Introduction and Adaptation of Cynodon L. C. Rich Species in Australia

Abstract

Cynodon L. C. Rich comprises warm season grass species that are valuable as turf and forage in warm climates across the globe. Traditionally, Cynodon breeding programs have aimed to produce varieties with improved turf and forage grass quality characteristics. More recent goals, such as improved abiotic stress tolerance, aim to address challenges associated with climate change. Germplasm collections representing a fraction of the global distribution of Cynodon comprise the plant resource for these breeding programs. We compared a core collection consisting of 116 Australian genotypes with an international core collection of 59 genotypes representing Cynodon's global distribution. Our aims were to determine whether unique genetic diversity exists amongst Australian Cynodon that may enhance international breeding resources. This research will facilitate the incorporation of Australian Cynodon genetic resources, which have expanded and naturalized under harsh Australian climates, into existing germplasm collections.

Genetic diversity and population structure of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) revealed by genotyping-by-sequencing

“…Previous bermudagrass characterization studies were limited due to the small size or limited geographic coverage of populations studied with small numbers of genetic loci sampled, leading to a limited scope in understanding the genetic structure and variations in Cynodon. For example, Wu et al (2004) surveyed the genetic diversity of 28 accessions from 11 countries while Jewell et al (2012) studied 690 accessions, all collected from Australia. The present study utilized a large worldwide germplasm collection, presumably overcoming limitations of previous studies.…”

“…Ploidy levels and chromosome numbers of the genus Cynodon vary widely. Flow cytometry studies revealed diploidy to hexaploidy levels in Cynodon (Wu et al, 2006;Kang et al, 2008;Gulsen et al, 2009;Jewell et al, 2012;Grossman et al, 2021). Forbes and Burton (1963) confirmed the base chromosome number as 9 in Cynodon species.…”

Karyotype asymmetry in Cynodon Rich. (Poaceae) accessions

“…(Poaceae) is a genus of perennial plants that is typical of tropical and subtropical regions and is widely adapted to various environments. It has high morphological variability and has multiple applications in various regions worldwide, such as its use in pasture and stored forage, soil cover and sward, on golf courses, and in gardens (Wu, 2011;Jewell et al, 2013).…”