2006 Annual Report 1.What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Greenhouse crops represent one of the largest commodities of American agriculture. Improvements in greenhouse crop culture are required to enable American producers to remain competitive in world markets. A joint research project on hydroponic and soilless greenhouse culture has been initiated between the ARS and the University of Toledo. Research is focused on hydroponic and soilless crop culture addressing the most important stress management, disease, and insect problems as determined through the interactions with the local commercial greenhouse production industry. Proper management of stress-related, disease and insect problems will enhance profitability and competitiveness of American growers. An analytical laboratory has been established to study the quality of artificial media, soils and water. The latter includes an ICP (elemental analysis instrument), microwave digestor and a carbon/nitrogen analyzer. This is under National Program 305 Crop Production. This Sibling CRIS Project is related to environmental studies at UT and OSU as part of the parent CRIS and its purpose is to increase our understanding of the biochemical and molecular regulation of flower and leaf senescence. Objectives are as follow: To identify genes involved in senescence and stress tolerance; To evaluate postproduction quality in Petunia genetically engineered for delayed senescence and increased stress tolerance; To identify gene and protein expression changes in transgenic Petunia with increased postproduction quality. 2.List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) This Congressionally-mandated project operates under a Specific Cooperative Agreement (SCA) between USDA-ARS and The Ohio State University (OSU) with defined objectives. There is no direct relationship between those objectives and the milestones established in the Project Plan for the main CRIS project, 3625-21000-011-00D. No milestones have been established since this project has not been peer-reviewed. 4a.List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Ornamental flower quality is extremely important to growers who must produce superior plants aesthetically pleasing to customers. Premature senescence limits salability. Achieving the goals of this project will maintain profitability of growers. Expression analyses have identified genes that are transcriptionally up regulated during flower petal senescence in petunias. Expression of these genes during leaf senescence and following drought stress has been evaluated. Two target genes have been selected that appear to play a role in natural and stress-induced senescence. 4b.List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Two senescence-related genes have been silenced in transgenic (RNAi) petunias. The promoter from a senescence-specific gene (PhSAG10) has been cloned. Nutrient levels have been measured during flower development and senescence to identify the nutrients that are remobilized during the senescence and death of the petals. Genes involved in nutrient remobilization have been cloned and sequenced. This will result in hardy plants that will not senesce as soon as conventional plants. 4c.List significant activities that support special target populations. None. 4d.Progress report. This report documents research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and The Ohio State University initiated in FY 2005. Expression analyses have identified genes that are transcriptionally up regulated during flower petal senescence in petunias. Expression of these genes during leaf senescence and following drought stress has been evaluated. Two target genes have been selected that appear to play a role in natural and stress-induced senescence. Two senescence-related genes have been silenced in transgenic (RNAi) petunias. The promoter from a senescence-specific gene (PhSAG10) has been cloned. Nutrient levels have been measured during flower development and senescence to identify the nutrients that are remobilized during the senescence and death of the petals. Genes involved in nutrient remobilization have been cloned and sequenced. 5.Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. Two target genes have been identified that regulate flower petal longevity. If developed flowers will last longer. Expected benefits of the project are increased profitability for growers, enhanced plant quality and improved knowledge of soilless media production in the greenhouse. A Master Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Toledo; Specific Cooperative Agreements with the University of Toledo, North Carolina State University, University of Florida, and The Ohio State University, a Research Support Agreement with the University of Toledo, and the formalization of a Liaison Committee have been established. An extramural economic study, organized by the University of Toledo, was conducted to survey the regional greenhouse/floricultural industry which will provide baseline information to identify priority research needs for the project to address. This is under Natinal Program 305. The Toledo Botanical Garden and the Ohio State University Extension have expressed interest in assisting in technology transfer activities as research information is generated. Nutritional information on geraniums has been conducted and distributed to growers through a full color booklet and a hands on demonstration at the growers winter meeting. 6.What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end-user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? High priority research projects, that were initiated in the past year, were continued and as results were obtained, summaries were compiled and presented in appropriate meetings and media to stakeholders. New research projects, involving cooperators on Specific Cooperative Agreements, were initiated. Set up experiments in local production greenhouses to validate results and models developed in the laboratory and research greenhouse facilities involving greenhouse management practices. The Toledo Botanical Garden and Ohio State University Extension will be involved in technology transfer. 7.List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Stead, A.D., van Doorn, W.G., Jones, M.L., and Wagstaff, c. 2006. Flower Senescence Fundamental and Applied Aspects. In Flowering and its Manipulation. C. Ainsworth ed. Blackwell Publishing, UK. p. 261-296. Jones, M.L. 2006. Recognizing Symptoms of Ethylene Damage and Sources of Ethylene Contamination in the Greenhouse. Northwest Ohio Commercial Floriculture Resource Newsletter. 2(1):4-5.