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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #327258
Title: Searching for genetic tolerance to choke in orchardgrass germplasm

Author
item Bushman, Shaun
item ANDERSON, NICOLE - Oregon State University
item Robins, Joseph
item SINGH, DEVESH - Barenbrug West Coast Research Station
item LAMP, ROBIN - Barenbrug West Coast Research Station
item SCHROEDER, BOB - Crop Production Services, Inc
item BOREN, PATRICK - Crop Production Services, Inc

Submitted to: Seed Production Research at Oregon State University
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/18/2016
Publication Date: 4/15/2016
Citation: Bushman, B.S., Anderson, N., Robins, J.G., Singh, D., Lamp, R., Schroeder, B., Boren, P. 2016. Searching for genetic tolerance to choke in orchardgrass germplasm. Seed Production Research at Oregon State University. pp. 6-7.

Interpretive Summary: The sexual cycle of the endophtye Epichloe typhina can 'choke' seed production in certain forage and turf grasses. Orchardgrass is susceptible to choke in Oregon's Williamette Valley, with seed yield losses several years ago reported at 9%, but now much higher in older fields. Although development of a choke resistant variety would be a lengthy process, when feasible management options are lacking (such as with choke), this resistance is a viable direction. The possibility of genetic resistance of orchardgrass to choke can be indicated in replicated field trials by a lack or paucity of choke in some varieties over time. The objective of our research is to assess if there is variation for choke resistance among orchardgrass collections and varieties. We found several varieties and collections particularly susceptible to choke, and several with little or no choke after three years.

Technical Abstract: The sexual cycle of the endophyte Epichloe typhina can 'choke' seed production in certain forage and turf grasses. Orchardgrass is susceptible to choke in Oregon's Willamette Valley, with seed yield losses several years ago reported at 9%, but now much higher in older fields. Although development of a choke resistant variety would be a lenghty process, when feasible management options are lacking (such as with choke), this resistance is a viable direction. The possibility of genetic resistance of orchardgrass to choke can be indicated in replicated field trials by a lack or paucity of choke in some varieties over time. The objective of our research is to assess if there is variation for choke resistance among orchardgrass collections and varieties. We found several varieties and collections particularly susceptible to choke, and several with little or no choke after three years.