Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2009
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Plant Science
Abstract
Prairie cordgrass (PCG), Spartina pectinata, is a native prairie tallgrass that grows abundantly throughout the Great Plains, including South Dakota. PCG has a rapid growth rate and produces a large foliar biomass, making it ideal for bio-fuel production. The domestication of PCG could result in decreased genetic diversity in cultivated lines and increased potential for epidemic disease to occur. The objectives of this study were to identify diseases and isolate pathogens present in PCG collections, and to identify optimum conditions for urediniospore germination and investigate inoculation techniques. PCG plants and rust isolates were collected from six states in the Great Plains over a two year span. The data presented herein illustrates the diversity of pathogens affecting PCG, as well as effective techniques for inoculation by various pathogens. To date, in this study, the following fungi have been identified in association with PCG as potential pathogens: Puccinia sparganioides, Gibberella zeae, Fusarium asiaticum, Stagonospora sp., Gibberella moniliformis, Fusarium proliferatum, and Acremonium implicatum. Spartina-Ash rust, Puccinia sparganioides (alternate host Fraxinus spp.), was found to be the dominant rust throughout the collection area. The optimum conditions for urediniospore germination in this fungus were determined to be 25°C with an eight-hour dark period. Four main inoculation techniques were tested using different carriers: Soltrol 170, water, water agar, and talc powder. Two effective inoculation techniques were identified, one using water agar as a carrier and one with dry spores and no carrier. However, this result is yet to be repeated in additional attempts.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Spartina -- Diseases and pests -- Great Plains
Spartina -- Inoculation
Rust fungi
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
75
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Ness, Krystle Lynn, "Disease Survey of Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Bosc ex Link) in the Northern Great Plains" (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1598.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1598
