Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for Seed Head Characteristics in Bermudagrass.

Genetic markers have been used to develop linkage maps in a wide range of turfgrass species including bermudagrass; however, unlike bermudagrass, most linkage maps have been used to confirm the presence of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for traits of interest, evaluated across several environments and years. Therefore, a multi-year, environment and trait evaluation was developed in Tifton and Griffin, GA in an effort to connect over 15 phenotypic traits of interest to previously developed and amended single dose RFLP and SSR linkage maps in bermudagrass. A cross between a common bermudagrass (C. dactylon (L.) Pers. var. #T-89) parent and an African bermudagrass (C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy var. #T-574) parent produced 118 hybrid bermudagrass (C. dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) progeny that were established from plugs in 2010. Plots were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications over a three year period for establishment, morphology and flowering/seedhead characteristics in both locations. Separate maps were developed for the two parental lines and the results presented concentrate on identifying QTL associated with the flowering and seedhead characteristics only. Bermudagrass is an economically important turfgrass species for the southeast United States and the identification of genetic markers linked to flowering and seedhead traits would benefit breeders in the development of higher yielding seeded varieties of bermudagrass (common and African types), and conversely reduce the seedhead development in vegetatively propagated varieties, improving playability and aesthetics.