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Title: PRACTICAL USE OF ALLELE SPECIFIC PCR PRIMERS IN AN EASTERN GAMAGRASS BREEDING PROGRAM

Author
item Goldman, Jason
item Sims, Phillip

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/18/2005
Publication Date: 11/6/2005
Citation: Goldman, J.J., Sims, P.L. 2005. Practical use of allele specific pcr primers in an eastern gamagrass breeding program [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Abstract No. 6202.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Eastern gamagrass, [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass with high forage potential if properly managed. Low seed production is one factor that has limited wide spread use of this native grass. Another factor in seed production of eastern gamagrass is seed shatter prior to harvest. This is beneficial in the wild and for improving pasture stands, but not for seed production. A recessive gynomonoecious sex form (GSF) mutation previously found in a wild population has the potential to increase seed production, although it may also be linked to other deleterious traits. Allele specific primers were designed to detect the wild-type (GSF) and mutant (gsf) allele. Primers were successful at confirming the genotype of an assortment of plants tested using template DNA from a high-throughput extraction protocol. The low cost, lack of toxic waste, and speed of the DNA extraction protocol and the ability to efficiently genotype a large number of individuals makes this a practical tool in a gamagrass breeding program working with the GSF trait.