Abstract Detail

Recent Topics Posters

Seavey, Rayner [1].

Hyperaccumulation of Zinc (Zn) in Sunflowers and Its Effect on Disease Resistance.

Sunflowers are considered to be a part of a class of plants known as hyperaccumulators which share the ability to accumulate high amounts of heavy metals in all above ground organs, far in excess of the normal levels found in other species, but without suffering any major phytotoxic effects. There is currently minimal knowledge of the effects of Zn accumulation in above ground organs of sunflower. This project is testing on natural enemies like pathogenic microbes, whether elevated levels of Zn confer any disease resistance, as well as how Zn accumulation may alter the growth rate patterns of sunflower. A greenhouse study including four different widely grown cultivars of sunflower is currently underway. Each cultivar is being grown under multiple soil Zn concentration ranging from 0 to 200 mg/kg of soil. Growth rate and chlorophyll content measurements are being taken at evenly spaced intervals until maturity. Samples of leaves and reproductive organs will be taken from each plant and tested for Zn concentration. Finally, samples of leaves and reproductive organs will be infected with multiple pathogens and assessed for relative resistance. If an increased Zn concentration in shoot tissues provides a resistance to disease, further investigation and breeding for improved Zn uptake and storage could lead to stronger and more resistant crop plants.

1 - 53 Bishop Creek Dr, Safety Harbor, FL, 34695, United States

Keywords:
Hyperaccumulation
Sunflower
Disease Resistance  .

Presentation Type: Recent Topics Poster
Session: P, Recent Topics Posters
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT003
Abstract ID:1238
Candidate for Awards:None