Ploidy Level and Genetic Parameters for Phenotypic Traits in Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) Germplasm

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a forage and turf crop commonly used worldwide. The USDA bermudagrass germplasm set composed of plant introductions (PI’s) collected around the world contains different Cynodon species, primarily C. dactylon. collection was screened in replicated trial Florida for yield, leaf width, nutritive value (NV), Stem Maggot (Atherigona reversura) (BSM), which an invasive pest to southeastern United States that damages fields. goal this research determine ploidy level genome size collection, evaluate influence estimation genetic parameters BSM, dry matter NV traits. For chromosome counts using classical cytogenetics techniques, root tips meristems were from PI’s with known ploidy. cultivars as internal standards run flow cytometry estimate unknown Ploidy determined all accessions phenotypic By providing information on levels parameters, will support breeding efforts future selections bermudagrass.