SixthAnnual Graduate Research Retreat
Sponsored by:
HCS Graduate Studies Committee
John Cardina (Chair)
Joe Scheerens (Chair Designate)
Regina Vann Hickok (Secretary)
Adam Newby (Student Rep.)
Mark Bennett
Imed Dami
Doug Doohan
Dave Mackey
Dan Struve
Special thanks to GRR Organizing and Judging Committee
Natalie Bumgarner (Retreat Chair)
Adam Newby (Secretary)
Wendy Klooster
(Competition Co-Chair)
Carlos Hernandez-Garcia
(Competition Co-Chair)
Connie Echaiz
Dan Thomas
JD Bethel
Laura Giese
Lisa Robbins
Mao Huang
Michele Bigger
Nathan Miller
Patricia Chalfant
Stephanie Wedryk
Sungwoo Lee
Yi Zhang
Zhifen Zhang
Regina Vann Hickok
Dr. Dave Barker
Dr. Mark Bennett
Dr. Joshua Blakeslee
Dr. John Cardina
Dr. Ann Chanon
Dr. Katrina Cornish
Dr. Doug Doohan
Dr. Jyan-Chyun Jang
Dr. Pablo Jourdan
Dr. Matt Kleinhenz
Dr. Emma Locke
Dr. Hannah Mathers
Dr. Dan Struve
Dr. Esther van der Knaap
Table of Contents
Session Overview ………...….........……………………………3
Welcome...………...………………...……………...………...5-7
HCS Program Overviews…...……....……..….……..……….9-18
Competition Abstracts ………….….….….....….…….……19-39
Non-Competition Abstracts…….….……………...………..40-41
Horticulture and Crop Science Contact List ………...................42
Appendix
2011 Judging Criteria..................................................43-44
MS and PhD Abstract Evaluation ….........……..….....…45
Proposal Abstract Evaluation..............…..……........……46
Poster Evaluation for Masters and PhD…..…..............…47
Oral Presentation Evaluation for Masters and PhD..…....48
Oral Presentation Evaluation for Proposal.............…...…49
Retreat Evaluation Form………….......……...............….51
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Session Overview
Friday, October 7, 2011, Fisher South Exhibit Area, Wooster, Ohio
2:45 - 3:00 pm
Gather in Fisher Lobby for Tour
3:00 - 5:30 pm
Tour of OARDC (Research farms, labs)
5:45 - 6:00 pm
Welcome by Graduate Studies Chair, Dr. John Cardina
6:00 - 6:45 pm
Dinner
6:45 pm
Introduction – Dr. Clay Sneller
Guest Speaker – Dr. Jim Register, Pioneer DuPont
Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Programs
Research in the AgBiotech Industry
After dinner gathering- Stone House, OARDC Campus
Saturday, October 8, 2011, Fisher North Exhibit Area, Wooster Ohio
8:30 - 8:50 am
Refreshments and poster viewing
8:50 - 9:00 am
Welcome – Dr. Mark Sulc, HCS Chair
9:00 - 9:30 am
Speaker – Dr. Jeffory Hattey, Asst. Dean, FAES
9:30 - 11:30 am
Oral Competition
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Lunch
12:00 - 12:30 pm
Poster Competition Viewing
12:30 - 12:45 pm
Dr. Slack, OARDC Director
12:45- 2:00 pm
Oral Competition
2:00 - 2:30 pm
Overview of Columbus and Wooster Campus Research
2:45 - 3:00 pm
Announcement of Awards and concluding remarks
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Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
202 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1086
Phone: (614) 292-23866
Fax (614) 292-7162 (Kottman)
Fax (614) 292-3505 (Howlett)
hcs.osu.edu
October 7, 2011
Dear Guests and Participants,
Welcome to the sixth Annual Graduate Student Research Retreat and Open House in
the Department of Horticulture & Crop Science at The Ohio State University. Our
event continues to grow and improve each year, primarily through the leadership and
participation of our graduate students. We are pleased to once again showcase their
talents, ingenuity, and creativity.
We are a large department housed in four buildings and two campuses, so we work
hard to integrate all into one department with a common mission. This retreat is an
example of our graduate students from both campuses pulling together to develop
and enjoy the rewarding experience of scientific exchange and camaraderie.
Graduate education is a crucial mission of our Department and faculty. Our goal is to
train the next generation of scientists who will be equipped to address the important
issues related to utilizing plants for the betterment of mankind and for the
environment of which we are stewards. At this retreat you will experience the
diversity, depth, and breadth of the science being pursued by our faculty and
students. We are very proud of this remarkable group of graduate students. Our
students have received prestigious university fellowships as well as college
fellowships and OARDC awards, various external awards and achievements, and
several of our international students have received awards from their home countries.
Fifteen new graduate students joined our ranks this fall, bringing our total to 19 new
students over the past year. We currently have 67 graduate students in our
department.
Enjoy your time, the interaction, and fellowship during this retreat. Ask questions,
explore new ideas together, and stretch your minds!
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Mark Sulc
Interim Chair and Professor
Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science
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Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
202 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Road
Columbus, OH 43210-1086
Phone: (614) 292-23866
Fax (614) 292-7162 (Kottman)
Fax (614) 292-3505 (Howlett)
hcs.osu.edu
Dear Retreat Attendees,
We would like welcome you to the 6th annual Graduate Research Retreat for The
OSU Department of Horticulture and Crop Sciences. It is our hope that this weekend
will be of value to both students and faculty as a time to focus on past and present
research and future plans while spending time with members of our diverse
Columbus and Wooster campuses.
If you are currently a graduate student in H&CS, we are excited to welcome you
to the beautiful campus of OARDC in Wooster, OH for a weekend filled with highlights
of research being conducted in our department as well as presentations from invited guest
speakers. If you are contemplating graduate work at The OSU, we hope this is an
introduction to the many exciting opportunities that drew us and now hopefully you
to Ohio State. As students from varied backgrounds and experiences, we all find
ourselves on an academic journey filled with courses, experiments, and many
invaluable lessons and challenges. We hope that through the presentations and
conversations with students and faculty, both from within and outside our
department, that your education and research will be enhanced. Our goal of
supporting the education and research of current and prospective young scientists in
H&CS has four central objectives:




Rewarding excellence in research conducted and presented by students
Encouraging interaction between graduate students and faculty
Rewarding excellence in communicating science with peers
Highlighting research activities and opportunities to students outside OSU
and to the general public
If at any time you have any questions or suggestions as to how to improve this
yearly event, please feel free to discuss them with any member of the planning
committee. Better yet, join the planning committee for next year’s retreat! Hope you
have a great weekend and best wishes on your current and future work in the field of
horticulture and crop sciences!
Natalie Bumgarner (Retreat Chair)
Wendy Klooster (Competition Co-chair)
Carlos Hernandez-Garcia (Competition Co-chair)
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PROGRAM OVERVIEWS
Breeding and Genetics
Crop Management and Production
Environmental Horticulture
Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology
Seed Biology – Preparing for the Future
Turf Science and Management
Weed Ecology
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Breeding and Genetics
Crop breeding is the application of genetic theory to improve diverse traits of crops. In
modern crop breeding, knowledge generated from a variety of research fields such as
molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are integrated to elevate
crop yield and quality, beyond traditional breeding techniques. Recent release of genome
sequences in diverse crops expedites genomic study for the traits of interests and help to
breed for the traits of economic importance.
The breeding and genetics program at OSU’s Department of Horticulture and Crop
Science mainly emphasizes disease or pest resistance and end product quality. Research
activity combines lab experiments and field evaluation. Interdisciplinary collaboration
with Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
(PMBB) and international collaborations are encouraged.
Faculty with a major interest in breeding and genetics includes Drs. Clay Sneller, David
Francis, John Finer, Leah McHale, Pablo Jourdan and Rouf Mian. The research interests
of individual faculty are as follows:
Sneller’s lab focuses on wheat breeding and genetics with the following focus of (1)
improving wheat cultivars for Ohio and the mid-west, (2) discovering, understanding, and
utilizing wheat gene for resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, (3) discovering,
understanding, and utilizing wheat genes for improving wheat quality, and (4) developing
statistical approaches to plant breeding for complex traits in complex populations.
Finer’s lab works on transformation and gene expression in plants, with emphasis on (1)
introduction of genes of interest for stress tolerance, soybean cyst nematode resistance,
fungal resistance and grain quality improvement, (2) promoter isolation and
characterization using the green fluorescent protein and image analysis, coupled with
medium-throughput automated image collection, (3) identification and validation of nonpromoter regulatory regions that influence transgene expression, and (4) development of
novel, improved gene transfer approaches.
Francis’ program concentrates on tomato breeding and genetics with the following
areas of focus: (1) identifying resistance genes for bacterial diseases; (2) improving fruit
quality (e.g. color, color disorders and carotenoid content); (3) breeding for plant
architecture to improve yield, (4) identifying tomato root stock and scion combinations
for organic production; (5) the integration of genome sequence with traditional breeding;
and (6) understanding the effects of human selection on cultivated plants.
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Jourdan’s lab (OPGC) focuses on germplasm enhancement of herbaceous ornamentals
primarily of Begonia, Coreopsis, Lilium, Phlox, Rudbeckia and Viola. The type of
enhancement varies by genus, but traits of interest include environmental adaptation (e.g.
heat tolerance), disease resistance (especially to powdery mildew), and novel ornamental
attributes (habit, foliage, flower colors, etc). Another essential component of our work
involves development and characterization of appropriate germplasm collections that
require field collections of native species, genotyping of accessions, assessment of field
performance, interspecific hybridization, and seed storage studies. Recent activities
include establishment of clonal collections in vitro for long-term storage mainly in
Begonia, Pelargonium, and Phlox.
McHale’s lab studies soybean breeding and genetics with the aims of (1) identification
of genes conferring domestication and agronomically important traits (disease resistance,
oil, and protein) and the development and release of improved germplasm, (2)
identification of resistance (R) genes and the cognate pathogen effector proteins by
forward and reverse genetics, and (3) analysis of selection pressures across the genome
and correlation to resistance and domestication genes.
Mian’s lab (USDA/ARS) centers on soybean breeding and genetics in regards of (1)
genetic characterization of soybean resistance to insects (aphids and beetles), (2) genetic
characterization of partial resistance of soybean to Bean pod mottle virus, (3) mapping
new quantitative trait loci (QTL) for soybean cyst nematode and Phytophthora stem and
root rot, and (4) developing high-yielding and high-protein soybean lines with multiple
pest resistance.
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Crop Management and Production
Value is a defining characteristic of the Horticulture and Crop Science Crop Management
and Production Group (HCS-CMPG). Given the many talents of its members and
partners, and the issues they address and advances they foster, HCS-CMPG participation
remains vital to helping fulfill the university’s promise of wide-ranging, local-global
impact.
The HCS-CMPG is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral
researchers, visiting scholars, research scientists, technicians, and experienced,
internationally-recognized experts hailing from multiple countries. Regardless of
experience and background, they share an interest in plant-human, plant-animal,
plant-plant and/or plant-environment interactions. Overall, the Group is capable of
addressing these interactions at sub-cellular to landscape levels, especially within
commercial contexts.
HCS-CMPG members work in small, focused, discipline-specific teams while also
contributing to the success of much larger multi-institution and multi-disciplinary ones.
As a consequence, the impact of the Group’s work is widely evident on farms and in
laboratories, professional societies and organizations, homes, factories, and offices next
door and throughout the world. Those with a stake in the use of land, water, genetic and
other key resources – particularly as they may be directed to the management and
production of food, industrial and floricultural crops – inform and learn from HCSCMPG members.
The high extent to which crop management and production and other issues are
connected is reflected in the fact that HCS-CMPG members are supported in their work
by multiple Federal, State and Local agencies, organizations and industries and an
increasing number of international partners: this support is in the form of grants, contracts
and technical assistance. Also, Group collaborations with College- and University-wide
Interdisciplinary Programs are exceptional.
Existing crops from alfalfa to zucchini and yet to be commercialized plants (future crops)
form the Group’s main experimental subjects. These current and emerging crops provide
human and animal food, aesthetic and monetary value and an enormous range and
quantity of raw products channeled to applications in medicine, industry and defense.
Crop management and production have many significant impacts -- e.g., the efficiency of
the process can extend or limit the availability of valuable, shared resources and heighten
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or diminish a system’s commercial viability. Therefore, HCS-CMPG projects often are
designed to help discover how food and raw product supplies and the health and beauty
of natural and human landscapes can be sustained over the long term, acknowledging that
success will have economic and social underpinnings.
HCS-CMPG members study a range of factors in semi-automated and fully
climate-controlled indoor facilities providing all growth requirements, partiallyenclosed/semi-controlled, and largely uncontrolled open field environments and in urban
to rural settings. The Group’s work is inspired by real-world issues and questions that lie
at the edge of our understanding of cropping systems. Through their science and
applications based on its discoveries, Group members aim to help solve these issues and
open new, knowledge-based frontiers.
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Environmental Horticulture
The objectives of the OSU HCS Environmental Horticulture program are to deliver a
nationally recognized research program that benefits the nursery and greenhouse
production and landscape industries. Research focuses on creating sustainable cultural
practices that reduce impact on the environment, diversifying and improving plant
selection, and understanding ornamental plant physiology. Environmental horticulture
faculty includes Peg McMahon, Pablo Jourdan, Jim Chatfield, Michelle Jones, Jim
Metzger, Claudio Pasian, Tim Rhodus, Dan Struve and Hannah Mathers.
Some areas of current research investigations include investigation of the molecular and
biochemical regulation of flower and leaf senescence, reproductive strategies of woody
plants and their manipulation for germplasm enhancement, use of retractable roof house
in nursery production, alternative weed control in nursery container production, the signal
transduction pathways by which environmental factors lead to flowering initiation, new
crop production technologies, design and development of decision-support systems for
use in nursery and greenhouse crop management, marketing and education, root
regeneration and transplant establishment, water and nutrient use efficiency in container
production systems, and the reduction of run-off from nursery and greenhouse crop
production sites.
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Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular
Biology
Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the Horticulture and Crop Science
Department at The Ohio State University encompasses numerous biological disciplines.
We are conducting hypothesis-driven, basic and applied research to understand the
molecular genetic mechanisms underlying many diverse plant processes. To understand
the molecular mechanisms underlying sugar sensing and signal transduction in plants, JC
Jang’s lab attempts to unravel the roles of a group of novel proteins in sugar mediated
growth and stress responses. Michelle Jones’s lab conducts research to illuminate the
process whereby flowers transition from a state of active growth and cell division, into an
aging and dying phase. Esther van der Knaap’s lab is deciphering the function of genes
that control tomato fruit shape. Dave Mackey’s lab investigates the molecular
mechanisms by which bacterial virulence factors suppress the plant’s innate immune
system. Eric Stockinger’s lab is focused on understanding how key regulatory genes
affect freezing tolerance in wheat and barley. Two new labs join our department last
academic year. Joshua Blakeslee’s lab researches the role of membrane signaling and
transport in plant physiological responses to the environment, including salt, drought, and
light/heat stresses. Katrina Cornish's research in bioemergent materials, includes
developing nuclear and plastidic transformation methods to increase biosynthesis of
rubber and specific terpenes of the isoprenoid pathway, understanding the ontogeny and
development of rubber particles, and developing herbicide-resistant rubber plants while
minimizing their ecological impact. We use a wide array of molecular, biochemical,
physiological, developmental and genetic tools to decipher these processes. The genomic
and proteomic “tool boxes” that we utilize allow us to sift through the entire complement
of the 25,000 plus plant genes and their encoded proteins to identify the key players
specifically affected by both internal plant signals and external environmental cues. We
are using mutations and genetic fingerprinting strategies in combination with large
mapping populations to identify genes affecting these plant traits. We are using “systems
approaches” that involve interactions between traditionally separate disciplines such as
the biosciences, physical sciences, mathematical/computational sciences, and engineering
to address biological questions that until very recently were thought to be completely
intractable. High throughput sequencing, expression profiling, and RNA, DNA, and
protein interaction networking techniques are now integrated and allow us to discover
new genes and new mechanisms. Research in the group of Physiology, Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology is exciting work that regularly leads to novel discoveries about the
underlying molecular basis of horticultural and agronomic traits that in the end we hope
will benefit all of society!
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Seed Biology
Seeds provide 75% of the food consumed by humanity, and production of high-quality
seed is the cornerstone of American and global agriculture. The specialized nature of the
seed industry and the unique biology of seeds as life in suspended animation have given
rise to seed biology as an important discipline. Seeds are vital as propagating units for
the tree, landscape, flower, turf, vegetable, fruit, and agronomic crop industries.
American and multinational seed companies are among the significant agricultural
industries benefiting from advances in seed research and increased student training. To
serve these needs, The Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and Crop
Science has established an interdisciplinary Seed Biology Program because:

Research and teaching programs in Seed Biology are a foundation of plant
science study
 Seed Biology is an interdisciplinary program which complements most aspects
of plant study
 Seed Biology is an important component of international programs in
agriculture and natural resources
At OSU, the Seed Biology Program possesses academic breadth and is divided into
the following six areas: Seed Production, Seed Quality, Seed Pathology, Seed
Physiology/Biochemistry, Seed Genetics/Molecular Biology, and Weed Seed Ecology.
Seed biology efforts are closely associated with the OSU/USDA Ornamental Plant
Germplasm Center (OPGC). Research, teaching, and outreach/training activites at the
OPGC are fundamentally related to long-term seed storability for germplasm
preservation. Recent investigations have examined environmental and parental plant
effects on seed quality, and the influence of dormancy on seed storage in Begonia,
Rudbeckia, Lactuca and Phlox. An additional area of investigation is the optimization of
germination conditions for various species of native genera such as Phlox and Rudbeckia.
Research using non-destructive seed imaging techniques (x-rays, other) is also showing
promise for a number of species.
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Turf Science and Management
The Turfgrass Science program in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at
The Ohio State University is composed of three faculty: Dr. Karl Danneberger, Dr. John
Street, and Dr. Dave Gardner. In addition, the “Turf Team” includes faculty and staff
from the Departments of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and the School of Natural
Resources. Karl Danneberger (45% teaching/55% research) specializes in golf course
ecology. Currently, he has just completed the physiological and morphological
characterization of mutant shade tolerant bentgrass plants with graduate student Aneta
Studzinska. John Street (75% extension/25% research) has completed research on athletic
field management with his graduate student Marcela Munoz and is working with Pam
Sherratt, who is also the Extension Sports turf Specialist. He also investigates strategies
to control annual and perennial grassy weeds in turf with his research associate, Deb
Holdren. Dave Gardner (50% teaching/50% research) conducts research in a range of
areas with ongoing projects in ultraviolet light and turfgrass pigmentation, natural
herbicides, establishment of sustainable home lawns, turfgrass water use efficiency and
greens playability options based on moisture and firmness values with his graduate
students Ed Nangle, Jo Gillilan, Andrew Muntz, Dominic Petrella and Arly Drake. He
also conducts work with research associate Emily Horner in the area of pesticide/nutrient
fate in the environment as well as broadleaf weed control in turfgrass.
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Weed Ecology
Weedy and invasive plants are important economic, environmental, and human health
concerns in agricultural crops as well as in managed and natural ecosystems. The faculty,
staff, and students in the OSU Weed Ecology program work on basic and applied aspects
of weedy and invasive plant biology and management. Much of our work focuses on
understanding the ecological processes that make some plant species successful invaders,
competitors, and colonizers. This information is applied to develop effective physical,
cultural, biological, and chemical methods of management, with the ultimate goal of
reducing economic, environmental, and health problems caused by weedy and invasive
plant species.
Faculty with a major interest in weed ecology include John Cardina, Douglas Doohan,
Kent Harrison, Mark Loux, and Emilie Regnier. Other faculty, in HCS and related
departments at OSU, also conduct research related to weedy or invasive plant species,
including David Gardner, Hannah Mathers, Kristin Mercer, and Pablo Jourdan. Because
weedy and invasive species are common in so many environments, we interact with
faculty and students from a wide range of disciplines, and often provide connections
between the molecular and the field levels. Some of our work addresses weed
management in conventional and organic systems that include grains, vegetable crops,
fruit crops, and ornamental plants. Other work focuses on more global issues, including
gene flow, dispersal, and spread of invasive plants in natural areas.
Our specific areas of study are diverse and wide-reaching. These include weed biology,
competition, genetic diversity, and phenotypic plasticity; weed seed ecology (seed
production, dormancy, dispersal, and seed banks); herbicide application technologies;
alternative weed management methods for low-input and organic agriculture;
development and spread of herbicide resistant weed biotypes; invasion ecology; and the
ecological role of weeds in natural and managed ecosystems through their interactions
with other species.
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Competition Abstracts
The Graduate Research Retreat is an opportunity not only to meet and interact among
faculty, staff and graduate students, but also to explain our research, to communicate
science. A successful completion of an advanced degree is a multifaceted endeavor:
initiate, execute, and summarize a research project, as well as communicate the research
via poster and/or oral presentations to the scientific community.
This Retreat is a wonderful experience for the current graduate students to take part in the
research competition. The posters and oral presentations will be critically evaluated by
graduate students judges and faculty judges. Monetary prizes will be awarded to each
first place and second place winners in each of four classifications: Oral Presentation for
Masters or PhD Proposal, Oral Presentation for PhD, Oral Presentation for Masters, and
Master or PhD Poster.
Good luck to all of the participants!
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HCS Graduate Research Retreat Competition Schedule
Saturday, October 8, 2011
JUDGES:
Time
Abstract
Category
Competitor
Faculty 1
Faculty 2
Faculty 3
Faculty 4
Student 1
Student 2
Student 3
9:30
1
oral prop
Wolfe, Scott
Blakeslee
Kleinhenz
Chanon
Jourdan
Zhang, Z
Bigger
Huang
9:45
2
oral prop
Robbins, Lisa
Doohan
Mathers
Cornish
Jang
Zhang, Y
Bigger
Chalfant
10:00
3
oral prop
Huang, Mao
Cornish
Blakeslee
Bennett
vanderKnaap
Giese
Echaiz
Lee
10:15
4
oral prop
Pace, Brian
Chanon
Jang
Kleinhenz
Struve
Bumgarner
Wedryk
Huang
10:30
5
oral prop
Hu, Bizhen
Locke
Mathers
Struve
Jourdan
Bethel
Echaiz
Bigger
10:45
6
oral prop
Thomas, Daniel
vanderKnaap
Bennett
Jourdan
Barker
Giese
Wedryk
Lee
11:00
7
oral prop
Zambrano, Jose
vanderKnaap
Locke
Blakeslee
Jang
Echaiz
Giese
Lee
12 - 12:30
8
poster
Echaiz, Constanza
Kleinhenz
Jourdan
Jang
Locke
Wedryk
Robbins
Zhang, Y
12 - 12:30
9
poster
Glaser, Andy
Cornish
vanderKnaap
Mathers
Bennett
Thomas
Bumgarner
Zhang, Z
12 - 12:30
10
poster
Lee, Sungwoo
Doohan
Barker
Blakeslee
Chanon
Chalfant
Bethel
Miller
12 - 12:30
11
poster
Bigger, Michele
Doohan
Cornish
Barker
vanderKnaap
Zhang, Y
Wedryk
Zhang, Z
12 - 12:30
12
poster
Newby, Adam
Mathers
Kleinhenz
Barker
Doohan
Chalfant
Zhang, Z
Robbins
12:45
13
oral MS
Chalfant, Patricia
Cornish
Bennett
Kleinhenz
Barker
Miller
Robbins
Lee
1:00
14
oral MS
Hoffstetter, Amber
Struve
Mathers
Jourdan
Chanon
Miller
Thomas
Huang
1:15
15
oral PhD
Kost, Matthew
Locke
Struve
Chanon
Blakeslee
Bethel
Bumgarner
Miller
1:30
16
oral PhD
Newby, Adam
Doohan
Locke
Blakeslee
Cornish
Thomas
Chalfant
Bumgarner
1:45
17
oral PhD
Wedryk, Stephanie
Jang
Struve
Bennett
vanderKnapp
Robbins
Bethel
Echaiz
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Abstract
no.
1
2
3
Title
Response of Grapes to Simulated 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Glyphosate Drift
Burdock (Arctium lappa and Arctium minus) Domestication for Medicinal
Uses
Genetic Analysis of Food-Grade Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Quality
Traits in a Breeding Population
Student
Author
S. Wolfe
L. Robbins
M. Huang
4
Growth analysis and physiological features of landrace maize across an
altitudinal gradient
B. Pace
5
Burdock medicinal metabolite production in plant tissue culture
B. Hu
6
Yield and Architecture in Processing Tomato
D. Thomas
7
Genetic Architecture of Resistance to Three Phylogenetically Diverse
Viruses in Maize
J. Zambrano
8
Bramble sensivity and weed control response to herbicides at transplant
C. Echaiz
9
Using predicted emergence for more efficient weed management in
organic processing tomato
A. Glaser
10
Identification of quantitative trait loci conferring partial resistance to
Phytophthora sojae in soybean PI 427106
S. Lee
11
Greening the Highways – Out-plant Survival of Deciduous Trees in
Stressful Environments
M. Bigger
12
The Use of Gravimetric Data for Real-Time Irrigation Monitoring and
Control In Greenhouse Crop Production
A. Newby
13
Effects of Early Season Leaf Removal on Fruit Quality and Crop Load in
Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc Grapevines
P. Chalfant
14
Using Association Analysis to Identify Genomic Regions that Control
Economically Important Traits in Soft Winter Wheat
A. Hoffstetter
15
Emergence, early season growth rates, herbivory, and survival of wild and
crop-wild hybrid Helianthus annuus (sunflower) generations: implications
for introgression
M. Kost
16
17
Impact of near-Zero and Zero Leachate Irrigation Treatments On Zinnia
Development and Water Use
Smother Crop Mixtures for Canada Thistle Suppression in Organic
Transition
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A. Newby
S. Wedryk
ABSTRACT # 1
Master’s Proposal
Response of Grapes to Simulated 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Glyphosate Drift
Scott Wolfe
Linjian Jiang
David Scurlock
Roger Downer
Imed Dami
Doug Doohan
wolfe.529@osu.edu
Horticulture and Crop Science Graduate Program
Expected Date of Graduation: Spring 2013
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Doug Doohan
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
1680 Madison Avenue
Wooster, Ohio 44691
doohan.1@osu.edu
Today herbicide use is widespread in agriculture as an integral weed management tool.
With genetically modified crops, such as RoundUp Ready corn and soybean, herbicides
that normally would have killed a crop can be used for weed control. Over years of use,
certain weeds have developed a resistance to RoundUp and require new management
tools. New technologies, including 2,4-D and dicamba resistant crops, will add the tools
needed for corn and soybean farmers to better manage weeds, however, these herbicides
can drift off the target area and damage sensitive crops, such as grapes, tomatoes, and
peppers. Research over the last 30+ years has shown some of the effects of these
herbicides on sensitive crops. With the impending introduction of new resistance traits in
other crops, the use of the herbicides is about to change and therefore the damage seen on
sensitive crops may also change. Grapes are an important crop in Ohio for table and
wine production. The wine industry also attracts millions of tourists each year. Grapes
are extremely sensitive to these herbicides, down to rates as low as 0.33% of the label
rate for row crops. With the changes in herbicide use, grape growers are very concerned
about the potential for damage to their vineyards. Greenhouse trials on common varieties
- 22 -
of grapes being planted in Ohio will be performed to test the severity of damage from
various rates and combinations of herbicides on one year old vine. A second greenhouse
trial will be done to test the mode of action for each herbicide and the severity of damage
depending on the location of drift on the vine. A field trial will be done to test the timing
effects of the herbicides and to see if there is variation in the sensitivity of the mature
grape vines depending on bloom stage. Harvest data will be collected for the field trial.
These experiments will help researchers, extension specialists, and growers in Ohio to
better understand the symptoms of damage on grape vines, which varieties are more or
less sensitive, and ultimately what drift might do to the grapes harvested that year and in
the years to follow.
- 23 -
ABSTRACT # 2
Burdock (Arctium lappa and Arctium minus) Domestication for
Medicinal Uses
Lisa Robbins
Two European species of burdock (Arctium lappa and Arctium minus) are non-native
biennial weed species found throughout the United States.
Burdock’s medicinal
properties have been recognized for centuries and recently, the U.S. Federal Drug
Administration approved a novel therapy for treating wounds (especially burns) including
a key ingredient of burdock leaves. The potential demand of this innovative medication is
substantial; therefore, opportunities exist for growers to supply a large international
market. Since burdock is capable of inhabiting a vast range of growing environments, we
hypothesize that variation exists, both within and among accessions of these species.
Therefore, the objectives of this research are to 1) develop techniques to evaluate
biochemical components of burdock leaves, 2) characterize leaf composition variations
within and among burdock accessions with respect to species, plant age, season, and the
position on the plant; and to 3) optimize the effects of different horticultural management
techniques of water, light, temperature, and fertility levels on the biochemical profile of
leaves. Leaves have been harvested from seventy-one accessions replicated in the field
three times. Sample preparation for lab analysis will consist of lyophilized/ground leaf
tissue extracted with various solvents for analysis and quantification on an HPLC or GC.
Compounds of interest include but are not limited to sesquiterpene lactones, terpenes,
steroids, COX enzyme inhibitors, and phenolics. The data acquired from this project may
justify further efforts in burdock domestication and be used to develop future ideas and
proposals on the commercialization of burdock and its use in the medical field.
- 24 -
ABSTRACT # 3
Genetic Analysis of Food-Grade Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)
Quality Traits in a Breeding Population
Mao Huang and Leah McHale
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University,
Columbus, OH, 43210
Commodity soybeans are primarily consumed as vegetable oil and high protein
animal feed. Food-grade soybeans, used to produce tofu, miso, edamame, soymilk,
natto and tempeh, are a specialty crop with unique chemical and physical seed quality
requirements. There is limited genetic information for most of these seed quality traits
and studies have focused on bi-parental mapping populations, in which QTL tend to
be contextual, relying solely on the two alleles present in the parental lines. We are
conducting association mapping of food-grade quality traits in a multi-parent intercrossed breeding population, which takes advantage of a potentially large number of
alleles which are relevant to a breeding program. Our objectives are to determine
values and heritability of food-grade seed quality traits and detect quantitative trait
loci (QTL) for these traits through association mapping. Genotypic and phenotypic
analyses are being conducted on 265 breeding lines from OSU soybean germplasm.
Soybean traits analyzed include seed protein and oil content, weight, volume, shape,
water uptake capacity and firmness of produced tofu. Results thus far indicate that the
high heritabilities for seed protein and oil content, weight, volume, and water uptake
will facilitate the identification of QTL by association mapping; alternatively, the
lower heritabilities of seed shape may preclude the identification of QTL. Association
mapping is currently underway. As a result of utilizing the OSU breeding population
for this study, findings will be directly applicable to phenotypic and marker-assisted
selection by breeders as well as the selection of parental lines for future cultivar
development.
- 25 -
ABSTRACT # 4
Growth analysis and physiological features of landrace maize across an
altitudinal gradient
Brian A. Pace, Hugo R. Perales, and Kristin L. Mercer
Climate change presents new challenges to crop production as temperatures increase and
precipitation patterns shift. The maintenance of yields depends on continued adaptation
of crop varieties to their local environments. Mexico, the crop center of origin for maize,
stewards high genetic diversity in landraces—diversity that may not be included in
breeding programs. Southern Mexico possesses strong altitudinal gradients, such that
heterogeneous environments are found within a relatively small area, creating an ideal
study site. Twelve maize populations from high, mid- and low altitudes (600, 1500 and
2100 m) were compared reciprocally in common gardens located in the same three
altitudinal zones where seed was collected. The objectives of this work are to investigate
the physiological mechanisms that underlie the loss and maintenance of maize fitness
when grown outside native zones and to describe some of the adaptive traits that may be
important as ranges shift with climate change. Growth analysis is predicted to reveal
differential biomass accumulation curves that have fitness consequences. Multiple gas
exchange strategies are expected across altitudinal zones. Stomatal densities will be
compared and infrared gas analysis conducted at all gardens before flowering should
provide insight into the mechanisms behind predicted variation in biomass accumulation
within and across gardens. Local adaptation to the irradiance gradient along this
altitudinal cline will be investigated using HPLC analysis of UV-absorbing flavonoid
pigments. Together, results from these physiological measurements could have
implications for how climate change may impact landrace maize populations and clarify
genetic conservation goals for this important region.
- 26 -
ABSTRACT # 5
Burdock medicinal metabolite production in plant tissue culture
Bizhen Hu
Weeds are resources put in the wrong place. Instead of getting rid of weeds in the field, it
is possible to domesticate weeds into beneficial crops. Burdock (Arctium lappa L. and
Arctium minus), although it is still regarded as a weed in the U.S., is a potential crop with
its plentiful secondary metabolites. It has been reported as a folk medicine for burn
treatment.
However, no research is available on burdock medicinal metabolite
production for burn treatment. Plant tissue culture is to regenerate plants from plant cells,
tissues or organs. As genotype is predominantly preserved from donor plant to its tissue
cultured propagules, the technique can be used to efficiently increase homogeneous plant
material with superior metabolite profiles for use in clinical studies. Plant tissue culture
also has been directly applied to producing plant-based metabolites, especially for herbal
pharmacy. Prelimitory data showed similar biochemical composition in callus as those in
burdock leaves grown in field, indicating that tissue culture is a potential way for
medicinal compound production from burdock. This research is aimed at determining and
building an efficient procedure of plant tissue culture for burdock medicinal metabolite
production. Besides, optimum genotypes will be identified and selected for medical uses
by comparing the biochemicals in callus induced from different genotypes.
- 27 -
ABSTRACT # 6
M.S. research proposal-Yield and Architecture in Processing Tomato
OSU research retreat for the HCS department, 2011
Daniel Thomas
Advisor: Dr. David Francis
Yield is considered by many plant breeders and growers to be the single most important
trait in a cultivar, a decision that is increasingly being strengthened by food shortages and
human population expansion. The focus of the proposed research is to identify factors
which influence yield in processing tomato. I will test the hypothesis that architectural
modifications are associated with enhanced yield. Direct yield improvements in tomato
can be considered to be caused by factors which increase the fruit set. Yield components
(fruit weight, number and size) and plant habit (vine size, branch number, inflorescence
structure) will be examined by direct measurement using progeny from a nested
recombinant inbred line (RIL) population segregating for two alleles of complex
inflorescence (S), a gene controlling inflorescence structure, and SELF-PRUNING 5
(SP5G), a gene controlling plant architecture. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)
estimates of phenotypic values will be placed on a map that is assembled with interval
mapping techniques from DNA-based markers which are polymorphic between the
parents. Genotypes of RILs will be scored with the Golden Gate SNP assay on the
Illumina BeadXpress platform. This project will map the entire genome, with an
emphasis on the region of chromosome 5 where SP5G is thought to map.
Mean
comparisons will be used to identify especially productive lines which can be further
tested for combining ability as parents of commercial hybrids. Ultimately, this project
will provide germplasm and DNA-based molecular markers suitable for use in tomato
breeding programs.
- 28 -
ABSTRACT # 7
Genetic Architecture of Resistance to Three Phylogenetically Diverse
Viruses in Maize
Jose Luis Zambrano
Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) causes significant yield losses in some regions of
Central and South America, where most landraces, cultivars, and inbreds are susceptible
to this disease. Maize necrotic streak virus (MNeSV) and Maize fine streak virus (MFSV)
are recently discovered maize virus emerging in regions of the southern United States.
Mapping studies conducted in maize have provided information on the genetic location
and distribution of viral disease resistance. Although several quantitative trait loci (QTLs)
or genes controlling viral diseases have been identified in maize, the genetic basis of
resistance to MRFV, MFSV, and MNeSV is largely unknown. The specific objectives of
this research are to: (a) identify sources of genetic resistance to MRFV, (b) identify genes
or QTLs that confer multiple resistance to MRFV, MFSV and MNeSV, and (c) select
virus resistant lines with superior agronomic traits that could be used for applied breeding
purposes. I hypothesize that resistance to these diseases can be found in tropical
germplasm and that resistance QTLs are located in the same regions where other genes
conferring resistance to virus diseases have been identified. To accomplish these
objectives, a recombinant inbred line population segregating resistance to multiple virus
diseases will be evaluated using insects and vascular inoculation. Single nucleotide
polymorphism will be identified in the population using the Illumina GoldenGate SNP
Genotyping. The identification of the genes conferring resistance to these diseases will
facilitate their incorporation into cultivars with multiple virus disease resistance.
- 29 -
ABSTRACT # 8
Bramble sensivity and weed control response to herbicides at
transplant.
Constanza Echaiz.
Advisor: Dr. Doug Doohan.
Department of Horticulture & Crop Science
Raspberries are an important commercial crop in Ohio. There is an enormous potential to
expand the acreage and the economic impact based on the healthy benefits associated
with berries consumption, and Ohio’s natural advantages for growing the crop.
Nevertheless, inadequate weed control is the major persistent problem limiting the
potential of this crop, affecting the planting longevity and productivity. Effective
alternatives are not available and mechanical weed control is limited by risk of root
system damage and perennial nature of the crop. For this reason it is important to
maximize weed control with a program that includes good agricultural practices and
herbicides applications. To be successful, this program should include seedling weed
control during the planting year, and perennial weed control during the following years.
The objective of the present research is to determine the response of 2 different varieties
of raspberries var. “Caroline” and var. “Nova” and one variety of blackberries var.
“Chester” to herbicides applied at transplant.
- 30 -
ABSTRACT # 9
Using predicted emergence for more efficient weed management in
organic processing tomato
Andy Glaser
Organic agriculture is a holistic approach to crop production that takes into account a
wide variety of environmental aspects. Weed management is one of the most difficult
aspects within organic agriculture. Organic agriculture lacks the prescriptive approaches
that are available within conventional agriculture research. This field experiment with
organic processing tomato uses the WeedCast modeling software, local weather, and
weed species data to predict what percentage of weeds are emerging in the field at a
given time. Treatments included field cultivations performed based off of 20, 50 and
75% weed emergence. Earlier cultivation led to more tomato Based off of 2011 yield
data, weed control performed with lower percent emergence has higher yield of red,
marketable fruits. This study is to be repeated in 2012 and will also include soybeans.
- 31 -
ABSTRACT # 10
Identification of quantitative trait loci conferring partial resistance to
Phytophthora sojae in soybean PI 427106
Sungwoo Lee1, M. A. Rouf Mian1, 3, Leah McHale1, Clay H. Sneller1, and
Anne E. Dorrance2
1
Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University,
Wooster, OH 44691
2
Dept. of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691
3
Corn and Soybean Unit, USDA-ARS, Wooster, OH 44691
Phytophthora root and stem rot caused by Phytophthora sojae is a destructive disease that
limits soybean yield around the world. Fifteen resistance genes (Rps) to P. sojae have
been identified, but adaptation by the pathogen has made many of these R-genes
ineffective. In addition to Rps-gene resistance, partial resistance controlled by
quantitative trait loci (QTL) provides effective long-term defense against many
pathotypes of P. sojae. The objective of this study was to identify QTL conferring partial
resistance against P. sojae from a new genetic source, PI 427106. Two hundred and
eighty recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a F7:8 population of OX20-8 (susceptible) by
PI 427106 (with high level of partial resistance) were used in this study. The population
was genotyped with over 200 SNPs using BeadXpress assay and then the genetic map
was constructed. To evaluate the level of partial resistance, 7-day-old seedlings (10 plants
per RIL) were inoculated on the root with P. sojae isolate 13.S.1.2 and lesion length was
measured 7 day after inoculation. The mean lesion length of ten seedlings was
statistically analyzed to obtain the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP). Using marker
genotypes and BLUP values, composite interval mapping identified one significant QTL
on chromosome 19, which explained 4.4 % of the phenotypic variation. This suggests
that the soybean PI 427106 may be a source of partial resistance in developing
germplasm for breeding new cultivars with more durable resistance to P. sojae.
- 32 -
ABSTRACT # 11
Greening the Highways – Out-plant Survival of Deciduous Trees in
Stressful Environments
Michele Bigger1, Hannah Mathers1,2, Lynne Sage2
1
The Ohio State University, Columbus OH;
2
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, Vineland Ontario, Canada;
Highway landscapes are highly stressful environments for plant growth. Furthermore
transportation departments lack a budget for proper maintenance following installation.
These constraints have led to observation of low survival. To understand survival in
stressful environments, six trial sites were planted in June of 2010 along highway 401 in
Toronto, Ontario. In total 34 species ofdeciduous trees were planted. Plants were
produced using 4 main production methods, Vented-Roof Greenhouses (VRG),
Retractable Roof Greenhouse (RRG) (525 trees), Polyhouse (1,630 trees), or field (467
trees). Trial species grown in RRG or VRG included: 140 Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer
freemannii ‘Jeffersred’), 125 Whitebarked Himalayan Birch (Betula jacquemontii), 80
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), and 180 Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos). All RRG
& VRG trees were produced in 3 Gallon containers and growing media was amended
with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%or 2.0% Geohumus® by volume. Geohumus® (Geohumus
International, GmbH& Co. KG, Frankfurt, Germany) is a material that aids with reducing
water stress (Mathers, 2010). Sites 1 and 4 will be presented. Significant species by site
interaction with mortality occurred. Differences correlate with site soil salts, drainage,
aspect, & slope. Significant differences in mortality were also seen between production
method
and
site.
Treatment
differences
were
seen
between
RRG
and
VRGHoneylocustliners. Initially RRG liners hadsignificant caliper growth when
compared with VGH liners before planting. 19 weeks following planting VGH liners had
increased caliper growth with GeoHumus amended media, indicating that GeoHumus
may be aiding the VRG plants to catch up to the RRG trees.
- 33 -
ABSTRACT # 12
The Use of Gravimetric Data for Real-Time Irrigation Monitoring and
Control In Greenhouse Crop Production
Adam Newby1, Daniel K. Struve2 and Claudio C. Pasian2, (1)Horticulture
and Crop Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, (2)Ohio State
Univ, Columbus, OH
Real-time precise monitoring of substrate water status allows growers to control
irrigation more precisely so that adequate water is applied to the plant while avoiding
excess leachate that requires resources and space to store and/or treat. Electrical probe
moisture sensors that measure certain electrical properties within the soil in order to
quantify volumetric water content have gained popularity. Sensors must be calibrated for
individual substrates and may need to be recalibrated often throughout the production of
a single crop. Monitoring and controlling substrate water status using gravimetric data is
an effective method that requires less technical expertise and equipment than dielectric
moisture sensors, crop modeling, or photosynthetic rate measuring equipment.An
automated irrigation system that allows irrigation events to be scheduled according to
substrate gravimetric water content and that allows various irrigation regimes to be
applied simultaneously was built in 2010.
- 34 -
ABSTRACT # 13
Effects of Early Season Leaf Removal on Fruit Quality and Crop
Load in Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc Grapevines
Patricia Chalfant and Imed Dami
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State
University/ OARDC, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
An important determinant of winegrape quality and grapevine health is crop load. The
crop load of a grapevine is the ratio of its vegetative and reproductive structures. Several
winegrape cultivars grown in cool climates are highly productive and require crop
reduction to ensure timely fruit maturation and improved fruit quality. Traditionally,
balanced pruning and cluster thinning are the cultural practices used to attain the desired
crop load. Crop reduction by cluster thinning is labor intensive, costly and typically not
mechanized for winegrapes. In this study, the practice of early season leaf removal is
proposed as an alternate tool to reduce crop level, thereby optimizing crop load and fruit
quality in overly productive winegrape cultivars. The objectives were to 1) determine the
effects of early season leaf removal at different phenological stages on yield components,
growth, crop load, and fruit quality in Chambourcin and 2) evaluate manual versus
mechanical leaf removal in Cabernet Franc. Leaf removal at pre-bloom and bloom stages
reduced yield as compared to that at fruitset and control (no removal) in Chambourcin.
Mechanical leaf removal at fruitset and manual leaf removal at pre-bloom reduced yield
as compared to control in Cabernet Franc. Leaf removal did not negatively impact fruit
quality in either cultivar.
- 35 -
ABSTRACT # 14
Using Association Analysis to Identify Genomic Regions that Control
Economically Important Traits in Soft Winter Wheat
Authors: A.L. Hoffstetter, C.H. Sneller
Association analysis (AA) can be used in plant breeding populations to identify genomic
regions that affect important traits. Using AA in plant breeding can help identify genes
in relevant genetic backgrounds. The objective of this study was to use AA to identify
genes that control seed yield, resistance to Fusarium Head Blight, and wheat quality. A
study was done using 449 genotypes of soft winter wheat from the OSU wheat breeding
program. These lines were genotyped with 1820 markers. Data was collected over
varying years and number of locations. Results of this research will be reported and
discussed.
- 36 -
ABSTRACT # 15
Emergence, early season growth rates, herbivory, and survival of wild
and crop-wild hybrid Helianthus annuus (sunflower) generations:
implications for introgression
Matthew A. Kost, Helen M. Alexander, Allison A. Snow, and Kristin L.
Mercer
Crop wild relatives may contain genetic diversity that could aid breeders in feeding a
growing human population in the face of future biotic and abiotic shifts. Balancing the
release of crops containing novel characteristics with the conservation of crop wild
relative diversity will require further scientific investigation aimed at understanding the
processes of hybridization, gene flow, and introgression between crops and their wild
relatives. Since the Southeast United States is the proposed crop center of origin of
Helianthus annuus, there have been a plethora of U.S. based studies exploring these
processes between crop and wild H. annuus. However, the studies conducted to date
have not looked at early season life history characteristics, survival, and herbivory in
advanced generation H. annuus crop-wild hybrids overwintered and grown in field
conditions.
The objectives of this study are twofold.
First, I will determine how
emergence, early season growth rate, and herbivory characteristics differ between wild,
F1, F2, and BCw crosstypes. Second, I will determine how these characteristics relate to
early season survival. Understanding how these characteristics differ between crosstype
and how they relate to early season survival will provide insight into early season factors
that could either enable or restrict crop gene introgression into wild sunflower
populations. This study will be the first of its kind to elucidate the role early season life
history characteristics of multiple crosstypes may have on the subsequent introgression of
crop genes into wild sunflower populations.
- 37 -
ABSTRACT # 16
Adam Newby
Impact of near-Zero and Zero Leachate Irrigation Treatments On
Zinnia Development and Water Use
To determine the affects of zero and near-zero leachate irrigation practices on irrigation
volume, leaching fraction, water use efficiency (WUE) and crop growth of Zinnia
‘Profusion Knee High Red’ under greenhouse conditions, Zinnia seedlings were
transplanted in December 2010 into 5 inch containers filled with a uniform mass of
Sunshine LB2 substrate and placed on electronic scales in groups of four within a glass
roof greenhouse. Substrate was brought to container capacity (CC) and the weight of the
four container units (substrate + seedling - container) was recorded. Irrigation was
applied throughout the experiment so that the weight of the container units was
maintained at 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of weight recorded at CC.
Total water applied to each plant 8 weeks after initiation ranged from 2.08 L in the 70%
CC treatment to 4.14 L in the 100% CC treatment. WUE (g dry weight/L water used) was
greatest among the 90% treatment at 3.54 g/L while least among 100% treatment at 2.75
g/L. Despite large differences in the total amount of water applied, regression analysis
revealed no trends in dry weights, leaf area, growth indexes, or flower number. Growth
measurements were comparable to the control group, which had a WAE of only 0.731.
Although plants in the 100% treatment were irrigated with 11.2% more water and
produced 5.2 times more leachate, plants in the 90% treatment had the greatest growth
index, shoot dry weight, leaf area, and flower number.
- 38 -
ABSTRACT # 17
Smother Crop Mixtures for Canada Thistle Suppression in Organic
Transition
Stephanie Wedryk
Research Retreat 2011
Canada thistle is a noxious weed in temperature agriculture that poses a particular threat
to organic producers. The life cycle, growth, and development of Canada thistle are
seasonally affected and exploiting this biology may be useful for weed management. The
objective of this study was to evaluate smother crop mixtures seeded, at different times,
for Canada thistle control. Field trials were established in 2009 and 2010 to evaluate the
ability of smother crop mixtures to suppress Canada thistle growth and development.
Canada thistle biomass was suppressed 50% in 2009 and 87% in 2010 by the sorghumsudangrass mixture, averaged over planting times. The oat mixture suppressed annual
weed biomass more than 58% in 2009 and 67% in 2010 in all planting dates. Canada
thistle shoot density and percent cover were affected by crop mixture in 2009 and 2010,
with sorghum-sudangrass being the most suppressive. Planting date affected smother
crop suppression of Canada thistle growth, but the effect was not consistent between
2009 and 2010 due to differences in weather conditions.
- 39 -
Non-Competition Abstracts
ABSTRACT #18
CBF gene copy number variation and the role it plays in regulating
expression of FR-2 CBF genes
Taniya Dhillon and Eric J. Stockinger
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, 1680 Madison Avenue,
Wooster, OARDC/The Ohio State University, OH 44691
C-repeat Binding Factor (CBF) genes are key regulators of freezing tolerance. The CBF
transcription factors activate expression of genes harboring C-repeat/Dehydration
Responsive Element (CRT/DRE) in their promoters, which eventually leads to an
increase in the freezing tolerance of the plant. A cluster of CBF genes underlies the Frost
Resistance-2 (FR-2) QTL in the Triticeae cereals. We recently reported copy number
variations of CBF genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare).
Winter wheat genotypes have increased copy numbers of CBF14 compared to spring
wheats. Similarly in barley several CBF genes are increased in copy numbers in the
winter genotypes relative to the spring genotypes. Among these, the most interesting is
the copy number variation involving a 22 kb genomic fragment encompassing CBF2A
and CBF4B. Winter barley genotypes harbor duplications of the 22 kb CBF2A-CBF4B
genomic region, whereas spring barleys harbor only a single copy of this genomic
fragment. Further, we are finding that copy number differences of this genomic region
also occur across the winter barleys. Genetic analyses in barley are now revealing
association between CBF2A-CBF4B copy numbers and the expression of other CBF
genes linked at FR-2. We are currently trying to understand the molecular basis of this
association and how it in turn affects freezing tolerance.
- 40 -
ABSTRACT #19
Suspension culture cells of Black Mexican Sweet corn serve as a suitable
target tissue for promoter validation
Jenny Tran, Carola De La Torre, Nuananong Semsang, and John J. Finer
Suspension culture cells of Black Mexican Sweet corn (BMS) were evaluated as a target
tissue to determine the strength of plant promoters. A construct containing the green
fluorescent protein (gfp) regulated by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV35) promoter
was introduced into BMS cells using particle bombardment. The number of GFPexpressing cells and GFP intensity were assessed using an ImageJ image analysis
quantification plugin at 48 to 72 hours after DNA introduction. The following parameters
of the bombardment process were evaluated for optimization of delivery: amount of
cells, helium pressure, distance between the gun and tissue, baffle cover, osmoticumcontaining plates, and concentrations of DNA and liquid.
Overall transformation
efficiency as measured by GFP intensity was not largely impacted by cell volumes.
Improvements in transformation efficiency were obtained using a 17.0 cm shooting
distance and 50 PSI of helium pressure without a baffle covering the cells. The use of an
osmoticum pre-treatment unexpectedly reduced expression levels. Liquid within the
syringe filter was also necessary to deliver the DNA-coated tungsten particles, and the
greater DNA concentration resulted in higher transformation efficiency. In addition, five
promoter constructs were tested using the optimized conditions. A Zea mays ubiquitin
promoter (ZmUbi) and a Glycine max ubiquitin promoter (1500GmUbi) produced
significantly higher expression than the CaMV35S promoter, while other soybean
promoters (GmScream15 and GmScream19) showed the lowest expression levels. In this
study, we demonstrated that the BMS system is a suitable target for plant transient
transformation and can be used as a rapid and efficient method for promoter evaluation.
- 41 -
Contact Page
Graduate Student Committee
Name
Natalie Bumgarner
Field of Interest
Vegetable physiology
Adam Newby
Environmental Horticulture
Wendy Klooster
Carlos HernandezGarcia
Connie Echaiz
Dan Thomas
JD Bethel
Laura Giese
Forest Ecology
Advisor
M. Kleinhenz
D. Struve & C.
Pasian
J. Cardina
Molecular Biology
J. Finer
Weed Science
Breeding & Genetics
Weed Science
Environmental Horticulture
Lisa Robbins
Plant Biochemistry
Mao Huang
Michele Bigger
Nathan Miller
Patricia Chalfant
Stephanie Wedryk
Sungwoo Lee
Yi Zhang
Zhifen Zhang
Plant Breeding
Environmental Horticulture
Weed Science
Viticulture
Weed Science
Breeding and Genetics
Viticulture
Genetics
D. Doohan
D. Francis
M. Loux
H. Mathers
J. Scheerens &
J. Cardina
L. McHale
H. Mathers
M. Loux
I. Dami
J. Cardina
R. Mian
I. Dami
J. Finer
E-mail
Bumgarner.169@osu.edu
Newby.15@osu.edu
Klooster.2@osu.edu
Hernandezgarcia.1@osu.edu
Echaiz.1@osu.edu
Thomas.2305@osu.edu
Bethel.37@osu.edu
Giese.14@osu.edu
Robbins.210@osu.edu
Huang.823@osu.edu
Bigger.1@osu.edu
Miller.4025@osu.edu
Chalfant.18@osu.edu
Wedryk.1@osu.edu
Lee.3546@osu.edu
Zhang.732@osu.edu
Zhang.653@osu.edu
Section Organizing & Judging Faculty, Researchers and Post Docs
Name
Dr. Dave Barker
Dr. Mark Bennett
Dr. Joshua Blakeslee
Dr. John Cardina
Research Area
Email
Forages
Barker.169@osu.edu
Seed Biology
Bennett.18@osu.edu
Biochemistry
Blakeslee.19@osu.edu
GSC Chair- Weed Ecology
Cardina.2@osu.edu
Researcher – Secondary Products of Small
Dr. Ann Chanon
Chanon.1@osu.edu
Fruits
Dr. Katrina Cornish
Bioemergent Materials
Cornish.19@osu.edu
Dr. Doug Doohan
Weed Science
Doohan.1@osu.edu
Dr. Jyan-Chyun Jang
Molecular Biology
Jang.40@osu.edu
Germplasm, Environmental Horticulture
Dr. Pablo Jourdan
Jourdan.1@osu.edu
and Floriculture
Dr.Matt Kleinhenz
Vegetable Production Systems
Kleinhenz.1@osu.edu
Dr. Emma Locke
Post Doc
Locke.86@osu.edu
Dr. Hannah Mathers
Environmental Horticulture
Mathers.7@osu.edu
Dr. Joseph Scheerens
Secondary Products of Small Fruit
Scheerens.1@osu.edu
Dr. Dan Struve
Nursery Production Systems
Struve.1@osu.edu
Dr. Mark Sulc
Interim Departmental Chair - Forages
Sulc.2@osu.edu
Dr. Esther van der Knaap Genetics, Physiology and Molecular Biology
vanderknaap.1@osu.edu
Departmental and Graduate Program Contact:
Regina Vann Hickok, Academic Program Coordinator, Vann.5@osu.edu
H&CS Graduate Studies Website: http://hcs.osu.edu/index.php/graduate-studies
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Appendix
2011 Horticulture & Crop Science Graduate Research Competition
Competition Eligibility:
 Graduate Students enrolled either Summer or Autumn Quarters 2011 in the
H&CS graduate program.
 Students who participated in previous GRR competitions are required to
report additional or different data.
 Students may submit to more than one category if additional or different
data is reported.
 Proposal Submissions can only be from students admitted Autumn 2010 or
later.
Competition Categories:
1) Poster Competition – MS and PhD (combined)
2) Oral Presentation Competition – Proposal
3) Oral Presentation Competition- MS
4) Oral Presentation Competition – PhD
Cash Awards will be given for 1st and 2nd Place for each category for a total of
$1,200.00.

1st Place: $200

2nd Place: $100
Poster Competition
 Students may submit an abstract and poster into the following category:
Poster Competition –MS and PhD (combined)
 Cash prizes will be awarded to the two highest scores.
 HCS students wishing to compete are required to electronically submit an
Abstract (maximum of 250 words) in word format and the Abstract
Submission Form to Regina Vann Hickok (vann.5@osu.edu), by
Monday, September 26th, 2011.
 The student presenting a poster must be present at the time of judging on
Saturday, October 8 (please consider submitting a non-competition poster
if you are not able to attend.) Scores are based on the abstract (25% of the
total score) and the poster (75%). Presenters are required to be at their
posters during the scheduled poster viewing session in order to answer
questions posed by a panel of judges; the ability to answer questions and
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
demonstrate knowledge and enthusiasm of the topic is included in the
poster score (see evaluation form). More detailed information regarding
the scheduled time for judging as well as the assigned judging committee
for each poster will be provided the week prior to the event. Students are
encouraged to review the abstract and poster evaluation forms (attached).
Posters must be available for set up by 7:00 PM on Friday, October 7th.
Oral Presentation Competition
 Students may submit an abstract into one of three categories:
1) Oral Presentation Competition – Proposal,
2) Oral Presentation Competition-MS research or
3) Oral Presentation Competition – PhD research.
 Cash prizes will be awarded to the two highest scores within each category
(a total of six awards):
 HCS students wishing to compete are required to electronically submit an
Abstract (maximum of 250 words) in word format and the Abstract
Submission Form to Regina Vann Hickok (vann.5@osu.edu), by
Monday, September 26th, 2011.
 Judging will consist of a 10 minute oral presentation followed by 3
minutes for questions. More detailed information regarding the scheduled
time for presentations as well as the assigned judging panel for each
presentation will be provided the week prior to the event. Students are
encouraged to review the abstract and oral presentation evaluation forms
(attached).
 All necessary equipment will be available for PowerPoint presentations.
Students are asked to see the presentation moderator (Adam Newby) at
8:30 AM on October 8th in order to download any presentations onto the
computer.
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2011 Horticulture & Crop Science Graduate Research Competition
Abstracts* are limited to a maximum of 250 words.
(25% of the total score)
MS and PhD Abstract Evaluation:
Please evaluate the abstract on the following criteria using this scale:
(1)
Poor
(2)
Fair
(3)
Satisfactory
(4)
Good
(5)
Superior
1. Purpose of study (5 points)
a. What problem does this work attempt to solve?
b. Is the problem/objective/hypothesis clearly stated?
c. Is the importance of the problem/research clearly stated?
d. Is the main argument established? What is the main
argument/thesis/claim?
_________
2. Design and Methodology (5 points)
_________
a. Approach: Does the theoretical and/or methodological
perspective seem appropriate?
b. Do the procedures of inquiry seem adequate to support the
study’s objective?
c. Are the instruments/sources /materials appropriate to this
inquiry?
3. Results and conclusions (5 points)
_________
a. Are the results clearly stated?
b. Does the interpretation seem clear and justifiable?
c. Do the conclusions seem valid and/or realistic?
4. Implications and significance (5 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
_________
Does this research hold theoretical significance in its field?
Does this research have practical application in the subject area?
What are the implications of the results?
How does this work add to the body of knowledge on the topic/field?
5. Word limit deduction ( -2.5 points)
a.. Exceeded maximum of 250 words.
Presenter name:________________________________________
Comments (use back, if necessary):
*Abstracts will be judged on the first 250 words.
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( _______ )
2011 Horticulture & Crop Science Graduate Research Competition
Abstracts* are limited to a maximum of 250 words.
(25% of the total score)
Proposal Abstract Evaluation:
Please evaluate the abstract on the following criteria using this scale:
(1)
Poor
(2)
Fair
(3)
Satisfactory
(4)
Good
(5)
Superior
1. Purpose of study (5 points)
a. What problem does this work attempt to solve?
b. Is the problem/objective/hypothesis clearly stated?
c. Is the importance of the problem/research clearly stated?
d. Is the main argument established? What is the main
argument/thesis/claim?
_________
2. Experimental design (5 points)
_________
a. Is the design appropriate to address the experimental
objective?
b. Approach: Does the theoretical and/or methodological
perspective seem appropriate?
3. Experimental methodology (5 points)
_________
a. Do the procedures of inquiry seem adequate to support the
study’s objective?
b. Are the instruments/sources /materials appropriate to this
inquiry?
4. Implications and significance (5 points)
_________
a. Does this research hold theoretical significance in its field?
b. Does this research have practical application in the subject area?
c. Are potential outcomes addressed?
5. Word limit deduction ( -2.5 points)
a.
Exceeded maximum of 250 words.
Presenter name:________________________________________
Comments (use back, if necessary):
*Abstracts will be judged on the first 250 words.
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( _______ )
2011 Horticulture & Crop Science Graduate Research Competition
Poster Evaluation for Masters and PhD:
Please evaluate the poster on the following criteria using this scale:
(1-3)
Poor
(4-6)
Fair
(7-9)
Satisfactory
(10-12)
Good
(13-15)
Superior
1. Appearance of the poster display (15 points)
_________
a. Attractively displayed in color, neatness, and timely display.
b. Clarity: sufficient space between items.
c. Text, figures, tables, and photos labeled and large enough to view from 3-4’ away.
d. Title, author(s), and college affiliation and location cited at top in bold.
e. No spelling errors; literature and scientific or trade names properly cited.
2. Poster organization and preparation (15 points)
_________
a. Has concise and easy to locate highlights of research project.
b. Highlights of research/outreach project concise and easy to find.
c. Introduction: covers previous literature, objectives and/or hypothesis to be tested.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Rational and significance of the proposed studies, in regards to agricultural, food, or
environmental issues, should be presented’
Methods and Materials: covers enough detail but not too much verbiage. Includes
detail of the experimental design and research approach, and an outline of the
methods/techniques used.
Results and Discussion: overall results are clearly presented.
Tables and Figures: appropriate quality, size, and number.
Colored photos: important to show results with pictures.
Conclusions/summary statements are included and valid.
Literature Cited: only key citations listed.
Poster is concise, logical, and self-explanatory.
3. Originality and Merit (15 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
_________
Originality of research study: innovative project.
Previous results appropriately cited in introduction and discussion.
Objectives or hypothesis were clearly stated.
Work was well-conceived and properly executed.
Appropriate methods and experimental design to test hypothesis.
Conclusions are supported by the presented data.
Statistics used to evaluate data (if applicable).
4. Knowledge and Presentation (15 points)
a. Student’s enthusiasm of subject area.
b. Student’s knowledge and competence in subject area.
c. Ability to answer questions from judges.
Presenter name:________________________________________
Comments (use back, if necessary):
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_________
2011 Horticulture & Crop Science Graduate Research Competition
Oral Presentation Evaluation for Masters and PhD:
Please evaluate the presentation on the following criteria using this scale:
(1-3)
Poor
(4-6)
Fair
(7-9)
Satisfactory
(10-12)
Good
(13-15)
Superior
1. Presentation preparation and organization (15 points)
_________
a. Attractively and clearly designed in color, neatness, and readability.
b. Introduction: Covers objectives and/or hypothesis to be tested and rational
and significance of the proposed studies in regards to agricultural,
food, or environmental issues.
c. Methods and Materials: Includes sufficient detail of the experimental design
and research approach, and an outline of the methods/techniques used.
d. Results and Discussion: overall results are clearly presented and integrated
into existing research.
e. Tables and Figures: appropriate quality, size, and number.
f. Conclusions/summary statements are included and valid.
2. Oral Communication skills (15 points)
_________
a. Demonstrated comfort with presentation of research.
b. Held interest of audience.
c. Voice clear and of adequate volume.
d. Eye contact with judges and audience was appropriate.
e. Used slides to enhance vocal explanations of research.
f. Provided a well-reasoned rationale of research.
g. Went into appropriate detail of experimental design and methods.
h. Clearly brought forward key results and explained slide tables and graphs well.
i. Synthesized current and previous research in discussion.
j. Provided an overall cohesive presentation of main themes and conclusions of research.
3. Originality and Merit (15 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
_________
Originality of research study: innovative project.
Subject is of importance, significance, and interest to HCS/ field of study.
Previous results appropriately cited in introduction and discussion.
Objectives or hypothesis were clearly stated.
Work was well-conceived and properly executed.
Appropriate methods and experimental design to test hypothesis.
Conclusions are supported by the presented data.
Statistics used to evaluate data (if applicable).
4. Knowledge and Presentation (15 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Student’s enthusiasm of subject area.
Student’s knowledge and competence in subject area.
Presentation of research highlights to judges (10 minutes max).
Ability to answer questions from judges.
Presenter name:________________________________________
Comments (use back, if necessary):
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_________
2011 Horticulture & Crop Science Graduate Research Competition
Oral Presentation Evaluation for Proposal:
Please evaluate the presentation on the following criteria using this scale:
(1-3)
Poor
(4-6)
Fair
(7-9)
Satisfactory
(10-12)
Good
(13-15)
Superior
1. Presentation preparation and organization (15 points)
_________
a.
Attractively and clearly designed in color, neatness, and readability.
b.
Introduction: Covers objectives and/or hypothesis to be tested and
rational and significance of the proposed studies in regards to
agricultural, food, or environmental issues.
c.
Methods and Materials: Includes sufficient detail of the experimental
d.
e.
design and research approach, and an outline of the methods/techniques
used.
Tables and Figures: appropriate quality, size, and number.
Anticipated contribution statements are included and valid.
2. Oral Communication skills (15 points)
_________
a.
Demonstrated comfort with presentation of research.
b.
Held interest of audience.
c.
Voice clear and of adequate volume.
d.
Eye contact with judges and audience was appropriate.
e.
Used slides to enhance vocal explanations of research.
f.
Provided a well-reasoned rationale of research.
g.
Went into appropriate detail of experimental design and methods.
h.
Synthesized current and previous research in discussion.
i.
Provided an overall cohesive presentation of main themes and goals of research.
3. Originality and Merit (15 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
_________
Originality of research study: innovative project.
Subject is of importance, significance, and interest to HCS/field of study.
Previous results appropriately cited in introduction and discussion.
Objectives or hypothesis were clearly stated.
Work was well-conceived.
Appropriate methods and experimental design to test hypothesis.
4. Knowledge and Presentation (15 points)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Student’s enthusiasm of subject area.
Student’s knowledge and competence in subject area.
Presentation of research highlights to judges (10 minutes max).
Ability to answer questions from judges.
Presenter name:________________________________________
Comments (use back, if necessary):
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_________
- 50 -
Department of Horticulture & Crop Science
2011 Graduate Research Retreat – Evaluation Form
1. Please select one of the following
categories to describe your
participation in the research retreat.
2. How did you learn about the retreat?
3. Was this retreat held at a desirable
time?
Guest
Faculty
Advisor
Flyer
Grad Student/PostDoc/
Visiting Scholar
Email
Website
Invitation
When is desirable, if not?
Yes
No
4. Was there sufficient opportunity to
interact with faculty/graduate students?
5. If you attended last year’s research
retreat, do you believe this year to be an
improvement over last year?
Why or why not?
6. Should we continue to alternate
between Columbus and Wooster
campuses in future retreats?
7. Do you feel any changes should be
made in the format of the competition?
If so, what?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
For the next group of questions, please answer on a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being most positive.
7. Was the experience in Wooster enjoyable and
productive?
8. Did the poster and oral presentations provide a good
overview of research conducted in our department?
9. Did the on-campus Friday evening after-dinner activity
enhance the retreat?
10. How satisfied are you with the outcome of this retreat?
11. If you stayed overnight, were you satisfied with the
accommodations?
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
12. Any additional comments or suggestions for the committee?
13. (Optional) Name_____________________________E-mail/phone_____________________
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