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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Griffin, Georgia » Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #287979
Title: Molecular survey of turfgrass species for mutations conferring resistance to ACCase inhibiting herbicides

Author
item TATE, TRENT - University Of Georgia
item Harrison, Melanie
item RAYMER, PAUL - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2011
Publication Date: 10/17/2011
Citation: Tate, T., Harrison Dunn, M.L., Raymer, P. 2011. Molecular survey of turfgrass species for mutations conferring resistance to ACCase inhibiting herbicides.[abstract] ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. Paper No. 101-15.

Interpretive Summary: The control of grassy weeds in turfgrass is often problematic due to lack of herbicides available that will control the grassy weeds without damaging the turf. Seven different naturally occurring mutations have been reported to confer resistance to Acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase inhibiting herbicides such as sethoxydim. One or more of these mutations may hold potential as the basis for a herbicide in turf to control grassy weeds. Mutations conferring the resistance to this class of herbicides have been characterized, but most species of turfgrass have not been surveyed for the presence of these mutations. All mutations are within a specific region of the ACCase gene and are believe to impact the binding of the herbicide to the enzyme. The objective of this research was to sequence this region of the ACCase gene and determine if mutations were present in eight warm-season, eight cool-season, and eight weedy grass species. All turfgrass species included both wild material from UDSA germplasm collection as well as released cultivars. Mutations were identified in sheep fescue and red fescue indicating that they should be highly resistant to sethoxydim and perhaps other ACCase inhibiting herbicides. Annual bluegrass also contained a different mutation indicating that its control by ACCase inhibiting herbicides would be ineffective. These results will be useful in designing an ACCase-based herbicide resistant system for multiple turfgrass species.

Technical Abstract: The control of grassy weeds in turfgrass is often problematic due to lack of herbicide selectivity. Seven different naturally occurring mutation sites have been reported to confer resistance to Acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase inhibiting herbicides. One or more of these mutation sites may hold potential as the basis for an herbicide resistant system for use in turf. Mutations conferring the resistance to this class of herbicides have been molecularly characterized, but most species of turfgrass have not been surveyed for the presence of these mutations. All mutation sites are within a 315 amino acid region of the carboxyl transferase domain of ACCase and are believe to impact binding affinity of ACCase inhibiting herbicides. The objective of this research was to sequence this region of ACCase and determine if resistance conferring mutations were present in eight warm-season, eight cool-season, and eight weedy grass species. All turfgrass species included both wild material from UDSA germplasm collection as well as released cultivars. DNA was extracted using a modified CTAB method. DNA primers flanking known mutation sites were used to amplify these regions using PCR. After band verification, remaining PCR products were purified and sent to Genewiz for Sanger sequencing. Sequence data was analyzed using Geneious software. Mutations were found at the 1781 aa position in Festuca ovina and Festuca rubra indicating that they should be highly resistant to sethoxydim and perhaps other ACCase inhibiting herbicides. Poa annua also contained a different mutation at the 1781 aa position indicating that its control by ACCase inhibiting herbicides would be ineffective. These results will be useful in designing an ACCase-based herbicide resistant system for multiple turfgrass species.