Seed Today - Q1 2008 - (Page 39)

Floyd, now research director at Pickseed West, Tangent, OR, showed that the year and location where seed was produced had an effect on fluorescence. “We found that expression of this trait was not only a genotype effect, but that the environment of the plant that produced the seed had an effect as well,” says Barker. The work has since helped track presence of perennial/annual ryegrass crosses in seed production fields. At his new company, Applied Grass Genetics, Barker will be using molecular markers to improve the frost tolerance of annual ryegrass and the flowering time of orchardgrass. “I want to do something that benefits others, whether it be a genetic procedure or an improved variety,” says Barker. He would rather help move the industry forward than to rest on his laurels or take credit. Asked if there have been barriers or restrictions that have made it difficult for him to accomplish his research work, Barker says, “Genetic progress is limited only by your imagination. If you want to see something really novel, you’re not always going to recognize it easily.” Vision is key to a researcher’s success, says Barker. But, researchers also must adequately communicate their vision because administrators do not necessarily see it or have the patience to follow through a project. Genetic revolution also requires teams of people, says Barker. “When we began using genetic mapping at ARS, we put together a team of scientists from across the country that mapped different traits, and 12 to 14 publications came out as a result.” Next 20 Years What would Barker do if he could remain in genetics and turfgrass breeding for another 20 years? “I want to continue to take products from R&D to a form that’s useable by the industry. I want to apply my genetic knowledge, and see it on the ground and working. That’s what I’ll continue to work for. “This work is like being a detective and there will always be new things to be found. It will keep me busy for more than 20 years.” How would he like to be remembered? “That I cared about others and that I could help them achieve what they needed to achieve.” Lynn Grooms, Grooms Communications, Mt. Horeb, WI, is an independent agricultural journalist. Response No. 391 Generally, the germinating roots of Italian or annual ryegrasses fluoresce when held under a black light. Germinating roots of perennial ryegrass types do not flouresce. Response No. 392 First Quarter 2008 39 http://www.agriassociates.com http://www.agriassociates.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q1 2008

Seed Today - Q1 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature: Agrecol® Corporation Reed Barker, Ph.D. Cal/West Seeds Inc. Annual GM Use Report Bt Resistance Reported Camelina Tony Harper Gayle Jacklin According to ASTA Krauter Structures AOSCA AOSA/SCST GM and Greenhouse Gas Seed Associations Ad Index

Seed Today - Q1 2008

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