Optimizing the Induction of the Reproductive Stage of Gametophyte Germplasm in Macrocystis pyrifera
Mentor 1
Filipe Alberto
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
5-4-2019 3:30 PM
Description
The Department of Energy ARPA-E MARINER (Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources) project is a broad scale program with the goal of optimizing marine biomass sources for use in biofuel and chemical industries. Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is the main algae of interest in this research. We have produced and are maintaining a breeding line (i.e. germplasm collection) of roughly 550 individuals sourced from different Southern California Bight populations for this research. Individuals are maintained in the gametophyte stage, which is an independent sexual phase consisting of either male or female haploid tissue. The process of this breeding program involves: growth and maintenance of gametophytes in a germplasm collection, genotyping and crossing of all individuals, and finally the induction of the sexually reproductive phase. The reproductive phase results in the production of sporophyte tissue, which is the final blade of kelp. The induction of the reproductive phase is imperative to producing sporophyte tissue. We need to optimize this process, and if possible make it synchronious. This experiment is attempting to use a salinity shock to induce sexual reproduction faster. Gametophyte tissues will be crossed from four different genetic groups, and using the same populations over three salinity treatments, the number of cells in each stage of reproduction will be counted daily for about two weeks. Response to the different salinity treatments will be assessed to find the optimal level of salinity shock. With these results we can then use the optimal technique for the entire breeding program to maximize efficiency in preparing viable sporophytes for shipment to California kelp farms.
Optimizing the Induction of the Reproductive Stage of Gametophyte Germplasm in Macrocystis pyrifera
Union Wisconsin Room
The Department of Energy ARPA-E MARINER (Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources) project is a broad scale program with the goal of optimizing marine biomass sources for use in biofuel and chemical industries. Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) is the main algae of interest in this research. We have produced and are maintaining a breeding line (i.e. germplasm collection) of roughly 550 individuals sourced from different Southern California Bight populations for this research. Individuals are maintained in the gametophyte stage, which is an independent sexual phase consisting of either male or female haploid tissue. The process of this breeding program involves: growth and maintenance of gametophytes in a germplasm collection, genotyping and crossing of all individuals, and finally the induction of the sexually reproductive phase. The reproductive phase results in the production of sporophyte tissue, which is the final blade of kelp. The induction of the reproductive phase is imperative to producing sporophyte tissue. We need to optimize this process, and if possible make it synchronious. This experiment is attempting to use a salinity shock to induce sexual reproduction faster. Gametophyte tissues will be crossed from four different genetic groups, and using the same populations over three salinity treatments, the number of cells in each stage of reproduction will be counted daily for about two weeks. Response to the different salinity treatments will be assessed to find the optimal level of salinity shock. With these results we can then use the optimal technique for the entire breeding program to maximize efficiency in preparing viable sporophytes for shipment to California kelp farms.
