Plant Sciences Masters Theses
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Item Genetic variation in black gram and guar for phenology, physiology, growth, and yield under irrigated and rainfed conditions of Northern Great Plains(North Dakota State University, 2024) Koirala, SaurabhaField trials were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the feasibility of growing black gram (Vigna mungo) and guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and to identify superior accessions for semiarid conditions of Northern Great Plains, U.S. Significant genetic variability was observed among 21 black gram and 18 guar accessions under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Black gram accession PI425187 yielded the highest grain per plant (8.6 g) under rainfed conditions, while PI377397 and PI377406 performed best under irrigated (6.5 g). Number of pod per plant and seeds per pod were highly correlated with yield per plant. The highest guar yield per plant obtained were (8.1 g) in rainfed and (6.6 g) in irrigated conditions. These guar yields were, however, significantly below the yield reported in the southern great plains, U.S. The study demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating black gram in NGP conditions. More multi-location trials are recommended to identify superior accessions.Item Developing micropropagation protocol for euonymus species and evaluating oryzalin treatments for polyploid development(North Dakota State University, 2024) Milad, MaramEuonymus has invasive traits such as high seed production and good seed viability. Development of sterile, polyploid cultivars could prevent euonymus from invading native ecosystems. Oryzalin is a commonly used mutagen for chromosome doubling. The aims of this research were to develop a micropropagation protocol and to establish a protocol for inducing polyploids (tetraploids) for two euonymus species, E. bungeanus and E. turkestanicus. Micropropagation was successful. MS with 1 µM BA performed better for E. turkestanicus. MS with 1 or 2 µM BA outperformed the other treatments for propagation number for both species. IBA addition was successful, but root initiation was not consistent with the treatments. Polyploid induction was successful. The presence of tetraploids in E. turkestanicus using 50 µM and 100 µM of oryzalin was confirmed using flow cytometry. No tetraploids were detected with E. bungeanus suggesting that the oryzalin concentrations were not effective and may require increased concentrations.Item Identification and mapping of QTL associated with crown rust resistance in recombinant inbred lines of oat (Avena sativa L.)(North Dakota State University, 2024) Yeruva, Cerly RiniCrown rust caused by Puccinia coronata f.sp. avenae is the most destructive fungal disease threatening oat production worldwide. Therefore, a search for novel sources of genetic resistance is considered essential to combat the evolving races of pathogen. The objectives of this study were to develop two recombinant inbred line mapping populations carrying novel sources of crown rust resistance and identify the genomic regions associated with crown rust resistance. 108 and 112 F5:6 RILs developed from each of the bi-parental crosses were evaluated for disease incidence in field and greenhouse under randomized complete block experimental designs with two replications. Genotyping and linkage analysis of markers associated with RILs revealed a major QTL underlying disease resistance in each population respectively. The two QTL identified in this study showed consistency across all the tested locations and the markers associated with the QTL appear to be useful for marker-assisted selection in oat breeding programs.Item Utilizing low-tech portable caterpillar tunnels to increase productivity of warm-season vegetables and small fruits(North Dakota State University, 2024) Ghimire, BijayaHigh tunnels and greenhouses effectively extend the growing season and protect crops from adverse environmental conditions. However, production in the less expensive and portable caterpillar tunnel has not been reported. The research aimed to evaluate the phenology, yield and quality of eight paste tomato, eight bell pepper, and two cold-hardy wine grapes grown in the caterpillar tunnel compared to the open field. In 2022, tomato and bell pepper cultivars were severely affected by tomato spotted wilt virus. Caterpillar tunnels extended the growing season and accelerated the key phenological stages of all three species. The tunnel increased the yield and quality of tomato and bell pepper. Impacts on wine grape yield across production systems were inconsistent, however the caterpillar tunnel showed potential for improving grape quality. ‘Marquette’ showed greater winter hardiness in the tunnel, while ‘Petite Pearl’ showed reduced winter hardiness in the caterpillar tunnel compared to open field production system.Item Characterizing Chromosomes for Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in a Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivar, 'Frontana'(North Dakota State University, 2009) Yabwalo, Dalitso NobleFusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, is a major fungal disease of wheat and other cereal crops that causes both yield and quality losses due to shriveled kernels and accumulation of mycotoxins in the seed. 'Frontana', a Brazilian spring wheat cultivar, is a source ofresistance genes to FHB, and it is believed to express resistance to both the establishment and spread of FHB (type I and type II resistance, respectively). Reciprocal backcross monosomic (RBCM) lines developed using Frontana and 'Chris', a susceptible spring wheat cultivar, and involving critical chromosomes 3A, 6A, and 4D from these parents were compared to characterize the type of resistance expressed by Frontana and confirm the chromosomes carrying genes for resistance. In four separate greenhouse tests, spray and single floret inoculation techniques were used to assess both types of resistance. Plants were inoculated when half of the plants in a pot were at anthesis (Feekes Growth Stage 10.5). Genotypes were evaluated for disease incidence, spread, deoxynivalinol (DON) content, Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) and severity at 21 d after inoculation. Generally, RBCM lines with the critical Frontana chromosomes had low FHB incidence, spread, and severity. The RBCM line with chromosome 3A from Frontana exhibited the lowest FHB severity after spray inoculation, and the least spread after point inoculation. Frontana 3A lines had the lowest FHB incidence levels after spray inoculation amongst the RBCM lines that were tested. This implies the presence of major resistance genes on chromosome 3A which are likely involved in both resistance to disease establishment and spread. However, resistance genes on 3A likely also interact with genes on other chromosomes to confer resistance to FHB because Frontana typically expressed a higher level of resistance to disease establishment and spread. Chromosome 4D also seems to play a significant role in Type I resistance while 6A contributes to Type II resistance.Item Pyroxasulfone Tolerance of Navy and Pinto Beans (Phaseolis vulgaris L.), Dry Pea (Pisum sativum L.), and Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik)(North Dakota State University, 2010) Hunt, Ryan LeighField experiments were conducted to determine the tolerance of navy and pinto bean, dry pea, and lentil to pyroxasulfone. Additional field studies were conducted to evaluate the weed control efficacy of pyroxasulfone in preemergence and early-preplant applications. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine plant uptake of pyroxasulfone and the influence of activation timing on navy bean injury. Navy bean tolerance to pyroxasulfone varied by rate and experiment location. Navy bean injury occurred at 166 g ai ha-1 in 2008 and at 332 g ai ha·1 in 2009. A pyroxasulfone rate of 166 g ai ha·1 and greater resulted in decreased yield of navy bean. Pinto bean injury from pyroxasulfone varied by location. As pyroxasulfone rate increased, visual injury to pinto bean increased at Prosper in 2008; however, no pinto bean injury was observed at Prosper in 2009. Pinto bean injury was observed in all other environments at 332 g ai ha· 1 • Pinto bean yield was not reduced. Dry pea tolerance was excellent in all environments tested; however, the lack of weed control in all environments was evidence that pyroxasulfone was not activated by precipitation received. Lentil tolerance was excellent in all environments tested, except for Minot 2009. Visual injury at Minot 2009 increased from 14 to 28 d after emergence, and then decreased to insignificant levels 56 d after emergence. Lentil yield was not affected at any environment; however, a lack of weed control in all environments, except for Minot 2009, was caused by inadequate precipitation to activate the herbicide. These studies suggest that navy bean may not have sufficient tolerance to pyroxasulfone for field use. More research should be performed on dry pea and lentil tolerance to determine the extent of tolerance in various environments. Weed control experiments showed both the potential and inconsistency of pyroxasulfone. High weed control ratings in the 2008 EPP (early preplant) study, from 14 to 35 d after application, demonstrated the ability of pyroxasulfone to control weeds growing prior to herbicide activation. Yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca (L.)) and hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides Sendt.) were controlled at 166 g ai ha· 1 • Wild mustard (Brassica Kaber (DC.)), hairy nightshade, and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) were controlled 70 dafter application at 166 g ai ha·1 • Redroot pigweed control at 125 g ai ha·1 was equivalent to acetochlor in the PRE (preemergence) 2008 study. Yellow foxtail control at an increased rate of 209 g ai ha·1 pyroxasulfone was equivalent to the yellow foxtail control of acetochlor in the PRE 2008 study. Pyroxasulfone consistently controlled all weeds better than S-metolachlor, except for yellow foxtail at a reduced rate. Pyroxasulfone at the suggested use rate of 166 g ai ha·1 controlled all weeds tested, except for marshelder, at the same level as acetochlor in the PRE studies. Rates of pyroxasulfone higher than 166 g ai ha·1 were needed to control weeds at the same level as acetochlor, as the growing season progressed. Visual injury to navy bean with pyroxasulfone was found to be severe when moisture activated the herbicide at the ground-crack stage in greenhouse experiments. No injury occurred from herbicide activation at other timings. Soil with decreased organic matter showed less injury. The soil placement study confirmed that pyroxasulfone can be taken into a plant through both the roots and shoots; however, pyroxasulfone activity is greatest through root uptake.Item Soil Chemical Properties of Sand-based C,olf Putting Green at Different Depths(North Dakota State University, 2010) Wang, YichunUSGA-specified golf putting green rootzone is a highly managed. sand dominated turf system. As putting greens age. organic matter accumulation in the form or thatch and mat in the upper rootzone profile causes temporal and spatial changes in soil chemical properties. The objective of the first study was to characterize soil chemical properties in aging putting green rootzones. Four USGA-specified putting greens treated with l\VO rootzone mixtures (sand/peat at 80:20: sand/peat/soil at 80: 15:5) and two establishment fertilization regimes (controlled and accelerated) were constructed in sequential years. Samples were collected to a depth of 7.62 cm when the four putting greens were 6. 7. 8. and 9 years old. and were subdivided into 12 layers. The effects or root zone mixture. establishment fertilization regime. putting green age. and soil depth on total organic C. total N. potentially mineralizable N (PMN). cation exchange capacity (CFC). Electrical conductivity (EC). and pH were evaluated. The rootzone mixtures and establishment fcrtili1.ation regimes had no effect on soil chemical properties investigated saving EC. which was higher in sand/peat/soil rootzones. Total organic C. total N. PMN CEC. and EC decreased with soil depth whereas soil PH increased with soil depth. The interaction between putting green age and soil depth was significant for t'1tal N. CFC. and EC. The initial differences or soil chemical properties disappeared due to topdressing practice over a period 0!'<1 yc,1rs at the top or the rootzones especially in the Oto 2 cm layer. The chemical properties of the original rootzone layers are affected by both the age of the putting greens and cultural practices. Diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared (DRIFT) spectroscopy in the near infrared (NIR) (4000-10000 cm- 1) and mid -infrared (MIR) (600-4000 cm- 1) region in conjunction with partial least square regression (PLSR) is able to rapidly predict multiple soil properties from a single spectral scanning and is deemed as a promising surrogate for conventional analytical methods. In the second study. by using samples collected in the first study. calibration models were developed for total organic C. total N. CEC. EC. And pl I by regressing spectral results of DRIFT-NIR and -MIR with values determined by conventional methods. Results fix total organic C, total N, CFC and EC achieved R2 > 0.80. Mid infrared and NIR spectroscopy gave similar calibration accuracy for soil properties investigated. Based on rootzone mixture (sand/peat vs sand/peat/soil). Putting green age (6-yr-old vs 9-yr-old). and sampling depth (0-3.81 cm vs 3.81-7.62 cm). the whole sample set was further grouped into subsets. Satisfactory accuracy of MIR calibrations and mutual predictions was achieved with subsets of different rootzone mixtures and putting green ages. However. subsets separated by soil depth failed to be predicted with sufficient accuracy within the group. Results of the study verified the potential of using DRIFT-NIR and -MIR to predict soil chemical properties of sand-based turf soil through PLSR modeling: however. model robustness might be affected by sampling depth.Item Yield Comparison of Transplanted Tomato and Pepper Plants Grown in Different Sized Cell Packs(North Dakota State University, 2010) Weinmann, Todd JosephField experiments were conducted at Fargo, North Dakota, in 2006 and repeated at Fargo, Oakes, North Dakota, and Absaraka, North Dakota, in 2007 to compare time to harvest and yields from tomatoes (Lycopersicon escu/entum var. esculentum) and peppers (Capsicum annuum) that had been initially grown in different sized cell packs. A second objective was to determine if root manipulations to tomatoes at the time of transplanting could overcome root-bound effects of delayed establishment and reduced yields. Three tomato cultivars with differing growth or fruiting characteristics were used: 'Big Beef' an indeterminant cultivar, 'Sungem', a determinant cultivar, and 'Roma', a determinant paste cultivar, and two pepper cultivars with differing fruiting characteristics: 'Big Bertha' a green bell pepper cultivar and 'Cherry Bomb', a hot pepper cultivar were used. Two weeks after seeding, pepper and tomato seedlings were transplanted into one of three cell packs with cell volumes of 84, 137, and 287 cm3 . Seedlings were grown in cell packs in the green house before acclimating for 7 days and transplanting into a black or white plastic covered row system in the field. The second study evaluated three root manipulation treatments: dipped in auxin after one-fourth of the bottom part of the roots were removed, dipped in auxin without one-fourth of the bottom part of the roots removed, four vertical cuts to the root ball for root-bound seedlings, and untreated roots grown in 84 cm3 cells and immediately planted. Tomato seedlings grown in the 287 cm3 cell packs were visually larger than seedlings in 84 or 137 cm3 cell packs when transplanted to the field. However, all plants flowered at similar times and fruit growth did not differ. Results suggest that the three cell volumes did not influence the period between field transplanting and the first harvest or the total yield. Pepper seedlings grown in the 287 cm3 cell packs were visually larger than seedlings in 84 or 137 cm3 cell packs when transplanted to the field. With the peppers (bell and hot) the three cell volumes did not influence the period between field transplanting and the first harvest, but an increase in yield was seen with the 287 cm3 cell packs followed by the 137 and 84 cm3 cell packs respectively. None of the root manipulations altered the time from field transplant to first harvest or the total yields compared to the untreated roots. Results suggest that root manipulation to root-bound tomato seedlings when transplanting in the field will not hasten field establishment or shorten the period between transplanting and the first harvest, and will not increase yield .Item Subsurface Drainage in Clay Soils in a Northern Climate and its Effects on Various Soybean Cultivars and Soil Properties.(North Dakota State University, 2011) Brodshaug, Jack AdamThe Red River Valley of the North in North Dakota and Minnesota is a region with unique clay soils. Since 1993, the region has seen increased annual rainfall that has caused seasonal soil waterlogging, inhibiting crop yield potential. Prolonged waterlogging may cause debilitating physiological and chemical problems in plants. Subsurface (tile) drainage is relatively new to the region and offers an option farmers are exploring to help reduce excess water in the rootzone. The objective of this research was to identify the effect of subsurface drainage on soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] productivity using various cultivars and to evaluate differences in soil temperature, soil penetration resistance, and water table depth between drainage treatments. Two experiments (2009-2010) were conducted in the Red River Valley. The experimental area is unique as it has eight tiled units which can each regulate drainage using control structures. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCB) in a split-plot arrangement with four replicates. The whole plots were drained or undrained (control structures opened and closed, respectively), and the sub-plots were 29 soybean cultivars. Soybean cultivars were selected based on iron chlorosis resistance, phytophthora root rot tolerance, and growing capability in wet soils. Penetrometer readings, water table depth, and soil temperature were measured weekly. Soybean yields between drained and undrained treatments were not significantly different according to the combined analysis. This was due to 2009 being a relatively dry year and 2010 a relatively wet year. However, in 2010, the non-genetically modified (non GMO) soybean cultivars and the cultivars chosen for their resistance to Phytophthora sojae were significantly better on the drained soil. In 2009 and 2010, drained treatments had a significantly higher soil penetration resistance, indicating that the drained soil is capable of a higher carrying capacity compared to the undrained soil. The wheat measurement site had a value of 1,420 kPa in the drained soil, while the undrained soil had a value of 1,267 kPa. The soybean measurement site had a value of 1,137 kPa in the drained soil, while the undrained soil had a value of 1,021 kPa. Finally, the bare ground measurement site had a value of 1,077 kPa in the drained soil, while the undrained soil had a value of 1,001 kPa. The water table was lower on drained soil compared to the undrained soil early and late in the growing season, causing the differences in soil penetration resistance. Temperature was significantly higher only on the drained soil planted to soybean compared to the undrained soil planted to soybean. The temperature difference was most pronounced in the spring. Subsurface drainage is a valuable tool for farmers in the Red River Valley. Despite the clay soils, cold winter, and shorter growing season, subsurface drainage works and helps to improve the efficiency of farming large fields in an area that has consistently battled wet weather for the last ten years. At a time when commodity prices are at a record high, improving efficiency and productivity with subsurface drainage might be an option. Overall, tile drainage has the potential to drastically change how farming is conducted in the clay soils in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.Item Exploring Cover Crops for Managing Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Heterodera Glycines and Pratylenchus Penetrans(North Dakota State University, 2022) Neupane, KamalThree studies were conducted to assess the effects of cover crops on plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) of potato and soybean. The first study investigated the hosting and population reduction abilities of 25 cover crops to Pratylenchus penetrans and found alfalfa (Bullseye) to reduce the initial population densities consistently. The second study tested the population reduction abilities of ten cover crops to two soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) populations in the microplot. Sunnhemp (cultivar not specified) was the most effective to reduce both SCN populations. The third study evaluated ten cover crops in a growth chamber for their impacts on hatching and root penetration of SCN and their potential as trap crops. Faba bean (Petite) showed the greatest potential to act as a trap crop for SCN, based on its effect on hatching and root penetration by SCN. These results help select suitable cover crops to manage PPNs in infested fields.Item Genome-wide Association Study and Genomic Prediction for Pod Shatter Resistance in Brassica napus L.(North Dakota State University, 2022) Hosain, ShakilThe release of seeds from a mature dry pod is known as shattering. Pod shattering results in significant yield losses in rapeseed/canola. An experiment was conducted in five environments in 2020 and 2021 under the field and the greenhouse conditions using 150 spring-type Brassica napus genotypes. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 21 significant SNPs for pod shattering using eight different GWAS models. The phenotypic variation explained by these SNPs ranged from 3.8 -25.4%. Three potential candidate genes, IND, AGL65, and MAN7, were identified for the pod shattering. Genomic prediction was done using 14 genomic selection models. The prediction ability for pod shatter resistance ranged from 0.18 – 0.50. This study suggested that at least one locus on chromosome A09 is associated with pod shattering. The study also suggests that genomic selection has the potential to select pod shatter resistance germplasm at an early stage to use in the breeding program.Item Single-seed Descent, Single-pod Descent, and Bulk Methods in Soybean(North Dakota State University, 2011) Funada, MizukiSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeders need to use the most efficient and inexpensive method to advance populations during the inbreeding process. Most breeders in the soybean industry prefer the bulk method because it requires less hand labor during harvest. This study used molecular markers to compare the single seed descent (SSD), the single-pod descent (SPD) and the bulk methods. The objective was to identify the most efficient method of inbreeding by determining which method had the greatest number of unique lines and the fewest pairs of redundant lines. The number of pairs of redundant lines was detem1ined by scoring each of 100 F 4 5 lines, developed from each of the three inbreeding methods, using 21 polymorphic SSR markers. A similarity coefficient (Sxv) was used to determine the level of similarity between each possible pair of lines within each inbreeding method. The SSD method was used as a control to identify the number of lines that were identical by descent for the SPD and bulk methods. Unique lines were lines that were not paired with any other line within that inbreeding method for the specified level of genetic similarity. At the Sxy =::: 0.875 level of genetic similarity, 49% of the lines were unique for the SSD, 44% of the lines were unique for the SPD, and 39% of the lines were unique for the bulk method, but the difference in the number of unique lines among methods was not significant. For the SSD method, zero lines were identical by descent with another line. For the SPD method, at the Sxy? 0.875, there were 16 pairs oflines that were identical by descent. For the bulk method, at the Sxy? 0.875, there were 42 pairs of lines that were identical by descent. This result was evidence that due to genetic sampling, there were more redundant lines for the bulk method and SPD than for the SSD method. The number of unique lines developed by each of the three inbreeding methods is the most important measure of the relative efficiency of each method. However, there was no significant difference in the number of unique lines among these methods. Therefore, the most efficient method should be the method that requires the least time and labor during harvest. The SSD method requires too much time during harvest to be practical for a commercial soybean breeder. The decision as to whether to use the SPD or bulk method will depend on which of those two methods is the most practical for that specific breeding program.Item Salinity Tolerance of Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)(North Dakota State University, 2011) Gao, YangTall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is one of the commonly used cool-season turfgrass species. Despite the many advantages of tall fescue, there are some properties that restrict its use as turf grass. Recent efforts on selection of turf-type tall fescue focus on fine leaf texture, darker green color, seedling turgor, overall density, tolerance to extreme temperatures, and other stresses. The objectives of this research were to develop techniques in screening salinity tolerant tall fescue and to investigate the leaf senescence process, growth and nutrient uptake of tall fescue under salinity stress induced by different types of salt. Two tall fescue cultivars, Tar Heel II (salt tolerant) and Wolfpack (salt sensitive) were grown in silica sand as growth medium and fertilized with Hoagland solution. Salt treatments were added to the medium along with Hoagland solution. At least three indices calculated based on single leaf spectrum showed promise as sensitive means to differentiate salinity stress from untreated plants. Those indices also are strongly correlated to many physiological parameters that have been shown to be reliable measures of salinity tolerance in many plant species including tall fescue. Tall fescue leaf senescence was accelerated by salinity stress which was different from the aging process under shade. Tall fescuc had several adaptation strategies in order to conserve water under salinity stress, while the plants under shade had adaptation mechanisms centered on light harvesting. Tall fescue accelerated old leaf senescence, whereas under shade conditions, tall fescue showed slowing down in the new leaf development as well as mature leaf aging. Tall fescue growth responded to salinity stress differently from shade stress, a fact that has to be taken into consideration when selecting for stress tolerant traits, such as leaf length, root to shoot ratio. Leaf appearance rate may be different with stress tolerance levels and mediate the tiller number and shoot density. By comparing and contrasting the effects on nutrients uptake, it was shown that K, Ca, Mg may be very important in the ion balance and salinity stress tolerance. Tall fescue leaf firing was mainly caused by an alkaline condition with pH higher than 9 as in Na2C03, or moderate pH combined with high salinity (high EC) as in CaC}i. Plant growth was more affected by sodicity which was high in Na2C03 and Na2S04• Osmotic adjustment also played an important role in tall fescue salinity stress in chlorides. Chloride effects were closely related to RWC of the leaves. The combination of different salts along with the variation of their physical and chemical properties, such as EC, pH, and osmotic potential, made the differentiation of their influence on tall fescue stress rather difficult. Multiple properties, such as growth, morphological, and physiological, should be measured to better understand the effects of different salts.Item Subsurface Drainage in Clay Soils in a Northern Climate and its Effects on Various Soybean Cultivars and Soil Properties(North Dakota State University, 2011) Jack Adam, BrodshaugThe Red River Valley of the North in North Dakota and Minnesota is a region with unique clay soils. Since 1993, the region has seen increased annual rainfall that has caused seasonal soil waterlogging, inhibiting crop yield potential. Prolonged waterlogging may cause debilitating physiological and chemical problems in plants. Subsurface (tile) drainage is relatively new to the region and offers an option farmers are exploring to help reduce excess water in the rootzone. The objective of this research was to identify the effect of subsurface drainage on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] productivity using various cultivars and to evaluate differences in soil temperature, soil penetration resistance, and water table depth between drainage treatments. Two experiments (2009-2010) were conducted in the Red River Valley. The experimental area is unique as it has eight tiled units which can each regulate drainage using control structures. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCB) in a split-plot arrangement with four replicates. The whole plots were drained or undrained ( control structures opened and closed, respectively), and the sub-plots were 29 soybean cultivars. Soybean cultivars were selected based on iron chlorosis resistance, phytophthora root rot tolerance, and growing capability in wet soils. Penetrometer readings, water table depth, and soil temperature were measured weekly. Soybean yields between drained and undrained treatments were not significantly different according to the combined analysis. This was due to 2009 being a relatively dry year and 2010 a relatively wet year. However, in 2010, the non-genetically modified (non-GMO) soybean cultivars and the cultivars chosen for their resistance to Phytophthora sojae were significantly better on the drained soil. In 2009 and 2010, drained treatments had a significantly higher soil penetration resistance, indicating that the drained soil is capable of a higher carrying capacity compared to the undrained soil. The wheat measurement site had a value of 1,420 k:Pa in the drained soil, while the undrained soil had a value of 1,267 k:Pa. The soybean measurement site had a value of 1,137 kPa in the drained soil, while the undrained soil had a value of 1,021 k:Pa. Finally, the bare ground measurement site had a value of 1,077 k:Pa in the drained soil, while the undrained soil had a value of 1,001 k:Pa. The water table was lower on drained soil compared to the undrained soil early and late in the growing season, causing the differences in soil penetration resistance. Temperature was significantly higher only on the drained soil planted to soybean compared to the undrained soil planted to soybean. The temperature difference was most pronounced in the spring. Subsurface drainage is a valuable tool for farmers in the Red River Valley. Despite the clay soils, cold winter, and shorter growing season, subsurface drainage works and helps to improve the efficiency of farming large fields in an area that has consistently battled wet weather for the last ten years. At a time when commodity prices are at a record high, improving efficiency and productivity with subsurface drainage might be an option. Overall, tile drainage has the potential to drastically change how farming is conducted in the clay soils in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.Item Efficacy and Soil Residual of Herbicides Developed For Optimum GAT (Glyphosate Acetolactate Synthase Tolerant) Crops(North Dakota State University, 2011) Carruth, David JamesField experiments were conducted at five Northern Midwest locations to evaluate one and two pass herbicide programs developed for weed control in Optimum GAT (Glyphosate Acetolactate Synthase Tolerant) corn (Zea mays L.). All treatments provided greater than 95% control of grass and broadleafweed species 14 days after application (DAA) and greater than 80% control 28 DAA. There were no statistical differences in weed control 14 and 28 DAA between one and two pass herbicide treatments. Field experiments were conducted at three North Dakota locations to evaluate the growth and yield of hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), field corn, dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) one year after chlorimuron-ethyl was applied to soils with different pH. Chlorimuron treatments at Valley City (soil pH< 6.2) and Reynolds (soil pH > 8.3) caused 18 to 86% canola injury 28 days after emergence (DAE). All treatments at these locations delayed canola flowering 2 to 7 days compared to the control. Pinto bean yield at Reynolds was reduced from the control by 25% at 11.6 g ha- 1 and 34% at 17.5 g ha- 1 • Chlorimuron applied at 11.6 g ha- 1 and 17.5 g ha- 1 at Alice (soil pH 6.2 to 7.8) resulted in 21 to 26% corn injury 28 DAE, but yield was unaffected. Sugar beet yield at Alice and Reynolds was reduced from the control by 43 to 86% at 11.6 and 17.5 g ha- 1. These data confirmed that low rates of chlorimuron can injure canola and sugar beet one year after application. These data also suggest that minor injury may occur to pinto bean, hard red spring wheat, and com when 5.8 g ha- 1 or less of chlorimuron is applied the previous year; however, yield should not be significantly impacted. Field experiments were conducted near Mapleton and Casselton, North Dakota, to evaluate the enhancement of glyphosate plus rimsulfuron, tribenuron methyl, and mesotrione (Trigate™) and glyphosate plus chlorimuron ethyl, tribenuron methyl, and thifensulfuron methyl (Freestyle™) from adjuvants of different classes on flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), tame buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.), and conventional com. Adjuvants containing ammonium sulfate (AMS) or an AMS replacement provided greater enhancement of glyphosate plus Trigate™ and glyphosate plus Freestyle™ on flax and com compared to oil-based adjuvants. The enhancement of these herbicides on quinoa and tame buckwheat appeared to be somewhat similar for oil-based adjuvants compared to AMS-based adjuvants. Cut Rate and ET 4000 adjuvants provided little to no enhancement of these herbicides on flax and quinoa. The addition of Class Act NG to glyphosate plus Trigate™ or glyphosate plus Freestyle™ provided 68 to 94% control on species tested 28 DAA. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of pH on the e ffit eacy o fTn.g ateT M an d FreestyleT M on common lambsquarters (Chenopodr.n m album L.) and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. ). Adjusting the pH of the spray solution did not appear to influence the efficacy of Trigate™ and Freestyle™ herbicides on common lambsquarters. Control ofvelvetleaf was greater and dry weights were lower compared to other pH treatments for glyphosate plus Freestyle™ applied when the pH was raised to 9 and lowered to 2; however, this pattern was not observed with glyphosate plus Trigate™ or with Trigate™ and Freestyle™ applied alone.Item Assessment of Bacterial Blight Pathogens Prevalent on Dry Bean and Identification of Sources of Resistance to Rhizoctonia Root Rot in North Dakota(North Dakota State University, 2011) Yen-Wei, ChangBacterial blights and root rots are two major diseases affecting dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in North Dakota and Minnesota (Venette and Lamey 1998). Bacterial blights of dry bean are commonly caused by three bacterial pathogens, namely Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (Psp), Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap), which can appear either together or independently under natural conditions. The bacterial portion of this study involved ascertaining the extent of incidence of bacterial blight in the major dry bean production areas of ND through surveys, determining the prevalence of Psp and Pss and screening a collection of commercial varieties from different market classes for resistance to these two bacterial pathogens. In this study, more than 50% of the fields surveyed in all the major dry bean producing counties, including Grand Forks, Pembina, Traill and Walsh from year 2008 to 2010, were found to have been affected by bacterial blight. Among the bacterial diseases, bacterial brown spot (caused by Pss) appeared to be the most prevalent. Representative isolates for both Psp and Pss randomly selected from the survey were used for pathogenicity tests and confirmed to be pathogenic. Race typing of the Psp isolates confirmed the presence of the races 6 and 8 in the field samples with race 6 being the most common. Susceptibility of the 11 varieties used in this study was also variable. Difference in aggressiveness was observed among the Psp isolates.Item Study of Freezing Tolerance After Cold Acclimation Followed by Deacclimation in Winter and Spring Canola (Brassica napus L.)(North Dakota State University, 2022) Mandal, AshokWinter canola/rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) produced 20 to 30% greater yield over spring canola. It overwinters to flower in spring. The winter type shows increased freezing tolerance after cold acclimation, which is crucial to survive in winter. However, short duration warm spells can cause canola to lose increased freezing tolerance in a process called “deacclimation” making it again vulnerable to freezing damage. We found canola almost completely deacclimated at 13°C or more for at least two days of deacclimation. However, longer duration of deacclimation (7 & 14 days) showed increased freezing tolerance as compared to 2 & 3 days at 10°C or less. Variation was seen among winter varieties for deacclimation seems unrelated to cold acclimation ability. Previous genome wide association studies implicated VERNALIZATION INDEPENDENCE 3 (VIP3) as having a potential role in deacclimation. We demonstrated that mutations in VIP3 makes Arabidopsis more tolerant to deacclimation. Deacclimation resistant and susceptible varieties could be used for further study to better understand deacclimation on genetic and physiological level.Item Genome Wide Association Study of Basic Fruit Chemistry in the Cold Climate Wine Grapes (Vitis spp.)(North Dakota State University, 2022) Kadium, Venkateswara RaoTo overcome some of these challenges posed by ND climate, the utilization of native wild Vitis-derived varieties is the best possible option available. Despite advantageous environmental tolerances of native wild Vitis spp. derived crosses, their acid and sugar concentrations often deviate from expectations set for V. vinifera. Identifying the genetic determinants of titratable acidity (TA), pH, and total soluble solids (TSS/°Brix) in interspecific hybrid populations can help improve new hybrid cultivars. For this purpose, an incomplete diallel mapping population with substantial riparia and other wild Vitis spp. in its background was used to perform association studies. The population is genotyped with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and phenotyped over two years. Genome wide association analysis (GWAS) identified a significant association on chromosomes 6 and 16 for all three traits in both years. Candidate gene identification under the significant region revealed multiple glucose, fructose, and amino acid metabolism genes.Item Comparison and Standardization of Wheat Pre-Harvest Sprouting Screening Methods, Preliminary Screening of Genomic Panel Lines(North Dakota State University, 2022) Visto, HaleyPreharvest sprouting (PHS) in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) is a significant problem in the United States, with many ways to evaluate it. When unharvested wheat begins to sprout, the grain begins to germinate reducing functional quality. Screening methods for PHS can range from in-situ spike misting to seed wetting. Each method has multiple published protocols, each with differing results. This experiment sought to compare two common screening methods, in-situ spike misting and seed wetting, from both field grown, and greenhouse grown seed sources. The experiment was comprised of 528 wheat lines in 2020 and a 50-genotype subset in 2021. Results from the correlation of methods analysis yielded a high correlation (r=0.74). Results from the correlation of sourced material analysis yielded a high correlation also (r=0.87). A preliminary genome wide association study identified a significant QTL present on chromosome 4A. This work will serve as a foundation for future studies.Item Soybean Iron Deficiency Chlorosis and Amaranthus Suppression by an Oat Companion Crop(North Dakota State University, 2022) Stith, JefferyIron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) and weedy Amaranthus species are two production challenges affecting soybean production in North Dakota. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of an oat companion crop on soybean and to evaluate soybean preemergence herbicides effect on an oat companion crop and Amaranthus. An oat companion crop reduced IDC symptoms in one environment, but did not reduce IDC in others. An oat companion crop reduced Amaranthus biomass, but in many site years this suppression did not occur until soybean yield loss was realized. Flumioxazin and sulfentrazone consistently provided the greatest control of Amaranthus, but was also the most injurious to an oat companion crop. Greenhouse research evaluated competitiveness of two Amaranthus species, and factors tested did not influence competitiveness. Other forms of IDC and Amaranthus suppression may be more consistent with suppression and stable yields than that of an oat companion crop.