Author
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McGrath, Jon |
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Submitted to: Annual Beet Sugar Development Foundation Research Report
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2003 Publication Date: 6/30/2003 Citation: McGrath, J.M. 2003. Alternative approaches to seedling emergence and stand establishment. 2002 Annual Beet Sugar Development Foundation Research Report. p. 20. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Germination is fundamental in obtaining a harvestable crop. Good stands of sugar beet may be more difficult to achieve than most other crops, at least in growing regions such as Michigan. Moisture, temperature, and impedance affect the ability of beets to emerge. Large differences between germination under ideal and field conditions undoubtedly are due to stress conditions experienced by the germinating seed. An approach we take to study variety differences in germination allows prediction of field emergence by germinating seeds in aqueous solutions. These assays are done rapidly, with minimal training, and are reproducible. Exploitation of this system for more detailed understanding of genetically controlled physiological responses is helping to understand the complex nature of germination in relation to the environment. Gene expression in aqueous assays show large differences in the numbers and types of genes expressed under different treatments. These genes are not expressed in the traditional germination tests. Knowledge of the genes and their effects are helping to define seedling vigor and its relationship to seedling disease resistance. |
