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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center » Dairy Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #324981
Title: Genetic variation of flowering time and biomass in switchgrass

Author
item TAYLOR, MEGAN - Purdue University
item Grabowski, Paul
item JANG, YIWEI - Purdue University
item Casler, Michael

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2015
Publication Date: 1/8/2016
Citation: Taylor, M., Grabowski, P.P., Jang, Y., Casler, M.D. 2016. Genetic variation of flowering time and biomass in switchgrass [abstract]. Plant and Animal Genome XXIV. Paper No. P0016.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The timing of phase change from juvenile (vegetative) to adult with reproductive competence is a key factor influencing biomass yield of switchgrass. A decline in biomass yield is typically observed in switchgrass immediately following completion of flowering. In temperate regions of the USA, if flowering time can be delayed about 4-5 weeks, biomass yield can potentially increase 30-50%. The use of late-flowering switchgrass genotypes has proven an effective mechanism to increase biomass production in the northern USA. However, genetic mechanisms of flowering and biomass are not well understood in switchgrass. The goal of this project is to identify genetic variation of flowering time and biomass in switchgrass mapping population and identify genes controlling flowering time and biomass. Data of heading date, flowering time, and biomass were collected from the segregating population (~250 individuals) derived from upland (early flowering) and lowland (late flowering). In year 2015, the heading date and flowering time of segregating population ranged from 176 to 224 and 191 to 254 days in Lafayette, IN and from 181 to 270 and 201 to 270 days in DeKalb, IL, respectively. Individual plant biomass of the population is being analyzed. Genetic variation of flowering time and plant biomass provides an important basis for identifying quantitative trait loci that control flowering time and plant biomass. Knowledge generated from the project will aid breeding programs in developing late flowering varieties of switchgrass that fully utilize the growing season and achieve high biomass yield.