Project Number: 1230-21000-043-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Nov 19, 2003
End Date: Oct 31, 2008

Objective:
Genetically characterize and evaluate the horticultural merit and pest resistance contained in Tsuga and Ulmus; from the preceding materials incorporate into breeding populations new or improved sources for pest resistance; and from the preceding breeding stocks develop and transfer superior landscape tree cultivars to end users. In preliminary work, establish breeding populations of Celtis and Nyssa for future evaluation and genetic improvement of disease- and insect- resistance and of desirable horticultural attributes. Carry out technology transfer by propagating and distributing for evaluation additional germplasm of alder (Alnus), elm (Ulmus), hornbeam (Carpinus), maple (Acer), and zelkova (Zelkova) to end-users (nurserymen).

Approach:
Inoculate plants growing in the greenhouse or in field plots with disease pathogens or expose plants to insect populations to screen for resistance. Analyze susceptible and resistant plants for morphological or biochemical variability related to resistance. Determine intrageneric crossability patterns by controlled pollinations. Evaluate progenies and make clonal selections for pest resistance. Develop appropriate mass-propagation techniques. Test plants for geographic and climatic adaptability and horticultural traits through cooperative procedures.