   |
 |
|
|
Biological Approaches to Coastal
Wetlands Restoration
INVESTIGATOR: Harrison, S. A.; Materne, M. D.;
Kongchum, M.; Subudhi, P. K.; Utomo, H. S.; Cohn, M. A.
PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
AGRONOMY
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70893
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Plant biotechnology and
genetic improvement methods are proven and well established
in crop production but have also been applied on a limited
basis for bioremediation and coastal wetlands reclamation.
This project will develop the knowledge base and strategies
for genetic improvement needed for the economic and rapid
establishment of critically important wetland plant species
for use over large areas of established and reclaimed
coastal wetlands. Collections from naturally occurring
populations will be characterized, and superior plants will
be intermated in a recurrent selection breeding program to
develop improved populations that can be established from
seed. Plant cloning and molecular biology will also be
utilized as tools to facilitate genetic characterization and
genetic improvement and to provide superior plant materials
to Louisiana's developing commercial wetland plant and seed
industry. Outfield experimental designs will be utilized to
assay sediment issues concerning beneficial use of dredge
material, sediment nourishment of deteriorating wetlands,
and factors influencing vegetative response.
OBJECTIVES: Objectives of this proposed project are
to: 1) continue research on two new plant species Panicum
amarum var. amarum (bitter panicum) and Avicennia germinans
(black mangrove), which are plants heavily used in dune and
barrier island restoration; 2) continue the on-going
molecular, breeding, and cultural studies with Spartina
alterniflora, Schoenoplectus californicus, and Uniola
paniculata; and 3) identify the physical, chemical, and
biological factors that control the success or failure of
vegetative plantings on beneficial-use dredge sediments.
APPROACH: To achieve program goals and objectives,
research will be conducted concurrently by three groups of
researchers. Areas of expertise and research activities are
identified as Plant Improvement and Biotechnology. Plant
Pathology and Seed Physiology, and Coastal Ecology and
Applied Restoration. A cross section of activities between
the three research groups include: DNA fingerprinting and
other molecular work on selected wetland species important
to restoration initiatives; screening at the cellular level
for increase tolerances to stressors such as salt and soil
toxins; genetic improvement and plant breeding to improve
seed production; and ecological studies to determine biotic
and abiotic constraints to marsh restoration.
PROJECT CONTACT:
Name: Harrison, S. A.
Phone: 225-578-1308
Fax: 225-578-1403
Email:
sharrison@agcenter.lsu.edu
|
|
|
|
| |
