1 Website structure

This companion website to Barron et al. (2020) provides the workflow integrating protocols, data and reproducible workflow associated to this research. A map showing the locations where seeds from mother plants were collected by our colleagues at the US Forest Service is available here.

Overall, this study is aiming at developing an in vitro method of propagation using growth regulators for Basin Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentata: 2n=2x=18) to support genome sequencing and GxE research.

This website is structured with the following tabs:

  • Protocols tab: All wet-lab protocols used to conduct in vitro propagation.
  • Reproducible workflow section: Analyses and R code associated to this study.
  • Gallery tab: Several images of sagebrush plants.
  • Map tab: Map showing the location of populations sampled in this study.
  • How to cite tab: Preferred citations to refer to material presented here.
  • Acknolwedgements tab: List of people and funders supporting this research.

2 Project summary

Basin Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentata) is the keystone species of the sagebrush steppe, a widespread ecosystem of western North America threatened by climate change. This study aims at developing an in vitro method of propagation for this taxon using growth regulators to support genome sequencing and genotype-by-environment research underpinning drought research. Seedlings were generated from two diploid mother plants (2n=2x=18) collected in environments reflecting contrasting precipitation regimes. Effects of IBA and NAA (at different concentrations) on rooting of shoot tips were compared to a control treatment based on 45 individuals. Number of roots per shoot tip were quantified after 15 days and used to perform statistical (ANOVA) and clustering analyses. Rooted shoot tips were transferred into growing media to assess whether plantlets can be maintained in vitro. Results suggested that A. tridentata is an out-bred species as shown by the significant individual effect on rooting, survival and growth responses. IBA has been shown to significantly promote rooting of shoot tips, especially in the case of the top three performers identified by ANOVA analyses. These individuals have high survival and growth rates, making them suitable candidates for generating biomass for genome sequencing and producing clones for genotype-by-environment research.

3 Experimental design

The figure below provides an overview of the experimental design applied in this study.

4 Meet the team

  • Rachael Barron, M.S. (): Associate Scientist at Simplot. Rachael has contributed her expertise on in vitro tissue culture to this project.
  • Peggy Martinez, M.S. (): Project manager and Laboratory Technician. Peggy has lead the sagebrush in vitro tissue culture program at Boise State University.
  • Marcelo Serpe, Ph.D: Professor at Boise State University.
  • Sven Buerki, Ph.D (): Assistant Professor at Boise State University and PI of this project funded by GEM3.

References

Barron, R., P. Martinez, M. Serpe, and S. Buerki. 2020. Development of an in vitro method of propagation for artemisia tridentata subsp. Tridentata to support genome sequencing and genotype-by-environment research. Plants 9: Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/9/12/1717.