ARS | Publication request: ST. AUGUSTINE'S GRASS BREEDING FOR IMPROVED COLD TOLERANCE AD FINER LEAF TEXTURE

Submitted to: Extension Service Bulletins
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: March 30, 2005
Publication Date: June 16, 2005
Citation: Li, R., Bruneau, A., Livingston, D.P., Qu, R. 2005. St. augustine's grass breeding for improved cold tolerance ad finer leaf texture. Extension Service Bulletins. May/June. p. 23-30.

Interpretive Summary: St. Augustinegrass has good shade and salt tolerance. However, the lack of cold tolerance limits its application and production in North Carolina. The goal of this project is to develop new cultivars for improved cold tolerance and/or finer leaf texture. We are using approaches, such as germplasm collection and evaluation, tissue culture, and mutagenesis to achieve the goal. A total of 31 germplasm samples were collected from VA, NC, SC and TX. By testing various explant tissues and culture media, we have improved tissue culture responses of St. Augustinegrass and established an efficient culture system. Over a thousand plants have been regenerated from tissue culture so far. A couple of somaclonal variations have been observed. In addition, a cold hardening screening system in the controlled environment has been tested. Meanwhile, three field test locations with various climate conditions are established. Massive screening of the germplasm collections, the tissue culture plants and the mutated plants will be conducted in both controlled environment and in the fields.

Technical Abstract: The lack of cold tolerance in St. Augustinegrass limits its application and production in North Carolina. We are using approaches, such as germplasm collection and evaluation, tissue culture, and mutagenesis to develop more freezing tolerant germplasm. A total of 31 germplasm samples were collected from VA, NC, SC and TX. We have improved tissue culture responses of St. Augustinegrass and established an efficient culture system by generating over a thousand plants from tissue culture. Massive screening of the germplasm collections, the tissue culture plants and the mutated plants will be conducted in both controlled environment and in the fields.