Title:

Molecular Studies of Floral Initiation in Kentucky Bluegrass

Objectives:

1. Clone and analyze genes expressed in the apex of Kentucky bluegrass during the transition from a vegetative meristem to a floral meristem.
2. Characterize the fructan biochemistry of Kentucky bluegrass plants during regrowth, vernalization, and floral initiation, and evaluate the importance of fructan reserves in realizing yield potential.

Principal Investigators:

Jeff Griffin, Asst. Professor, Grass Molecular Physiology
Dept. PSES, University of Idaho

John Fellman. Assoc. Professor, Postharvest Physiology
Horticulture Dept. Washington State University

Cooperators:

Glen Murray, Professor, Plant Physiology
Dept. PSES University of Idaho

Anne Sylvester Assistant Professor, Botany
Biol. Sci. Dept., University of Idaho

Abstract:

Experiments have been completed that indicate that below-ground stored carbohydrate apparently is not used to fuel tiller regrowth following clipping, at least under these conditions. A follow-up experiment is in progress to investigate changes in roots and rhizomes from burned and crew-cut fields.

MADS-box genes, in other plants, are some of the first genes expressed during floral development. Fragments of a Poa version of at least one MADS-box have been cloned and sequenced. These cloned fragments will be used to isolate and study MADS-box genes in bluegrass during floral development, to determine if they play a pivotal role in bluegrass flowering.

Justification:

A better understanding of floral induction in Kentucky bluegrass requires more complete knowledge of processes occuring at the molecular and physiological level. This project furthers that knowledge by by investigating carbohydrate physiology during regrowth, and by beginning to clone genes expressed during floral initiation.