ARS | Publication request: GRADIENT IN LIGNIFICATION IN MATURE TILLERS OF SWITCHGRASS (PANICUM VIRGATUM L. EV KANLOW)

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 10, 2004
Publication Date: October 1, 2004
Citation: Sarath, G., Baird, L.M., Vogel, K.P., Mitchell, R. 2004. Gradient in lignification in mature tillers of switchgrass (panicum virgatum l. ev kanlow). ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. CD-ROM No. 5097.

Technical Abstract: Lignification in herbaceous plants can negatively impact biomass and forage quality traits. Understanding the localization and developmental aspects of lignification in switchgrass tillers are important to the future success of breeding elite lines. This work examines lignification gradients in mature tillers of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L. cv Kanlow). Flowering tillers were collected from plants raised from seeds in a greenhouse, harvested at soil level and separated into internodes beginning with the node subtending the peduncle. Internodes from the same position from several tillers were pooled and analyzed using microscopy, fiber digestion and for soluble sugars. Tissue extracts were also subjected to HPLC to document changes in free and alkali-soluble phenolics in cell walls as a function of internode age. Our results will be discussed with relation to switchgrass tiller development, and potential cellular targets for improvement through breeding.