Ana Micijevic

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2002

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Agronomy

Abstract

Four alfalfa Medicago sativa L. varieties and the M. sativa subsp. falcata population SD 201 were examined to identify morphological and histological characters that may be associated with insect resistance. Stem characteristics (internode weight and length, stem cross-section area, pith area, number of vascular bundles, number of vascular bundles per mm2 of stem area, number of vascular bundles per mm of pith circumference, and pith area ratio to stem area) as well as lignin staining intensity were compared among varieties and SD 201. Lignin content was quantified by employing the lignin thioglycolic acid method. The results suggest that SD 201 stem and pith areas were generally narrower than other cultivars except for Vernal. SD 201 also having the narrowest cortex area. SD 201 had fewer vascular bundles than other varieties, but SD 201 had the most vascular bundles per mm of pith circumference in 2001. Vernal had the lowest pith area in proportion to stern area. Lignin stain in samples from June 1 did not differ, but in samples from June 15 SD 201 had the highest intensity. Lignin amounts were not significantly different among varieties and population SD 201 in samples from June 1, and 5347 LH had the highest lignin content in samples from June 15, 2001.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Alfalfa -- Disease and pest resistance Stems (Botany) Empoasca fabae Leafhoppers

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

77

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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