus sp.), vigna (Vigna spp.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus sp.) and other warm-season grasses, and legumes. Receivers of the plant accessions represent researchers of Oklahoma State University, the Noble Foundation, USDA-ARS laboratories, and individual Oklahomans.

    Puerto Rico: Eighteen quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus) cultivars are in the fifth year of evaluation at Juana Díaz and Lajas. At Juana Díaz and Lajas, respectively, 48% and 22% of the trees fruited in 2009. Horticultural traits and fruit quality parameters (pH, TSS, acid, and TSS/acid ratio) were measured on the mandarin cultivars Encore, Murcott and Fallglo on five rootstocks in Corozal. At Isabela, a citrus germplasm collection was established in the screenhouse and citrus rootstocks are being propagated for new experiments to be established at Corozal and Adjuntas. Five hybrid and five open-pollinated Cubanelle-type pepper cultivars were evaluated from February to May. Twelve Mayaguezano-type mango clones on Banilejo dwarfing rootstock are being evaluated in the field at Lajas. A field planting of 14 guava accessions is being evaluated at Juana Díaz. Estela hybrid tannier production was evaluated using planting material of different source and size. Marketable yield was increased by 27% when planting material from main corm sections was used, compared with crowns. Cuerno de Arce plantain was evaluated with and without a chicken manure soil amendment. One hundred half-sib lines of Suresweet sweet corn are being evaluated in a replicated performance trial. After the second cycle of mass selection has been completed, a manuscript will be prepared for the formal release of this sweet corn variety as Suresweet 10. Cabezona pineapple clones HT1-N, HT2-N and I-B showed the best fruit characteristics (size, weight and brix). Germplasm requests in Puerto Rico in 2009 include 221 Citrullus sp., 1 Praecitrullus sp., and 16 Crotalaria sp.

    South Carolina: A total of 925 germplasm accessions were distributed by the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit at Griffin, GA including 478 Vigna (cowpea), 6 Arachis (peanut), 309 Citrullus (watermelon), 13 Praecitrullus (watermelon), 16 gourd, 7 Luffa, 23 Cucurbit spp., 1 Solanum (eggplant), 3 Cymbopogon (lemon grass), 5 Catharanthus, 2 Cucurbita, 44 Ipomoea (sweetpotato), 2 Trifolium (clover), 1 Sesamum (sesame), 12 Capsicum (pepper), and 1 Abelmoschus (Okra) accession. In 2009, twenty-one elite lines and/or cultivars from the Clemson University soybean breeding program were tested as hosts for reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis. Elite lines SC06-687, SC05-642, SC01-803, and SC03-9093 had reproductive indices lower than the reniform resistant breeding line, SC02-208. USDA soybean germplasm accessions were evaluated for soybean rust (SBR) resistance in seven locations in the southern U.S. The objective is to identify and confirm PIs that exhibit resistance to rust isolates in multiple locations in order to provide soybean breeders with guidance in choosing parents for crosses made to develop rust-resistant soybean cultivars with competitive yields. Ninety-one genotypes across maturity groups III through IX were planted at Blackville, S.C. August 18, 2009, in three replications. A manuscript summarizing results of the PI screening effort has been accepted by Crop Science.

    Texas: Switchgrass research is in progress at Weslaco, TX using two PI lines (PI422016 and PI431575). Four accessions of Pennisetum purpureum (PI 316421, 410305, 410306, 410307) are in biomass production evaluations near College Station, TX. The Texas A&M Sorghum Improvement Program requests approximately 2,000 sorghum accessions annually. We screen these lines for agronomic potential and any other desirable traits that we may find. Some will be crossed to elite adapted lines to develop new breeding populations for selection. Three sorghum lines requested by Dr. Cleve Franks are currently being grown at Taft and Plainview for seed increases and evaluation for head smut, downy mildew and anthracnose resistance. Nineteen PI's of big hop clover (Trifolium campestre) were evaluated for adaptation to northeast Texas. Crimson clover, lablab and cowpea accessions are being evaluated. Peanut germplasm materials requested this past year were used to re-establish the lines in our germplasm collection at Stephenville and for use in making crosses to improve our cultivated varieties. The USDA/NRCS Plant Materials Center in Kingsville, Texas received collections in 2009 of 9 Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis), 27 purple bushbean (Macroptilium atropurpureum), 5 poormans friend (Stylosanthes viscosa) and 16 sunn hemp (Crotolaria juncea) accessions from S-009. Accessions of Aleppo chilies are in evaluations for seed and pepper production in Texas.

    Virginia: Germplasm from S-009 was acquired in Virginia both by academics for research purposes and from the public for trials in farms and gardens. Backyard gardeners conducted trials of eggplant, pepper, watermelon and cultivated peanut. Researchers at Virginia State University evaluated several new oilseeds (Brassica sp.) and legume crops (Sunn hemp, Guar, Lablab) for potential production. Another study at Virginia State University was conducted to test the market for niche and ethnic crops, e.g., jute seed and jute leaf that was test marketed in farmers markets around Richmond where it was received favorably by the Middle Eastern community and others aware of its culinary uses. Additional work will be conducted on two Solanum spp, four cowpea lines and Cleome, to test demand among local communities of African origin. Crotalaria brevidens (Sunn hemp) was studied for its potential as a biomass crop with the conclusion that it can fit well into short-rotation sustainable vegetable production systems in the Southeast. Peanut, pepper and watermelon accessions were used in research at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Argentina in a differential host test to identify the race of nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and in hybrid development among solanaceous species. These activities document the distribution and utilization of plant genetic resources, a primary objective of the regional project, in Virginia.

    Virgin Islands: Sorrel was planted in November to determine the production potential of a late planted sorrel. Twenty varieties were evaluated which included local varieties as well as from the USDA Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit in Griffin, GA. Sorrel plots were established as on-farm trials in three locations. Late planting of Sorrel in November provided harvest in February through March. This extends the production potential of this crop from the traditional December through January. The late winter production was at a time when demand is great for the product which results in a higher market price for the farmer. Branch angle was variable among accessions with upright branching more favorable for harvest. Breeding has been initiated to develop day neutral lines with large dark red calyxes. Eleven virus-free varieties of sweetpotato were obtained in vitro from Griffin and micropropagated to generate plants for field trials. Sweetpotatoes were established in the field at three month intervals. The virus-free sweetpotatoes grew vigorously. Two varieties developed excessive vines. Four varieties had better tuberous root quality than locally grown varieties that farmers are using to increase production.

    Impact Statements:
    1. 1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 90,668 accessions of 255 genera and 1,546 species. Currently, 96.3% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 87.9% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. 2. In 2009, a total of 40,449 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 899 orders to users in all 50 states and 38 foreign countries, with 18,444 accessions distributed to users in the S-009 states. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. 3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on over 9,800 accessions in the last year with over 67% of the entire collection at Griffin tested for germination since 2002. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Currently, over 70% (over 62,500 accessions) of the entire Griffin collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.
    4. 4. Characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Digital images of cowpea, sorghum, chile pepper and warm-season grass accessions were taken. Variation for oil content was determined for the entire castor bean (>1,000 accessions) and okra (>1,200 accessions) collections. Virus screening was completed on the entire sweetpotato collection for sweetpotato leaf curl virus. Characterization for descriptors was conducted on chile pepper, warm-season grasses, peanut, misc. legume, new crop, annual clover, cucurbit, and other accessions. All evaluation, characterization, and image data was uploaded onto the GRIN database.
    5. 5. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2010 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514).
    Last Modified: 22-Sep-2010

    Date of Annual Report: 09/27/2011

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 08/02/11 to 08/03/11
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2011 to 09/2011

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The meeting was called to order by Paul Raymer (Chair) at 1:07 pm on August 2, 2011 on the University of Georgia, Griffin, GA campus at the University of Georgia Research and Education Garden building. Paul welcomed attendees and introductions were done around the room. Kevin Kenworthy, Secretary, took the minutes. Dr. Gerald Arkin, the administrative advisor for the S-009 RTAC and Associate Dean of the Griffin Campus, welcomed the group to the Griffin Campus. He was excited to have the group back on campus and stated that he remains committed to the program as it relates to the plant industry, the conservation of germplasm and making germplasm publically available. He stated that progress has been made in the Griffin program and that the quality of the preserved material has improved. In particular, he noted that the collection is in great shape despite the current uncertainties surrounding their budget. He shared some comments from the National Plant Germplasm Coordinating Committee which had raised the question, Should NPGS charge for requested material? It was deemed that this was impractical and that the germplasm system would be worse off if charges were imposed. He further commented that both the UGA Deans and the southern directors appreciate the program.

    Paul Raymer asked for a motion to approve the 2010 minutes which was made and seconded. The motion was approved. He also asked for any additions to the agenda. There was a request to have comments from the Units molecular geneticist and pathologist to relate their activities with use of the germplasm. An update and presentation on the webpage was also requested. These items were added to the end of the agenda. Fred Allen and Tom Zimmerman were appointed to nominate a secretary and location for next year.

    Gary Pederson provided a report on the National Program staff and noted some changes in personnel. He discussed website development and that a new version of GRIN is in the works. Gary gave a presentation that provided a summary of PGRCU for the year and the current status of collections, the size of collections, the number of available accessions and the number of backed up accessions. He noted that all numbers continue to increase and that germination testing has increased in the last year for sorghum, cowpea, peanuts, grasses and that 77% of the overall collection has been tested for germination. An update of storage capabilities was provided and he noted that current -18 C storage is full. The distribution of accessions went to 49 states (none to Alaska) and 47 other countries (and U.S. territories). A comment was made that U.S. territories should be included with the states. Gary states that these figures are provided by GRIN and that including territories with the states would require a change in GRIN. Gary concluded the PGRCU report with an update on funding, staff numbers (soon to advertise a peanut S-009 technician position), curator changes and building construction.

    A written regeneration plan was provided for all in attendance and each curator made a presentation on status of their collection, regeneration and characterization in 2011, and regeneration of the entire collection. Reports were given by Gary Pederson on the clover and sorghum collections, Brad Morris on the miscellaneous legumes collection, Bob Jarret on the vegetable crops collection, Roy Pittman on the Vigna collection, Melanie Harrison-Dunn on the warm season grass collection, and Noelle Barkley on the peanut collection. Ming Li Wang provided a verbal report on his activities investigating chemical characterization of germplasm with different curators. David Pinnow provided a verbal report on virology activities and noted the recent completion of a 20 year project to screen for viruses in the sweet potato collection. At 5:00pm the meeting was adjourned until 8:00am August 3rd.

    The meeting re-convened at 8:00am, August 3rd, at the University of Georgia Research and Education Garden building, Griffin, GA and departed for a tour of PGRCU facilities. We were able to see field facilities, a new equipment storage pole barn, many of the collections, tour the cold storage facilities and see the construction progress on a new 4 C storage unit that will enable a previous 4 C storage facility to be changed to -18 C storage. At 10:00am the committee returned to the University of Georgia Research and Education Garden building, Griffin, GA.

    State reports were presented by Tom Zimmerman (University of Virgin Islands), Emerson Shipe (South Carolina), Kevin Kenworthy (Florida), Fred Allen (Tennessee), Tom Stalker (North Carolina), Mari Marutani (Guam), Don LaBonte (Louisiana), and Paul Raymer (Georgia). Written reports were distributed for Alabama, Hawaii, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia.

    The 2012 S-009 meeting will be held in Griffin, GA. The dates of August 1-2 or 8-9, 2012 were discussed and the dates were tentatively set for July 31  August 1, 2012 starting at 1:00 pm on July 31st. The incoming S-009 Chair will be Kevin Kenworthy. Mari Muratani was nominated to be the incoming S-009 secretary. There were no other nominations and Mari was elected. Tom Stalker thanked the staff for presentations and for showing the plans for regeneration. He recommended that the group report back to their respective Deans and Directors to enforce the importance of the National Plant Germplasm System. Paul Raymer thanked everyone for their participation. Tom Stalker motioned to adjourn the meeting and Fred Allen seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 11:25am.

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2011 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: A total of 90,942 accessions of 1,534 plant species were maintained in the Griffin plant genetic resources collection. Over 87.7% of accessions were available for distribution to users and over 97.1% were backed up for security at a second location. Bulk seed samples for 66,995 accessions were maintained at -18 C for long-term storage with seed of the remaining accessions stored at 4 C. A total of 28,308 seed and clonal accessions in 925 separate orders were distributed upon request to scientists and educators in 49 U.S. states and 47 foreign countries. Acquisitions made to the collection included 143 sorghum, 144 warm-season grasses, 19 vegetable, and 2 other accessions. Seed regenerations and characterization were conducted on 299 peanut, 131 cowpea, 46 warm-season grass, 60 pepper, 361 legume, new, and misc. crop, 91 annual clover, and 30 other vegetable accessions. A plant collection trip was conducted in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina for naturalized Sorghum halepense germplasm that is in demand for sorghum gene flow studies. Seed regenerations and characterization were conducted on 299 peanut, 131 cowpea, 46 warm-season grass, 60 pepper, 361 legume, new, and misc. crop, 91 annual clover, and 30 other vegetable accessions. Over 300 pepper accessions were grown in the field for regeneration, characterization and recording of digital images. Digital images of cowpea, sorghum, cucurbit, and watermelon accessions, and pepper capsaicin content, peanut core selection, sorghum, and sweet sorghum data were added to the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Long-term maintenance of 241 wild peanut and 458 warm-season grass accessions was continued in the greenhouse. Over 30 warm-season grass accessions and 712 sweetpotato accessions were maintained in tissue culture with eight replications of each sweetpotato clone. Germination testing has been completed for 69,556 accessions (over 77% of collection) since 2002. In cooperation with vegetable industry plant pathologists, differential sets of four vegetable crops are being established and distributed to researchers for identification of disease races. Fatty acid content was determined for the entire U.S. castor bean (over 1,000 accessions) and sesame (over 1,200 accessions) collections and 98 okra accessions. Over 660 castor accessions were genotyped with 15 SSR markers for further genetic classification. A population of over 1,900 mutant watermelon seeds was developed for a mutant TILLING study with ARS cooperators in Charleston, SC. Ploidy level was determined for the entire St. Augustine and seashore paspalum grass collections. Photoperiod-sensitive Neonotonia, Teramnus, and annual clover accessions were successfully regenerated in the greenhouse. A total of 92 peanut accessions were successfully evaluated under quarantine and disease-free seed was produced. In association with Kansas State University scientists, 1,000 biomass sorghum accessions will be evaluated for plant morphology, biochemical composition, and genotype.

    Alabama: Current work focuses on evaluation, utilization and breeding of sunn hemp and sericea lespedeza species. Sunn hemp germplasm is being used for development of cultivars for the continental US. Two sunn hemp cultivars were released. Sericea lespedeza is being evaluated for control of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants and for condensed tannin content. A new low-growing sericea lespedeza will be evaluated for road-side use with colleagues at Auburn, GA, LA, AR, and USDA at several locations. Current work focuses on evaluation, utilization and breeding of upland cotton. Cotton accessions continue to be evaluated to resistance heat and drought. We are also conducting a study on the impact of exotic germplasm introgression on cotton yield and fiber quality traits. We are evaluating 300 soybean accessions per year in a USDA-sponsored evaluation of germplasm for resistance to Asian soybean rust.

    Florida: Florida was very active in 2010 for plant genetic resources distribution and use, with 31 different individuals requesting materials from 18 different genera of plants and a total of 1,230 unique PIs distributed. Affiliation of individuals obtaining materials included University of Florida scientists, USDA scientists, private research organizations, private citizens, and public schools. Most individuals who responded to a request for information indicated a high level of satisfaction with materials provided and appreciation for the availability of the germplasm. Research and educational training was conducted with bahiagrass, Hemarthria, gamagrass, wiregrass, perennial peanut, lettuce, pepper, clover, sunn hemp, peanut, sweet and grain sorghum, and bermudagrass accessions.

    Georgia: During 2010, 31 separate requests for plant germplasm were made to the S-9 unit by the citizens of Georgia. As a result of these requests, 332 plant accessions were supplied to University scientists, USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, gardeners, and individuals. The most requested crops were peanut, warm-season grasses, sorghum, and watermelon. The Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics (IPBGG) has 22 faculty members, 10 MS students, and 13 Ph.D. students. Georgia plant breeding programs supply new crop cultivars and associated technologies to our agricultural sector and rely heavily upon the plant materials maintained within the S-9 unit. UGA currently has active cultivar development programs in soybean, peanut, small grains, turf grass, forages, blueberry, pecan, grape and numerous ornamental crops that frequently utilize the plant genetic resource collections. The entire seashore paspalum collection was screened for salt tolerance in 2010. Accessions of the warm-season grass collection are being evaluated for new mutations that would be useful in developing herbicide resistance in turfgrass. The S-009 Unit remains a critical component of our research and cultivar development programs in Georgia.

    Guam: Conservation efforts continued for local germlines of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) and field corn (Zea mays). Evaluation of selected cultivars of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) was conducted as on-farm trials. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) including 15 obtained from USDA/ARS/PGRCU Griffin GA, and a local check (a Taiwan variety commonly used in Guam) were tested for their field performance in calcareous Guam cobbly clay soil (pH 7.8) from 7/16/10 to 9/27/10. The majority reached the reproductive stage at 72 days after planting except three accessions, PI 468956, PI 561720, and PI 234771. Early maturation was observed with four accessions of PI 207657, PI 391567, PI 250487, and PI 322377. Tropic Sun developed in Hawaii was a late maturing cultivar that produced the greatest biomass at harvest. Conservation and evaluation of important tropical plant germlines will support development of sustainable agriculture in the region. Searching for new germlines and commercial cultivars with heat tolerance and pest resistance will assist growers to choose locally adapted vegetables and green manure plants to sustain their manageable farming operation in Guam.

    Hawaii: The USDA/ARS, Hilo Germplasm Unit continued to manage 14 tropical fruit and nut crops at the clonal repository in Hilo Hawaii (approx. 1000 accessions). The collection represents a diverse economically important collection of tropical fruit and nut crops such as pineapple, macadamia, guava, papaya, pili nut, peach palm, breadfruit, lychee and longan, carambola and their relatives. Preliminary tests were initiated on tissue culture storage of rambutan, pulasan and Canarium germplasm. Germplasm introductions were 32 and 34 distributions were made of 240 items. Evaluation activities included: 1) guava germplasm tolerance to the Oriental fruit fly using cage inoculation of fruits at different maturities. 2) Kapoho solo seeds regenerated at our PRSV free field in Paauilo were planted to select for and maintain a uniform source of the Kapoho papaya germplasm. 3) Observations of growth and production of ohelo at three locations continued. Three clonal selections for berry and ornamental potted plants production were released and tissue culture plugs of two ohelo selections were made available. Continued working with the S.W. Forestry University in Yunnan and two representatives from Hainan China to plan for future plant germplasm exchanges.

    Louisiana: Hibiscus sabdariffa germplasm seeds were screened to select early maturing hibiscus accessions for Louisiana climatic conditions. Out of 17 accessions, one failed to germinate. One accession from South Africa showed promise. Seed of Desmanthus illinoensis received from the NPGS will be combined with other native materials and used for variety development. Malvaceae family species are being screened for odd-chain unsaturated fatty acids in their seed oils. These fatty acids were identified in the initial accessions and additional accessions will be screened. Research on Ipomoea accessions include evolutionary ecology, molecular evolution and population genetics of genes involved in flower color, as well as the phylogenetic systematics of morning glories (species of the tribe Ipomoeae). Rice and red rice lines were used to investigate the genetics of photoperiodic flowering response.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweetpotato, cucurbits, and other crops. Priorities are on incorporating disease and insect resistance, abiotic stress resistance, and quality factors into improved breeding lines and cultivars. Plant introductions are critical components of plant improvement programs, and NCSU scientists make use of germplasm maintained in the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). During the past year, 18 individuals received 115 entries to NC from the Griffin station, including peanut, sorghum, sweetpotato, pepper, watermelon and warm season grasses. The U.S. collection of cultivated and wild Nicotiana species is maintained at NCSU and numerous seed requests are filled annually both to U.S. and international individuals and organizations. A duplicate collection of Arachis species is being developed with 405 of the 607 accession in the Griffin collection maintained at NCSU. During the past year, NC Agricultural Research Service released 1 peanut cultivar, 1 soybean germplasm, two soybean cultivars, 6 maize lines, 1 tomato breeding line, two tomato cultivars, 5 mountain landscape cultivars, two butterfly bush cultivars, 3 redbud cultivars, 1 cucumber cultivar, and two cucumber inbreds.

    Oklahoma: Plant germplasm distribution data received from S-9 indicate that 1,576 plant accessions maintained at the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit at Griffin, GA were distributed to organizations or individuals in Oklahoma the last year, from August, 2010 through July, 2011. The number of distributed plants last year is the highest in recent years, if not a record. The accessions were distributed in 67 respective requests. Respective annual plant germplasm distribution numbers for 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 were 169, 295, 431 and 352. The requested plant species in 2010 included sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) (1,104 accessions), peanuts (136), Panicum (113), Guar (Cyamopsis sp.) (33), peppers (21), watermelon (20), okra (4), squash (Cucurbita spp.) (6), Vigna spp. (8), and Miscanthus and other warm-season grasses (10), and other legumes (13). Users of the plant accessions included researchers of Oklahoma State University, the Noble Foundation, USDA-ARS laboratories, and individual Oklahomans.

    Puerto Rico: Eighteen quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus) cultivars are in the sixth year of evaluation at Juana Díaz and Lajas. Horticultural traits and fruit quality parameters (pH, TSS, acid, and TSS/acid ratio) were measured on the mandarin cultivars Encore, Murcott and Fallglo on five rootstocks in Corozal. At Isabela, a citrus germplasm collection was established in the screenhouse and citrus rootstocks are being propagated for new experiments to be established at Corozal and Adjuntas. Five hybrid and five open-pollinated Cubanelle-type pepper cultivars were evaluated from February to May. Twelve Mayaguezano-type mango clones on Banilejo dwarfing rootstock are being evaluated in the field at Lajas. A field planting of 14 guava accessions is being evaluated at Juana Díaz. Marketable yield of Estela hybrid tannier was increased by 27% when planting material from main corm sections was used, compared with crowns. An increase in average bunch weight of 18% and a reduction of 32 days from planting to fruiting in Cuerno de Arce plantain was observed with the addition of chicken manure. One hundred half-sib lines of Suresweet sweet corn are being evaluated in a replicated performance trial. Germplasm requests in Puerto Rico in 2010 include 5 Crotalaria sp. and 4 Mucuna sp. New crop germplasm projects in 2011 include evaluation of accessions of upland rice, breadfruit and achachairu (Garcinia sp.), screening of citrus rootstocks for Phytophthora resistance, and evaluation of traditional varieties produced by the Agricultural Experiment Station.

    South Carolina: A total of 481 germplasm accessions were distributed by PGRCU, Griffin, GA to the following individuals in South Carolina in 2010: Dr. Amnon Levi, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 49 Citrullus, 14 Praecitrullus (watermelon), 9 gourd, and 1 Cucurbita accessions; Dr. H. Knap, Clemson University, 1 Pueraria (legume) accession; Dr. Ellis Caniglia, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 2 Citrullus accessions; Dr. S. Kresovich, University of South Carolina, 383 Sorghum accessions; Dr. J. Bohac,, 20 Ipomoea (sweetpotato) accessions: K. Hazel, 1 Vigna (cowpea) accession; and Dr. M. Shepherd, Clemson University, 1 Vigna accession. In 2010, twenty elite breeding lines and/or cultivars from the Clemson University soybean breeding program were tested in a greenhouse to determine their suitability as hosts for reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, and identify resistant genotypes. Based on nematode resistance traits and performance in non-nematode infested field nurseries, SC07-786 and SC07-1490 will be further evaluated in 2011 Southern Regional Soybean Tests for potential cultivar release. A total of 64 soybean plant introductions have been identified that show varying levels of resistance to soybean rust disease caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. The plant introductions confirmed to be resistant in these evaluations should be useful sources of genes for resistance to North American populations of P. pachyrhizi.

    Tennessee: A number of projects are being conducted at the University of Tennessee in which plant introductions are being utilized in research. Three PIs are being intercrossed with two experimental lines and two released cultivars for the purpose of developing new synthetic varieties of switchgrass. Early generation lines from the GEM project, expired PVP lines, and other germplasm obtained from Ames PI station maize collection were crossed with elite adapted lines. Progeny from crosses were advanced by traditional breeding methods, to develop new maize parental lines. Recombinant inbred lines and near-isogenic lines of soybean were developed from a cross between a prolific rooting line, PI 416937, and a high leaflet orienting cultivar, USG 5601T. A total of 18 soybean genotypes including 15 high oleic PIs and three checks were planted 16 different environments across five locations during three years and fatty acid composition was determined. The experimental soybean line TN03-349 is an F6-derived line from the cross TN93-99 x PI 416937 and was released as the new edible vegetable soybean cultivar, NUTRIVEG Soy6407. Heterogeneous plant populations developed from exotic Chinese plant introductions by Dr. Randy Nelson, have been grown at the East Tennessee Research and Education Center and locally adapted single-plant selections are under development and field testing.

    Texas: Daryl Morishige (TAMU) utilized the Sorghum bicolor BTx623*IS3620c Recombinant Inbred Population for QTL analysis to identify the genes controlling flowering time underlying the QTL. MMR Genetics and USDA-ARS have a collaborative project (Re-Initiated Sorghum Conversion) funded by the National Sorghum Checkoff to identify genomic regions associated with yield potential, and convert these materials to shorter heights and early maturity (removal of photoperiod sensitivity). Accessions stored at Griffin, GA from an Ethiopian Collection, Sudan Collection and Mali Collection were requested for this project. Bob Klein (USDA) has a research program to characterize the sorghum germplasm for allelic variation in a key flowering time gene. Gary Peterson (TAMU, Lubbock) is evaluating grain sorghum response to salt stress in selected germplasm. Tom Juenger, UT Austin, requested and received seed for two GRIN accessions of Panicum hallii (PI 229052 and PI 229051) to use genetic mapping and gene expression studies to understand the genetic basis of abiotic stress responses, including drought tolerance, in these grasses. Russell Jessup (TAMU) ordered accessions of Urochloa brizantha for comparison of candidate apomixis genes between Urochloa and Pennisetum spp. Guy Hallman (USDA, Weslaco, TX) requested bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) germplasm to evaluate summer fruit set in extreme south Texas. Mark Burow (TAMU) requested peanut germplasm as botanical type specimens for evaluation of the US peanut minicore collection, for parents to use for crossing to incorporate leafspot resistance, and as parents to use for crossing to incorporate early maturity and cold tolerance.

    Virgin Islands: Virus-free sweet potato plantlets, obtained from the Griffin location are being grown in culture to supply clean plantlets to local growers. Sweet potatoes can be successfully maintained for a year on low sucrose medium to reduce growth and revitalized on fresh medium with 3% sucrose to regain active growth for micropropagation. Viruses in sweet potatoes are a problem that reduces growth and production over time. Most of the 41 sweet potato leaf samples on the island of St. Croix were positive for at least one virus. Fifty percent of the originally clean UVI material had virus after 120 days. There are multiple viruses that can potentially affect papaya varieties. Three viruses, Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV), Papaya Mosaic Virus (PMV), and Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) were tested for. The results indicated that 100% contained PRSV, 30% CaMV and 18% PMV. Work at UVI-AES has been on going to develop papaya varieties that tolerate the virus and still be productive. Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa), is popular during the winter holiday season in the Caribbean for its colorful fleshy calyces. Planting sorrel in September at 16 inches was shown to increase production per length of row. Sorrel is sensitive to high pH calcareous soils found in areas of St Croix. Varieties from Africa were found to have better tolerance to the high pH soil, ranked above 2.5, than the Caribbean varieties which were rated below 2. From these results, a breeding plan will be developed to combine tolerance to calcareous soils with a day neutral photoperiod to enhance year round production. Sorrel was found to have similar nutraceutical bioflavonoid compounds as found in cranberries and blueberries. Plant breeding has begun to increase the bioflavonoid content and develop a day-neutral caliche tolerant variety for year round production.

    Virginia: Germplasm from S-009 was acquired in Virginia by researchers at both Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. A joint project between Gregory Welbaum and Bingyu Zhou in the Department of Horticulture at Virginia Tech has been focused on screening Citrullus, Lageraria, and Preacitrullus accessions for resistance to the watermelon pathogen that causes fruit blotch, with the eventual objective of releasing blotch resistant cultivars. Bingyu Zhao has also been studying host plant resistance in Panicum accessions to different bacterial pathogens. Sheena Friend, Virginia Tech, has conducted a phylogenetic study on the genus Arachis using germplasm acquired from S-009. Several accessions of three legume crops, Guar (Cluster bean  Cyamposis tetragonoloba), Sunn hemp (Crotalaria) and Lablab were evaluated by Harbans Bhardwaj at Virginia State for potential production in Virginia. In another study, Francoise Favi has been growing Cympogon accessions in the greenhouse to test volatiles and plants extracts on whitefly (Bemisia tabacci) and post-harvest insect pests. Maria Virginia Sanchez Puerta, at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Argentina, has used accessions of solanaceous species to test for resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). These activities document the distribution and utilization of plant genetic resources, a primary objective of the regional project, in Virginia.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 90,942 accessions of 255 genera and 1,534 species. Currently, 97.1% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 87.7% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. In 2010, a total of 28,308 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 924 orders to users in 49 states and 47 foreign countries, with 13,477 accessions distributed to users in the S-009 states. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on over 12,500 accessions in the last year with over 77% of the entire collection at Griffin tested for germination since 2002. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Currently, almost 75% (almost 67,000 accessions) of the entire Griffin collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.
    4. Characterization and evaluation of the genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Digital images of cowpea, sorghum, chile pepper and warm-season grass accessions were taken. Variation for seed oil content was determined for the entire watermelon (>1,000 accessions) collection. Fatty acid composition was determined for the entire sesame and castor bean collections. Ploidy level and salt tolerance were determined for the entire seashore paspalum collection. Virus screening was completed on the entire sweetpotato collection for sweetpotato leaf curl virus. Characterization for descriptors was conducted on chile pepper, warm-season grasses, cowpea, peanut, misc. legume, annual clover, and other accessions. All evaluation, characterization, and image data was uploaded onto the GRIN database.
    5. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2010 S-010 annual report located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514).
    Last Modified: 03-Oct-2011

    Date of Annual Report: 09/06/2012

    Report Information:
  • Annual Meeting Dates: 07/31/12 to 08/01/12
  • Period the Report Covers: 10/2012 to 09/2012

    • Participants:
    Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:
    The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm, July 31st, by Chair Kevin Kenworthy. Dr. Gerald Arkin, (S-009 Administrative Advisor and Assistant Dean of UGA Griffin Campus) welcomed the group. He encouraged discussion of this program with administrators of each state to get further support. The 2011 minutes were approved (Fred Allen/Tom Stalker). Kevin Kenworthy appointed Paul Raymer and Mari Marutani to nominate an incoming secretary and Fred Allen and Emerson Shipe to propose the meeting site and dates for 2013 meeting. A report was distributed from Peter Bretting, Office of National Programs. Gary Pederson presented a summary of the report including personnel changes, proposed budget increases, ARS location closures, NP 301 new project plans, NPGCC meeting, and NGRAC organizational teleconference. The S-009 Multistate Project was submitted by Gary Pederson and nominated by the Southern Directors for the 2012 National Excellence in Multistate Research Award. If awarded, the S-009 advisory committee will decide how to use the prize. Kudos to Gary for submission of the proposal (Kevin and committee members).

    Gary Pederson presented the current status of the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit collection. There are 91,259 accessions in the collection with 80,142 available and 88,669 backed up. Increases in back-up, seed germination test, and digital photos were noted. Regeneration was also conducted at other institutions (e.g. 108 wild peanut spp. accessions at NC). Regeneration priority is based on the number of seed requests, longevity of stored seeds, and % germination. An increase in seed distributions to foreign countries was reported for 2012. A concern expressed was that we should be able to receive seeds from those countries where we send seed. However, some countries will not send seeds to the U.S., although original seeds were sent or collected from those countries. Dave Pinnow presented a historical review of the pathology and germination labs and his responsibilities. His current work involves disease screening, diagnosis, quarantine work, applied pathology research, and research support including detection and classification of Sweetpotato Leaf Curl Virus (SPLCV). Since 2002, germination tests have been completed for 81.6% of all accessions. Re-testing of accessions will start in 2013 in addition to keeping current with new regenerations. Ming Li Wang presented his biochemical research focusing on the use of oil content and fatty acid composition analysis to characterize germplasm. Major oilseed crops in collection were peanut, castor bean, sesame, and minor oilseed plant species including hibiscus, okra, watermelon, pepper, squash, and pumpkin. Tom Stalker led a discussion of the Nicotiana collection at North Carolina State Univ. There are little or no resources for conservation of Niconiana germplasm. Suggestions of possible places to maintain wild species and important germplasm may be at pharmaceutical companies, botanic gardens, or possibly USDA.

    The S-009 Project is up for renewal in 2013. Gary Pederson reported that the group needs to work on preparation of the Development Committee request. The committee decided to work on wording of new objectives at this meeting rather than discuss state reports in detail. A tentative schedule for the next 10-year project was 1. Develop new objectives (Aug. 10); 2. Prepare Development Committee request (Aug. 31); 3. Prepare first draft of new project (Oct. 31); 4. Committee review and edit the project plan (Nov. 2012  Jan. 2013); Complete final draft (Jan. 31, 2013); Enter project in NIMSS, request participation, peer review, and make corrections (Feb.  May, 2013); and complete project plan (June 2013). Gary will report on S-009 10-year progress at SAAESD meeting at New Hampshire in September 2012. The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 pm.

    The meeting re-convened at 8:00 am Aug. 1st with a tour of the new 4 C cold room and building addition. There are humidity problems that must be fixed before the cold room can be used. Surplus items were shown that were obtained from three ARS location closures including lab supplies, farm equipment, and vehicles. New plot land was shown in a 17 acre fenced area on Westbrook Farm near campus. The meeting continued with a lengthy discussion leading to the proposal of four objectives in the new S-009 project: Objective 1: Acquire and conserve genetic resources of crops and related wild species of importance to the Southern Region such as sorghum, peanut, watermelon, chili peppers, warm-season grasses, cowpea, clover, tropical/subtropical legumes, and others. Objective 2: Conduct genetic characterizations and phenotypic evaluations of the conserved crops and related wild species for commercially important genetic and agronomic traits. Objective 3: Incorporate characterization and evaluation information into the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) or other public databases. Objective 4: Distribute genetic resources and associated information to researchers, educators, and plant breeders in the Southern Region and worldwide.

    New officers for 2013 will be Chair, Mari Marutani, and Secretary, Fred Allen. The 2013 meeting will be held at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Balm, Florida on July 30-31, 2013. Kevin Kenworthy will organize the meeting and send detailed information later. Announcements were made about plant breeding positions at University of Florida and Clemson University. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am (Fred Allen/Tom Stalker).

    Accomplishments:
    The complete accomplishments section for the 2012 S-009 annual report is located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514). A summary of the accomplishments from the Griffin location and S-009 cooperators is listed below.

    USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit: A total of 91,259 accessions of 1,548 plant species were maintained in the Griffin plant genetic resources collection. Over 87.8% of accessions were available for distribution to users and over 97.2% were backed up for security at a second location. Bulk seed samples for 67,241 accessions were maintained at -18 C for long-term storage with seed of the remaining accessions stored at 4 C. A total of 32,512 seed and clonal accessions in 946 separate orders were distributed upon request to scientists and educators in 47 U.S. states and 45 foreign countries. Acquisitions made to the collection included 176 sorghum, 230 pepper, 90 warm-season grass, 32 cowpea, 12 peanut, 13 vegetable, and 10 other accessions. A plant collection trip in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina added 39 naturalized Sorghum halepense, 14 switchgrass, and 3 indiangrass accessions to the collection. Seed regenerations and characterization were conducted on 815 peanut, 77 cowpea, 113 warm-season grass, 150 pepper, 301 legume, new, and misc. crop, 127 annual clover, and 32 other vegetable accessions. Peanut accessions were regenerated with cooperators in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas. Over 200 pepper accessions were grown in California for characterization and recording of digital images. Digital images of sorghum, cucurbit, cowpea and warm-season grass accessions, and seed oil and fatty acid content of okra and watermelon, peanut core fatty acid content, and sorghum 100-seed weight data were added to the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Long-term maintenance of 242 wild peanut and 411 warm-season grass clonal accessions was continued in the greenhouse with an additional 47 napiergrass accessions maintained in the field. A total of 24 bermudagrass and 725 sweetpotato accessions were maintained in tissue culture. Germination testing has been conducted on 73,274 accessions (over 81% of collection) since 2002. In cooperation with industry, differential sets of four vegetable crops were distributed to researchers for identification of disease races. Photoperiod-sensitive Teramnus and annual clover accessions were regenerated in the winter greenhouse. Seed oil content and fatty acid composition was determined for the entire U.S. collections of kenaf, roselle, okra (oil content only), and two pumpkin species. Morphological descriptor, oil content, fatty acid composition, and genetic variability data are being used to develop a core subset from the U.S. castor bean collection. With cooperators in Kansas, a total of 300 sorghum accessions were selected for biomass evaluation in the field from 1,000 accessions genotyped by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis. Variation for phytochemicals including flavonol content, oil content, fatty acid composition, and anthocyanin index were determined in lablab, desmodium, roselle, and/or kenaf accessions. Variation in glucose content was found in sunn hemp accessions. Six clonal little bluestem lines were evaluated in the field for ornamental cultivar development. Salt tolerance screening was conducted on the U.S. zoysia collection.

    Alabama: Current work focuses on evaluation, utilization and breeding of sunn hemp and sericea lespedeza. Auburn University and the Ala. Agric. Expt. Stn. released the sunn hemp cultivars AU Golden and AU Durbin. These cultivars can be used as fodder and as cover crops. Sericea lespedeza is being evaluated for control of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants and for condensed tannin content in cooperation with colleagues at Auburn, GA, LS, AR, and USDA. Evaluation, utilization and breeding of upland cotton is conducted with cotton accessions evaluated for resistance to heat and drought. We have fine-tuned our evaluation process, and have been able to get repeatable results for increased tolerance to heat at both vegetative and reproductive stages. Advanced lines from crosses between putative heat tolerant accessions and adapted germplasm in the field are being evaluated. A study on exotic germplasm introgression impacts on cotton yield and fiber quality traits has been concluded and will be published.

    Florida: The state of Florida was very active in 2011 for plant genetic resources distribution. According to records provided by S-9, 29 different individuals requested materials from 19 different genera of plants and a total of 2,532 unique PIs distributed. Affiliation of individuals obtaining materials included University of Florida scientists, USDA scientists, private research organizations, private citizens, and public schools. Most individuals who responded to a request for information indicated a high level of satisfaction with materials provided and appreciation for the availability of the germplasm.

    Georgia: During 2011, sixty-nine different requests for plant germplasm were made to the S-009 Unit by citizens of Georgia. As a result of these requests, 614 plant accessions were supplied to University and USDA scientists, consultants, seed companies, gardeners, and citizens of Georgia. The most requested crops were sorghum, warm-season grasses, peanut, and pepper. UGA currently has active cultivar development programs in soybean, peanut, small grains, cotton, turf grasses, forages, blueberries, pecan, grape, and numerous ornamental crops that frequently utilize the plant genetic resource collections. These cultivar development programs have released 10 cultivars since the beginning of 2011. In addition, research programs in crop science, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology and other disciplines continue to utilize the genetic resources of the S-009 Unit in both basic and applied research projects designed to address the needs of Georgia and U.S. agriculture. For example, the entire available seashore paspalum (warm-season turfgrass) collection was screened for salt tolerance in 2010 and work is underway to develop molecular markers that could be used by breeding programs to improve salt tolerance in grasses. A large portion of the zoysiagrass collection was screened for salt tolerance earlier this year.

    Guam: Zea mays (Guam Field Corn) was distributed to the Island of Tinian of the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas for regeneration and conducting subsequent tests as a supplement in animal feeds. The study on regeneration of Crotalaria juncea (PI 652939, Texas 374) found that plants produced flowers or flower buds but no seeds were formed due possibly to self-incompatibility. Clones of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Ma'afala originated from Samoa was obtained for field evaluation in Guam. Seeds of five Jatropha curcas lines were obtained for field evaluation. The field trial of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) was conducted with 14 accessions obtained from USDA/ARS/PGRCU Griffin GA, and a local check (a Taiwan variety commonly used in Guam) in calcareous Guam cobbly clay soil (pH 7.8, RCB, 10 plant/plot; 4 replications) from 3/25/11 to 5/20/11 during the dry season. The majority reached the reproductive stage at 30 days after sowing seeds except three accessions, PI 468956 (Tropic Sun), PI 561720 (IAC-1), and PI 234771 that remained vegetative much longer ending up to accumulate much greater biomass at harvest. Early maturation was observed with accessions of PI 250487 (K679) and PI 322377 (IRI2473).

    Louisiana: Seed of Desmanthus illinoensis received from the NPGS will be combined with other native materials and used for variety development. Malvaceae family species are being screened for odd-chain unsaturated fatty acids in their seed oils. These fatty acids were identified in the initial accessions and additional accessions will be screened. Interest exists to find higher concentrations of unusual odd-chain unsaturated fatty acids. Goal is to understand the role of alpha-oxidation in plants and can we develop cotton varieties with altered fatty acid composition; Thespesia populnea shows promise. Research on Ipomoea accessions include evolutionary ecology, molecular evolution and population genetics of genes involved in flower color, as well as the phylogenetic systematics of morning glories (species of the tribe Ipomoeae). Recent efforts include investigating the symbiotic relationship between ergot producing fungi and morning glories. Rice and red rice lines were used to investigate the genetics of photoperiodic flowering response. Fructescens lines are being evaluated for Tabasco pepper production and processing properties. Accessions of Hibiscus sabdariffa were evaluated for impact on the urban forest (M.S. research). New Ipomoea batatas germplasm was acquired from Uruguay for skinning resistance research.

    North Carolina: Faculty in the Crop Science and Horticultural Science Departments at NC State University conduct research on strawberry, blueberry, brambles, tree crops, ornamentals, maize, soybean, peanut, cotton, tobacco, small grains, turfgrasses, sweet potato, cucurbits, and other crops. Priorities are on incorporating disease and insect resistance, abiotic stress resistance, and quality factors into improved breeding lines and cultivars. Plant introductions are critical components of plant improvement programs, and NCSU scientists make use of germplasm maintained in the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). During the past year, 12 individuals received 1,737 entries that were been introduced to NC from the Southern Regional Plant Introduction Station, including species of cultivated and wild peanut, sorghum, cowpea, pepper, sesame, watermelon, warm season grasses, eggplant, and Ipomoea. In addition, the Plant Breeding Center is supporting a large group of plant breeding graduate students, many of whom are involved with plant germplasm collections. The U.S. collection of cultivated and wild Nicotiana species is maintained at NCSU and numerous seed requests are filled annually both to U.S. and international individuals and organizations. An attempt is being made to create a duplicate collection of the Arachis species and there are currently 428 at NC State University of the 607 accessions in the USDA collection. In addition, the USDA peanut curator sent more than 250 accessions of cultivated and wild Arachis species for seed regeneration in North Carolina during the past year.

    Oklahoma: Plant germplasm distribution data received from S-9 indicate that 529 plant accessions maintained at the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit at Griffin, GA were distributed to organizations or individuals in Oklahoma the last year. The accessions were distributed in 13 requests. The requested plant germplasm in 2011 included sorghum (Sorghum bicolor and S. intrans) (465 accessions), sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) (11 accessions), Zoysiagrass (Zoysia sp.) (46 accessions), Lablab legume (Lablab purpureus) (1 accession), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) (2 accessions), and African bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis) (4 accessions). Receivers of the plant accessions represent researchers of Oklahoma State University, USDA-ARS laboratories, local companies and individual Oklahomans.

    Puerto Rico: Eighteen quenepa (Melicoccus bijugatus) cultivars are in the seventh year of evaluation at Juana Díaz and Lajas. The cultivar with the highest yield per tree was Carmen, with 76 pounds, followed by Tuna with 65 pounds and Sabana Grande with 30.8 pounds. Citrus germplasm collections are being maintained in screenhouses at Isabela and Rio Piedras. The highest yielding rootstocks of Tahiti lime are HRS 812 and rough lemon, with 85.8 and 104.5 pounds, respectively. Nova mandarin trees are being propagated for a rootstock trial. Two tannier hybrids with yellow flesh, Superkelly and Nazareno, were evaluated using planting material treated with the biological fungicide Companion (Bacillus subtilis GB03) or limestone application. Seeds of 21 upland rice varieties were requested from CIAT and the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center and planted for seed increase. An additional 28 upland varieties from Brazil, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Bangladesh and the USA were requested and will be increased for local evaluation. USDA germplasm requests in Puerto Rico in 2011 include 11 accessions of watermelon, 7 cowpea, 1 pumpkin, 1 eggplant, and 1 okra. New crop germplasm projects include evaluation of accessions of breadfruit and achachairu (Garcinia sp.), screening of citrus rootstocks for Phytophthora resistance, and evaluation of traditional varieties produced by the Agricultural Experiment Station.

    South Carolina: A total of 476 germplasm accessions were distributed by the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit at Griffin, GA to the following individuals in South Carolina in 2011: Dr. Amnon Levi, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, 30 Citrullus, (watermelon) accessions; J. Allen, Rebellion Farm, 6 Sesamum (sesame); S. Bell, Liberty Christian Academy, 1 Pennisetum (pearl millet); F. Cates, Western Seed Multiplication, 7 Vigna (cowpea); D. Gilbert, Laherne Farms, 20 Capsicum spp. (pepper); Dr. Howard Harrison, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, 4 Ipomoea (sweetpotato); W. Jones, University of South Carolina, 287 Sorghum spp. (grain sorghum); Dr. C. Kousik, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, 96 Citrullus spp.; Dr. S. Kresovich, University of South Carolina, 5 Sorghum accessions; M. McMillan, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, 15 Capsicum accessions; and Dr. Judy Thies, USDA Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, 5 Citrullus accessions. Graham oat (formerly designated SC96-1246), developed by W.D. Graham, B. Edge, C.R. Ray, and Carl Myers, has been released by the Clemson University Experiment Station. It is a mid to late maturity oat variety and was released because of its excellent seed yield potential. CaroTiger peach (formerly designated SC82035-13-48), developed by D.W. Cain, D.R. Layne, and W.C. Newall, Jr., has been proposed for release by the Clemson Experiment Station. CaroTiger is a high quality, attractive, late-season peach for both the commercial shipping and local, retail markets. Fruit has consistent large size (averaging >7.62 cm (3 in.) in diameter or larger) and trees bear a full crop. Fruit shape, color, and overall attractiveness is excellent. Fruit are freestone, have very good eating quality, do not get soft too fast, have melting flesh, normal acidity and excellent sugar content.

    Tennessee: A number of projects are being conducted at the University of Tennessee in which plant introductions are being utilized in research. Three switchgrass PIs are being intercrossed with two experimental lines and two released cultivars for the purpose of developing new synthetic varieties of switchgrass. Early generation lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project, expired PVP lines, and other germplasm obtained from NC-007 maize collection are being crossed with elite adapted lines. Progeny from crosses are advanced by traditional breeding methods, to develop new maize parental lines. Data was analyzed from seven environments in 2011 to evaluate field performance of soybean glyphosate resistant line TN06-140RR (currently cultivar USG 75T40). The female parent was GP-280 in the USDA Germplasm Collection and the male pollen donor line was GP-318 that contains two exotic pedigree sources (PI 227333 and PI 91730-1) that collectively contributed less than 10% of the genes to U.S. soybean cultivars. Other soybean breeding lines (TN05-5018, TN08-101, and TN09-008) were developed from PIs and material from the USDA germplasm collection. Sister lines of the mid-oleic registered germplasm line N98-4445A donated elevated oleic acid through crosses with glyphosate resistant versions of crosses of the registered cultivar 5601T and the registered germplasm line TN93-99 to produce new progeny lines with better biodiesel properties and oxidative stability than two commercial cultivars. Fourteen niger accessions from the USDA Germplasm collection were evaluated for seed production potential and agronomic traits to develop populations from which to select improved lines as new cultivars.

    Texas: In collaboration with researchers from Texas Tech Health Science Center, sweetpotato accessions were screened for in vitro activity against certain types of cancer cells. Both Setaria spp. and Panicum spp. germplasm are being screened for susceptibility to Panicum mosaic virus. USDA-ARS in Lubbock is working on abiotic stress tolerance in sorghum. GRIN as been an excellent source of germplasm for the program. Sorghum accessions are currently being used in a study to identify genes controlling floral initiation. We are sequencing candidate genes and comparing the alleles in the different genotypes. Hundreds of sorghum accessions have been evaluated for use in the TAMU sorghum energy breeding program. Sorghum and switchgrass germplasm accessed from GRIN by NexSteppe, Inc. will be utilized for elite line and hybrid development. Four sorghum lines have been examined for their performance in response to southwestern corn borer and fall armyworm. The Wind Erosion and Water Conservation unit at the Cropping Systems Research Lab in Lubbock is investigating the effect of abrasion by wind borne sand on crop plants. The investigation has been expanded from cotton to sorghum. Sorghum accessions are being used in a project that is examining the origin of Johnson grass (Sorghum halapense), a project dedicated to understanding the genetic control of rhizome growth in sorghums, and a breeding project aimed at the development of perennial sorghum varieties for use as grain, forage, and/or bio-energy feedstocks.

    Virgin Islands: Sorrel, Hibiscus sabdariffa, hybrids were developed through controlled crosses between Caribbean varieties or between Caribbean and African varieties. Hybrid vigor was apparent in the first generation as indicated by stronger growth, increased branching and larger fruit. Fifty sorrel lines from the USDA Germplasm Repository were evaluated for tolerance to high pH (above 8.0) calcareous soils of the Virgin Islands. One line, PI 274245, was found to be resistant to the calcareous high pH soils with no indication of chlorosis. Sweetpotato grown in the US Virgin Islands is plagued by the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius). A trial was set up to monitor weevil populations during sweetpotato production. Pheromone bait was used to attract weevils and monitor their population over time. The weevil population increased during the first four weeks and stabilized through the thirteenth week. Beauregard-14 and Bonita had the greatest total and marketable weight per plant and were two weeks earlier than the other varieties. Early sweetpotato varieties were more resistant than late maturing varieties. Four varieties had low or no weevil damage which made them more marketable. Beauregard-14, Bonita, Evangeline and Liberty averaged over two marketable roots per plant. From this initial trial, Beauregard-14, Bonita, Evangeline and Liberty have production potential for the US Virgin Islands.

    Impact Statements:
    1. The germplasm collection at Griffin, Georgia has increased to 91,259 accessions of 258 genera and 1,548 species. Currently, 97.2% of the collection is backed up at the National Center for Genetic Resource Preservation, Ft. Collins, CO, and 87.8% of the accessions are available for use by the research community. Additionally, 8,769 accessions (10% of the collection) are also backed up at the Global Seed Bank in Svalbard, Norway. Backing up safely secures these plant genetic resources for future use by researchers and good availability provides users with a wide array of currently available germplasm.
    2. In 2011, a total of 32,512 seed, tissue culture, and clonal accessions were distributed to users for their research use. All accessions were requested from the Griffin location directly by researchers and distributed in 946 orders to users in 47 states and 45 foreign countries, with 18,233 accessions distributed to users in the S-009 states. Genetic resources maintained at the Griffin location provide a valuable resource for crop improvement research.
    3. Seed quality is evaluated by germination testing and seed longevity is improved through -18 C storage. Germination tests were conducted on over 7,000 accessions in the last year with 81.5% of the entire collection at Griffin tested for germination since 2002. The program continued to split seed samples of all accessions at Griffin with a small distribution sample maintained at 5 C and the bulk of each sample maintained at -18 C to maximize seed longevity. Currently, almost 75% (67,241 accessions) of the entire Griffin collection has at least one sample in -18 C storage.
    4. Characterization of genetic resources enables researchers to more efficiently utilize the Griffin germplasm collection. Characterizations for descriptors were conducted on peanut, cowpea, warm-season grass, pepper, legume, new, and misc. crop, annual clover, and other accessions during regeneration. Characterization data and digital images of sorghum, cucurbit, cowpea and warm-season grass accessions and sorghum 100-seed weight data were added to GRIN.
    5. Evaluation of genetic resources provides researchers with data to more effectively select accessions of value in their research. Seed oil content and fatty acid composition was determined for the entire U.S. collections of kenaf, roselle, okra, watermelon, and two pumpkin species. With cooperators in Kansas, 300 sorghum accessions were selected for biomass evaluation from 1,000 accessions genotyped by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) analysis. Variation for phytochemicals including flavonol content, oil content, fatty acid composition, and anthocyanin index were determined in lablab, desmodium, roselle, and/or kenaf accessions. Variation in glucose content was found in sunn hemp accessions. Salt tolerance screening was conducted on the U.S. zoysia collection. All evaluation data was uploaded into the GRIN database.
    6. Additional impacts and future plans are noted within the complete 2011 S-009 annual report located at the S-009 website (www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=9514).
    Last Modified: 11-Sep-2012
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