Botany Commons^™

Soil Health Analysis (Lesson 2), Mara Johnson, Madhav P. Nepal, Jiyul Chang

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students will build on the previous lesson (reading and analyzing the Three Sisters chapter from Braiding Sweetgrass) by experimenting on soil in their schoolyard. Students will collect soil samples from multiple locations around their school grounds and evaluate soil texture, structure, infiltration, color, organic matter, and pH. Students Through field observations and laboratory analysis, students examine how soil characteristics influence plant growth and ecosystem health. Students connect modern soil science with Indigenous agricultural knowledge, particularly the Three Sisters planting system described in Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. By exploring how healthy soil supports sustainable agriculture, …

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus Plexippus) Oviposition Preferences And A Survey Of Fungal Pathogens On Native Milkweeds (Asclepias) Of The Northern Great Plains, Grace Damiano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

North American monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) populations are experiencing significant declines due to habitat loss caused by land use changes. Much of the American Midwest where milkweed, the only host plant of the monarch butterfly, was once much more abundant has been converted to a predominantly agricultural landscape. There are nineteen species of milkweed native to the northern Great Plains region occupied by South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Some of these milkweed species may be preferable to monarch butterflies for different reasons, including morphological factors such as stem length, species-level chemical factors, and temporal factors. As monarch …

Increases In Vein Length Compensate For Leaf Area Lost To Lobing In Grapevine, Zoë Migicovsky, Joel F. Swift, Zachary Helget, Laura L. Klein, Anh Ly, Matthew Maimaitiyiming, Karoline Woodhouse, Anne Fennell, Misha Kwasniewski, Allison J. Miller, Peter Cousins, Daniel H. Chitwood

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications

Premise:Leaf lobing and leaf size vary considerably across and within species,including among grapevines (Vitisspp.), some of the best‐studied leaves. Weexamined the relationship between leaf lobing and leaf area across grapevinepopulations that varied in extent of leaf lobing.
Methods:We used homologous landmarking techniques to measure 2632 leavesacross 2 years in 476 unique, genetically distinct grapevines fromfive biparentalcrosses that vary primarily in the extent of lobing. We determined to what extent leafarea explained variation in lobing, vein length, and vein to blade ratio.
Results:Although lobing was the primary source of variation in shape across theleaves we measured, leaf area varied only slightly …

Multi-Dimensional Leaf Phenotypes Reflect Root System Genotype In Grafted Grapevine Over The Growing Season, Zachery N. Harris, Mani Awale, Niyati Bhaakta, Daniel H. Chitwood, Anne Fennell, Emma Frawley, Laura L. Klein, Laszlo G. Kovacs, Misha Kwasniewski, Jason P. Londo, Qin Ma, The Ohio State University Miogicovsky, Joel F. Swift, Allison J. Miller

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications

Modern biological approaches generate volumes of multi-dimensional data, offering unprecedented opportunities to address biological questions previously beyond reach owing to small or subtle effects. A fundamental question in plant biology is the extent to which below-ground activity in the root system influences above-ground phenotypes expressed in the shoot system. Grafting, an ancient horticultural practice that fuses the root system of one individual (the rootstock) with the shoot system of a second, genetically distinct individual (the scion), is a powerful experimental system to understand below-ground effects on above-ground phenotypes. Previous studies on grafted grapevines have detected rootstock influence on scion phenotypes …

Spur And Short Cane Pruning Influence Bud Viability, Yield, And Fruit Quality, Turhan Yilmaz, Anne Fennell

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Faculty Publications

Balanced pruning is used to manage vegetative vigor and fruit load to optimize yield and fruit quality in most of fruit species. The objective of this study was to determine the bud viability, yield, and fruit quality potential of four grapevine cultivars using three pruning strategies. Four cold climate grapevine cultivars- -Brianna, Frontenac, La Crescent, and Marquette--were tested with spur (SP), short cane (SC), and spur plus short cane (SPSC) pruning treatments in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The SP treatment was 10 two-bud spurs per vine, SC was five four-bud short canes, and SPSC vines had four SP and three …

Assessment Of Pollinator Preference Of Native And Nonnative Perennial Flowering Plants In South Dakota’S Grasslands, Bryanna Chipley

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

With global pollinator decline continually worsening as a result of human action, concerned citizens and scientists alike have been looking for answers as to what can be done to help, and the question of whether native or non-native plants provide more benefit to pollinating insects has been long discussed in the scientific community. This research is intended to help answer that question by attempting to determine whether pollinators have a distinct preference between native and non-native plants when presented with both options. The hypothesis at outset of this project was that native plants would provide greater benefit to pollinators, whom …

Reverse Genetic Analysis Of Ehd1 For An Association Between Flowering Time And Seed Dormancy In Rice (Oryza Sativa L.), Yeter Karakoc

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research aimed to understand the evolutionary mechanism of seed dormancy and flowering time and to provide basic knowledge for the manipulation of germination features in crop breeding. Flowering time and seed dormancy are two adaptive traits for flowering plants. Seed dormancy (SD) helps regulate the timing of germination to promote the survival of seed-bearing plants in adverse environments. Cereal crops and weedy/wild relatives, such as Asian cultivated rice and weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.), have weak and strong seed dormancy, respectively. Thus, weedy and cultivated rice has been used as a model system to investigate mechanisms of seed dormancy …

Using Publicly Available Genbank Data To Teach Plant Phylogeny In High School Classrooms, Madhav P. Nepal, Ethan J. Andersen

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this teaching module, students will learn about NCBI GenBank, search for DNA/protein sequences from multiple plant species of a gene that encodes Rubisco enzyme, construct and interpret a phylogenetic tree, and discuss traits that allowed plants to adapt their life on land.

Understanding Greenhouse Gases, Julie M. Mueller, Laura Edwards, Madhav P. Nepal, Larry B. Browning, Matthew L. Miller, P. Troy White

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Students will conduct hands-on experiments to see how greenhouse gases interact with the Earth’s atmosphere and how greenhouse gases affect temperature. This lesson introduces National Geographic’s Geo-Inquiry Process, where students will identify a Geo-inquiry question, collect data, and create a project around the answer to their question. Students will then present their findings to their peers and evaluate their Geo-Inquiry process.

Pollinator-Mediated Yield Across A Heterogeneous Landscape In Eastern South Dakota, Shane Stiles

Oak Lake Field Station 30th Anniversary Retreat Presentations

No abstract provided.

Stoichiometric Homeostasis In Two Native And Two Invasive South Dakotan Grasses, Joshua Thonas Harvey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increased nutrient availability has been widely linked to the success of invasive plants, however a general mechanism explaining these observations is lacking. Stoichiometric homeostasis (H), which is the regulation of internal nutrient concentrations, has been used to explain changes in plant community diversity under alterations in nutrient availability. One hypothesis holds that plants with high regulation (larger H) decrease in abundance in nutrient enriched conditions but are stable in nutrient deficient and drought conditions, likely due to extensive root systems. Additionally, plants with low regulation (lower H) increase in abundance under nutrient enriched conditions but are sensitive to drought …

Sunflower Pollinators In South Dakota: An Evaluation Of Species Composition, Abundance And Influence On Yield, Mackenzie Mattern

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 2017 and 2018, South Dakota was the largest producer of sunflowers, Helianthus annuus L. (Asterales: Asteraceae) in the US, grossing approximately $178 million per year. In South Dakota, both confection and oilseed sunflower cultivars are grown. Despite breeding efforts to increase sunflower's ability to self-pollinate there is evidence that pollinator visitation results in increased sunflower yields. In addition, there is evidence that sunflower pollen is beneficial for pathogen resistance in various bee species, suggesting the importance of a mutualistic relationship between pollinators and sunflowers. In some areas, observed increases in sunflower yield is attributed to the presence of Apis …

Three Sister Crops: Understanding American Indian Agricultural Practices Of Corn, Beans And Squash, Sara Colombe, Madhav P. Nepal, Larry B. Browning, Matthew L. Miller, P. Troy White

iLEARN Teaching Resources

American Indians have practiced an inter-planting system to produce corn, beans, and squash, for generations. These crops are known as the “Three Sisters”. In this lesson developed for secondary agriscience curriculum, students will understand the past, current and future production practices of the three important crops. Students will also apply their knowledge to understand the crop selection process and relate to the changing environment.

Phenotypic Plasticity Of Native And Invasive Cool-Season Grasses In Response To Frequency Of Moisture Availability, Ming-Yu Stephens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of an individual to alter its growth in response to environmental conditions, is an attribute that is considered a likely invader attribute, as it provides the opportunity to expand its ecological niche breadth. Adaptive phenotypic plasticity can affect not only the ability to establish in a new environment, but also the ability to outperform the existing vegetation over time. Bromus inermis (smooth brome) and Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) are invasive species in tall- and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems. The objectives of this two-part study were to quantify the adaptive plasticity of biomass accumulation and tiller production in …

Development Of Highly Variable Microsatellite Markers For The Tetraploid Silene Stellata (Caryophyllaceae), Juannan Zhou, Michele R. Dudash, Charles B. Fenster, Elizabeth A. Zimmer

Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications

Premise of the study:We designed and tested microsatellite markers for the North American native species Silene stellata (Caryophyllaceae) to investigate its population genetic structure and identify selection on floral design through male reproductive success.

Methods and Results: A total of 153 candidate microsatellite loci were isolated based on next-generation sequencing. We identified 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci in three populations of S. stellata, with di- or trinucleotide repeats. Genotyping results showed the number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 45 and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.511 to 0.951. Five of these loci were successfully amplified in S. …

Classifying And Mapping Native Grasslands Of South Dakota's Northern Prairie Coteau And Characterizing Habitat For Dakota Skipper Conservation, Diane M. Narem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Native tallgrass prairie is becoming increasingly rare due to conversion and degradation, putting pressure on endemic prairie species such as the federally threatened Dakota skipper butterfly (Hesperia dacotae). To develop a conservation plan for the butterfly in South Dakota, accurate vegetation classification, mapping, and characterization are critical. The objectives of this study were to 1) rank prairie condition, 2) classify and map upland prairie, 3) characterize and compare vegetation at Dakota skipper inhabited and formerly inhabited sites, and 4) identify potential Dakota skipper habitat within a 225 mi2 (58,275 hectares) study area of the SD Prairie Coteau. Condition metrics were …

Identifying Promising New Falcata Alfalfa Populations For Use In Semiarid Rangelands, Derek Kannenberg

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a valuable crop worldwide. In addition to its use as forage, the nitrogen fixation capabilities of root nodules make it a valuable component for improving soil health. Unfortunately, the semi-arid region of the Northern Great Plains introduces a number of environmental stresses that are detrimental to stand establishment and persistence. The ability to produce adventitious shoots from roots is generally considered a favorable trait for increasing stress resistance. This study aimed to identify alfalfa populations possessing the ability to produce adventitious shoot from root segments. Seven Plant Introductions (PIs), selected from the National Plant …

Shoot Morphology Of Eleven Alfalfa Populations, Jessica A. Schmuck

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major component of feed for dairy and beef cattle and one of the most productive forage species in North America. Alfalfa has been planted on millions of acres. More than 100 varieties have been developed in North America over the past 100 years. However, historically, alfalfa persistence under grazing in semiarid rangeland has generally been poor. Recently, it was discovered that naturally-selected populations of predominantly yellow-flowered alfalfa have been proven to be adapted to rangelands of western South Dakota and adjacent areas. A study was initiated in May 2006 to evaluate persistence and vigor …

Time And Temperature Requirements For Effective Removal Of High Molecular Weight Rna From Winter Wheat Genomic Dna With Licl, Benjamin Meyerink, Ryan Geraets

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

Numerous protocols are available for the isolation of plant genomic DNA. Often times, these protocols utilize a wide variety of solutions. The primary purpose of this project was to examine the use of LiCl for the removal of RNA contaminants within genomic DNA samples and its dependency on incubation time and temperature. Our results indicate that LiCl is sufficient for the removal of high molecular weight RNA contaminants from genomic DNA. In addition, our results illustrate varying incubation times with LiCl yield minimal differences in the recovery of genomic DNA and the removal of RNA contaminants. Alternatively, different incubation temperatures …

Reestablishing The Juneberry On The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation: Cultural, Horticultural, And Educational Connections, Kerry E. Hartman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Tribal people of the Northern Great Plains have utilized plants for centuries. Amelanchier anifolia (Juneberries/Serviceberries) historically played an important part in the diet and culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Tribal Nations. Research conducted as part of this study into historical and contemporary uses of the Juneberry by MHA Tribal Members indicated extensive historical use and a high interest in Juneberry reestablishment for cultural, nutritional, and economic reasons. Previous research on Juneberries has investigated factors including state of dormancy, propagation method, transplant type, and mulch type. Another purpose of this study was to elucidate the impact of presence …

The Columnar Junipers Of Western North Dakota (An Investigation Into The Cause Of Their Columnarity), James M. Murphy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this report is to focus on the evaluation of the presence and amount of ethylene in the burning lignite fumes and to search for morphogenetic factors in the lignite at the Slope County site. The former was considered to be more important and was investigated more thoroughly.

The Abortion Of Essential Organs In The Imperfect Flowers Of Benzoin Aestivale, Norris M. Paulson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There have been a number of investigations dealing with the abortion of essential organs in the imperfect flowers. Ulvin submitted a paper on Abortive Stamens and Carpels in Lychnis alba, Simon described stamen and carpel abortion in Cucumis stativus, Schaffner was able to control sex expression in Arisamea triphyllum and secure sex reversal in Cannabis stiva, Bessey determined the relationship of sex to the age of pollen in Cannabis sativa.

A Comparison Of Certain Methods Of Assay Oil Of Chenopodium, Orville Peterson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As defined in the United States Pharmacoposis, tenth revision, oil of Chenopodiumis the volatile oil distilled with steam from the fresh, over-ground parts of the flowering and fruiting plant of Chenopodium embrosiesdes war antheimintieum. (Family Chenopodiasene) oil of chenopodium yields not less than 65 per cent of accaridel.

The Latex System In The Root Of Taraxacum Officinale, Eleanor Kelton Evenson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 1930 Mr. Emil Madsen of this laboratory began some experimental work upon the roots of dandelions, for the purpose of determining the means by which a dandelion root, which has been cut off below the surface of the ground, regenerates new shoots. He found that such roots form adventitious buds in exposed pericycle and secondary phloem. Several such buds may be formed in a single root. They grow and appear above the ground as leafy shoot.

Certain Cultural Characteristics Of Digitalis Pupurea, (Linne) With A Proposed Chemical Assay, Clark W, Eidsmoe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since its introduction into modern medicine digitalis has occupied a very important position in our material medica. Its widespread use as a remedy in conditions of failing heart, and its effectiveness as a diuretic in certain dropsical conditions have gained for it a reputation which is equaled by few other drugs. The opinion of pharmacologiate and physicians as to its mode of action and its field of clinical usefulness has been revised a number of times, and there is much diversity of teaching as to its use in special ailments. Among some workers there is a tendency to restrict its …

The Anatomy Of The Germinating Bulbil Of Lilium Tigrinum, Katherine Harris Tripp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Apparently very little, if any, anatomical investigation has been made of the bulbil of Lilium tigrinum, though it has often been used as a propagating organ and consequently, the problem suggested attractive possibilities in an almost virgin field of investigation. Collections were made from five different plants beginning Sept. 27, 1928 until July 22, 1929. The older bulbils were removed from the axils of the foliage leaves and fixed in formalin acetic alcohol. They were gradually dehydrated by treatment with alcohol increasing the percentage 10% from 50 up to 100%. Xylol treatment in increasing percentages was then resorted to, until …

The Effect Of Treatment With Ethylene Chlorhydrin Upon The Respiration Of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomea Batatas), Leon J. Tyler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

1. Treatment with ethylene chlorhydrin produced marked results in the respiration of four of five varieties of sweet potatoes tried.
2. Not all varieties of sweet potatoes respond alike to the same treatment. Porto Rico variety of sweet potatoes did not respond to the treatment.
3. There was a considerable difference in the amount of CO₂ respired by different varieties.
4. The need for further research here with respect to the specific effect of chemicals upon the cell system becomes apparent and again emphasizes the importance of Biochemistry.
5. There was possibly an accelerative effect on sprouting due to increased respiratory processes brought about …

A Contribution On The Staminate Flower Of Cucumis Sativus, Kenneth W. Simons

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Heimlich’s recent paper (2) on the staminate flower of Cucumis sativus, the conclusion was reached that the tetrasporangiate stamen was complete while the bisporangiate stamen was only half complete. In Miller’s more recent investigation of Schinocystis lobata (4), the bisporangiate stamen was shown to be complete and the tetrasporangiate stamen double. These opposing points of view suggest the advisability of further investigation in the Cucurbitaceae. Since Heimlich described two separate apical prolongations on each tetrasporangiate stamen and only one on the bisporangiate stamen, it seemed to the present writer that these prolongations might indicate the double and single natures …

A Study Of Pollen, Sterility, And Blossoming Dates Of Plum Varieties In The Experimental Nursery At South Dakota State College During The Spring Of 1926, Russell W. Vance

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Agricultural Census of the United States for 1920 shows that plums rank second to apples in value in comparison with the other orchard fruits, small fruits and grapes produced in South Dakota. There was an eighty-two percent increase in the value of all orchard fruits produced during the year 1919 over the year 1909. The fact that the majority of the more important commercial varieties of plums are entirely self-sterile and others more or less self-sterile is often one reason for the total or partial failure of the orchard to produce fruit when a plot is planted to one …

The Introduced Plants Of South Dakota, William Houk

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The vascular plants, native and introduced, in the herbarium of South Dakota State College total 97 families, 511 genera, and about 1279 species. The representation of introduced plants as indicated in the list given below is: 22 families, 75 genera, and 110 species. Only two families have over twelve species; these are Gramineae and Cruciferae, with 30 and 15 respectively.