Iron-sulfur proteins proven essential to plant survival

Iron-sulfur proteins proven essential to plant survival, according to CSU research

Iron-sulfur clusters (Fe-S) have proven to be necessary for plant growth, according to Colorado State University research. Plants involved in the research project grew normally until researchers silenced the CpNifS gene, resulting in plants with yellowish and stunted growth. The research will be published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

NifS-like proteins have what is known as "cysteine desulfurase activity," which releases sulfur from the amino acid cysteine for the formation of iron-sulfur clusters, said Doug Van Hoewyk, a doctoral researcher in the Pilon-Smith Laboratory, part of the Department of Biology at Colorado State University. These NifS-like proteins are found in all forms of life.

RNAi silencing of the essential chloroplastic CpNifS gene was regulated by dilute ethanol in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, a member of the mustard family. After three weeks of treating the plant with the non-toxic ethanol mixture, the plants' chlorophyll content was reduced five-fold. Van Hoewyk found if the ethanol treatments were stopped after three weeks, the plant would recover and were able to set a seed. When the ethanol treatments were continued after the three-week period, the plan would ultimately suffer irreversible damage and die before setting seed.

"These results strongly suggest that CpNifS is not only an essential protein to Arabidopsis, but to all plants containing chloroplasts" Van Hoewyk said.
Van Hoewyk plans to continue his research into the effect CpNifS has on plant mitochondria and chloroplast functions.

Landscape design 'clients' sought for senior design students

The nationally recognized Landscape Design and Contracting program is once again seeking individuals to partner with our Senior Design students. Our capstone class- Intensive Senior Design, pairs students with "clients" which are seeking landscape designs for their residences.

The following opportunity exists:
Students will concentrate on larger/more complex projects, typically larger than 10,000 square feet and up to multiple acreage properties. Extremely challenging smaller projects may also be included in this category. These projects will require design challenges which may include slope/drainage issues, irrigation, water features, etc. Each set of plans will be created specifically for the client's needs and requirements. Additionally, detailed construction plans will be created.

Multiple meetings are required between the client and the student to ensure a desired outcome. These plans can be used for clients to install their own landscapes or can be submitted to professional landscape contractors for installation. All projects are professor reviewed and critiqued in class.

Expected donations - $600

Students may seek travel reimbursement for projects beyond the Fort Collins area. Additionally students will seek reimbursement for prints, etc.
All donations are used for program development, including sending Landscape Design and Contracting students to a national career fair and competition.

If you are interested please contact me ASAP with a detailed description of your project including size, new construction or renovation, desired elements, address, contact information, etc. Students will contact you in a few weeks.

Contact: Zachary Johnson Email: z.Johnson@colostate.edu Phone Number: (970) 491-2835

Snow mold best battled by raking, not fungicide, according to CSU turf specialist

Many Front Range lawns are now being afflicted with gray snow mold, caused by a fungus called "Typhula incarnate." Snow mold most often occurs during periods of prolonged snow cover, but can also occur where leaves and other debris has accumulated on lawns during the fall and winter, said Tony Koski, a turf specialist with Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.
North-facing lawns, shaded lawns, and areas where snowplowing or drifting snow created especially deep snow will be the most commonly affected parts of the landscape.

The fungus is most active in moist lawns at temperatures just above freezing. Circular patches (6-12 inches across) will have a moldy appearance if the fungus is actively growing - usually just as the snow melts and the lawn is exposed.

Disease rarely kills turf in the home lawn

As the lawn begins to dry out and fungal growth slows, the patches can take on a light tan appearance, fading to light gray or white. Under severe conditions, these smaller patches may grow together to form large, matted areas that appear to be dead. This disease rarely kills turf in the home lawn, although young seedlings from a late fall seeding may be killed (fall sod will be alright).

"Fungicide applications are not recommended when snow mold occurs in a home lawn," Koski said. "Spring fungicide applications will not effectively control or prevent the disease, nor will fungicide use hasten spring turf recovery."

Light raking will promote air circulation and drying
The best way to speed recovery is to remove dead and matted material by light raking to promote air circulation and drying. Light spring nitrogen fertilization (especially if no fertilizer was applied the previous fall) will help speed the formation and growth of new grass from the underground stems that are not harmed by the snow mold fungus. Lawns that appear slow to recover this spring will benefit from core cultivation, followed by overseeding with the same grass species already present in the lawn.

"Contrary to popular belief, late-season fertilization -- also referred to as 'winterizer' -- neither encourages snow mold, nor increases its severity," Koski said. "In fact, late-season/fall fertilization will encourage more rapid healing and recovery when lawns are afflicted with snow mold."

Snow mold generally uncommon in Front Range lawns
Koski said gray snow mold is generally uncommon in Front Range lawns because snow must continuously cover the lawn for at least 40-60 days before the fungus becomes noticeably active - a rare occurrence on Front Range lawns.

Great Class in Fort Collins

Saturday, March 31st

A Celebration of Herbs
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
$26/limited to 24 studentsPlease join instructor Sarah Lindblad for a celebration of herbs: the useful plants. We will discuss some of the more popular herbs, how to grow, preserve, cook with, and use to support health and healing. Sarah, a member of our Whole Body Team is the former owner of Pine Creek Herbs in Ruston, LA. Along with her husband Ross, a craftsman, they produced over 200 varieties of herbs and perennials and were featured in both Louisiana Life and Southern Living Magazines.

Color!

If you're like me, you're ready to see some color in your yard! The little crocus with their gentle yellow and purple flowers poking through brownish grass and tiny snow piles are certainly a welcome site, but the vibrant red of tulips and mexican sage will tell us that spring is really here.

MEXICAN SAGE
Height: 35-40”Width: 20-30"Blooms: August to October.Sun: Full sun to partial shade.Soil Moisture: Moderate.Hardiness: USDA zones 5b-10 (up to 5,500').Culture: Performs best in loamy soils.Year Introduced/Recommended: 2007
Description
Brilliant cardinal-red spires in late summer and fall attract hummingbirds. It has proven hardy under protected conditions in Denver over the last 5 years. Perennial.

Great site!

Thanks CSU for bringing us http://plantselect.org/ a program dedicated to distributing the very best plants from the high plains to the intermountain region.

Garden Teepees

Wigwam Grips ~ $ 5.95
This ingenious heavy-duty plastic grip firmly holds six bamboo stakes in the shape of a teepee for growing peas, beans, morning glories and the like. It not only works well, when covered by vines it also makes a great piece of garden architecture. Two grips per pack.