Scientists Complete First Linkage Map of Creeping Bentgrass

The linkage map for creeping bentgrass was successfully completed by scientists from USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Rutgers University, and University of Massachusetts. USDA plant geneticist Scott Warnke and team used molecular genetics to determine the genetic workings of turfgrasses like creeping bentgrass. The linkage map will be useful in marker-assisted breeding of economically important traits like disease resistance to dollar spot and brown patch, which are common diseases of bentgrass. It will also help in the development of enhanced turfgrass germplasm requiring less pesticide, fertilizer, and water. Furthermore, the research, and other related studies, has led to the Grass Roots initiative, a collaborative effort between US National Arboretum (USNA) and National Turfgrass Federation.

Read more at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2014/141031.htm.