A major problem in growing grain crops in the United States is the emergence of wild oats among these crops. Triallate and difenzoquat, both pesticides, have been proven to be the most effective in controlling these weeds. Both pesticides are widely used, and in some cases, have been for the past twenty years. Therefore, these wild oat populations have grown increasingly resistant to both triallate and difenzoquat, as much as ten times as resistant as they had been previously. Accordingly, research is needed in order to determine how to control this problem.
There are three main areas to address in this problem. First, it must be determined if the resistance to triallate and difenzoquat in these wild oats is recessive or dominant, and therefore, whether or not the heterozygotes will be resistant to the herbicides as well as the resistant homozygote. If this resistance is dominant, than many more of these wild oats will become resistant. Second, this data found must be used to determine the segregation ratios of the F2 series, which would assist by showing the percentages of resistant and susceptible plants. Third, it will be necessary to determine whether resistance in these herbicides is mono- or diallelic, which would then show if one gene or multiple genes controls resistance to these herbicides.
Through this experience I am learning more about genetics and biochemistry than I ever knew before. In performing these experiments I am learning proper lab techniques, chemical safety procedures, and the dangers of herbicides, as well as their long term effects. I am also learning the virtues of being patient and careful with my work, which will be an asset to me in the future. The time I have spent in the lab, carefully recording my results and observations, has helped to prepare me for a career in biochemistry.
Dawn Mazzatti
1128 Woodland Dr.
Bozeman, MT 59715