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Silflower (Silphium integrifoliumMichx.) has been identified as a candidate for domestication as a perennial oilseed crop. In order to successfully domesticate silflower it will be necessary to identify traits that should be targeted for selection. We have conducted the first multilocation trial of replicated silflower genotypes at six sites across four states. By observing architectural, phenological, and yield traits in a diversity panel of silflower breeding material, we were able to estimate the heritability of these traits, as well as patterns of correlation across years and environments. We found that this population expressed heritable variation for many, but not all, traits of interest, and that targeted introgression of diversity may be beneficial for some traits. In addition, we used regression analysis to identify several traits, particularly height, number of stalks per plant, and stalk diameter as important contributors to determining levels of yield and levels of lodging. These results will help to guide future silflower domestication efforts and have already shaped the direction of our breeding program. Silflower is being domesticated as a perennial oilseed crop to provide ecological benefits. It is unclear which traits are highest priority for improvement. A diversity panel was evaluated at six sites for several architectural, phenological, and yield traits. Estimates of heritability, variation between locations and year, and trait correlations will inform selection.

Silphium integrifolium(Asteraceae) has been identified as a candidate for domestication as a perennial oilseed crop and is assumed to have sporophytic self-incompatibility system—the genetic basis of which is not well understood in the Asteraceae. To address this gap, we sought to map the genomic location of the self-recognition locus (S-locus) in this species. We used a biparental population and genotyping-by-sequencing to create the first genetic linkage map for this species, which contained 198 SNP markers and resolved into the correct number of linkage groups. Then we developed a novel crossing scheme and set of analysis methods in order to infer S-locus genotypes for a subset of these individuals, allowing us to map the trait. Finally, we evaluated potential genes of interest using synteny analysis with the annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) genomes. Our results confirm that S. integrifoliumdoes indeed have a sporophytic self-incompatibility system. Our method is effective and efficient, allowed us to map the S. integrifolium S-locus using fewer resources than existing methods, and could be readily applied to other species.

Poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) formed films from aqueous formulations with characteristics that are ideal as a basis for producing a drug-containing bioadhesive delivery system when plasticized with a monohydroxyl functionalized plasticizer. Hence, films containing a novel plasticizer, tripropylene glycol methyl ether (TPME), maintained their adhesive strength and tensile properties when packaged in aluminized foil for extended periods of time. Films plasticized with commonly used polyhydric alcohols, such as the glycerol in this study, underwent an esterification reaction that led to polymer crosslinking, as shown in NMR studies. These revealed the presence of peaks in the ester/carbonyl region, suggesting that glyceride residue formation had been initiated. Given the polyfunctional nature of glycerol, progressive esterification would result in a polyester network and an accompanying profound alteration in the physical characteristics. Indeed, films became brittle over time with a loss of both the aqueous solubility and bioadhesion to porcine skin. In addition, a swelling index was measurable after 7 days, a property not seen with those films containing TPME. This change in bioadhesive strength and pliability was independent of the packaging conditions, rendering the films that contain glycerol as unsuitable as a basis for topical bioadhesive delivery of drug substances. Consequently, films containing TPME have potential as an alternative formulation strategy. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1576–1589, 2004

Inadequate levels of circulating progesterone (P) seen in clinical practice can be increased by P supplementation. When supplementation is via the vaginal route, its presentation may be in many different suppository bases. We have measured circulating P in the follicular phase to compare delivery from the vagina after P was presented in three different bases (glycerinated gelatin, cocoa butter, and polyethylene glycol). The mean peak level achieved and the area under the curve were highest after supplementation from polyethylene glycol-based suppositories. The duration of elevation above baseline was similar with all three suppositories. It is concluded that the suppository base is important in controlling the amount of this steroid absorbed from a given amount presented by this route.