Manipulation of ploidy in switchgrass has potential to accelerate inbred production and to provide insight about genome structure through either sequencing or cytogenetic approaches. We have identified two dihaploid individuals isolated from among the progeny of a controlled cross between two individuals of the cultivars Alamo and Kanlow. The dihaploid lines were initially distinguished from the parental lines by their reduced heterozygosity and were subsequently confirmed through estimation of C values by flow cytometry and chromosome counts of metaphase root tip squash preparations. These plants are functionally sterile, with floral bracts that remain closed and inviable pollen. They can be easily distinguished from tetraploid individuals by their reduced stature, smaller epidermal cell size, and lower number of chloroplasts per guard cell. Aberrant meiosis in these individuals is evidenced by a lack of regular pairing at diakinesis and metaphase I and suggests that the nonhomologous genomes are distinct from one another. The reduced genome size of these dihaploids will facilitate basic genome studies and genetic analyses that are impossible or problematic in polyploid accessions.

To direct, fund, promote and communicate horticultural research, which increases the quality and value of ornamental plants, improves the productivity and profitability of the nursery and landscape industry, and protects and enhances the environment.The use of any trade name in this article does not imply an endorsement of the equipment, product or process named, nor any criticism of any similar products that are not mentioned. AbstractGranier style thermal dissipation probes (TDPs) have been used to estimate whole plant water use on a variety of tree and vine species. However, studies using TDPs and load cells (gravimetric water loss) to estimate water use of landscape tree species are rare. This research compared gravimetric water loss (estimated with load cells) of four containerized landscape tree species with water loss estimated with TDPs. Over a 66 day period, an experiment compared water loss of three established, 5.0 cm (2 in) caliper poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica') trees in 75-liter (20 gal) containers on load cells to TDP estimated water loss. Each tree had a single 30 mm (1.2 inch) TDP inserted into the trunk at four heights above soil level (15, 30, 45, and 60 cm (6, 12, 18, and 24 in, respectively)). Data revealed TDP estimated water loss was less than load cell estimated water loss regardless of TDP height, but TDP estimated water loss at the 30 cm height was closest to actual load cell estimated tree water loss. Over the next three years, similar sized Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'), English oak (Quercus robur x Q. bicolor 'Asjes'), poplar (Populus deltoides 'Siouxland'), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba') trees in containers were placed on load cells and one 30 mm TDP was placed into the trunk of each tree 30 cm above soil level. Over an extended time period, tree water loss was estimated using load cells and TDPs. Hourly TDP water loss estimates for each species over a three day period indicate TDP estimated water loss followed similar trends as load cell estimated water loss. However, TDP estimates were generally less than load cell estimates, especially during peak transpiration periods. For each species, mean total daily water loss estimates were less for TDP estimated water loss when compared to load cell estimated water loss. Although TDP estimated water loss has been correlated with actual tree water loss for many species, these data suggest errors may arise when using TDPs to estimate water loss of small, containerized landscape tree species.Index words: irrigation, container production, tree water use, poplar, Bradford pear, English oak, sweetgum. Species used in this study Significance to the Nursery IndustryBecause water quality and quantity are concerns in many regions of the United States, conserving water in nurseries and landscapes is essential. However, little research has been conducted into estimating tree water use in nurseries or landscape settings. We investigated methods to estimate water loss of four containerized landscape tree species ('...