PLANT RELEASES FORAGE AND RANGE RESEARCH LABORATORY - LOGAN, UTAH
PLANTS FOR THE WEST
Plant Materials Release Catalog
Featuring Rangeland, Irrigated Pasture, and
Turfgrass Germplasm
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i http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 FRRL : FRRL - Plants For The West PLANTS FOR THE WEST
1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST ii iii i THE FORAGE AND RANGE RESEARCH LABORATORY: FRRL GERMPLASM http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest LOGAN, UTAH RESEARCH LABORATORY THE FORAGEANDRANGE 2. Pre-varietySelectedGermplasm performance acrossmultiplelocationsandyears. distinct, uniform,andstable.Avariety’s distinctiveness isdocumentedby evaluating its with documentedadaptability andproven superiorand/oruniquecharacteristics thatare The historicalobjective ofplantgermplasmdevelopment attheFRRListoproducevarieties 1. VarietyReleases Product ReleaseClasses species. among accessionsorpopulations ofthesame a populationorby common-sitecomparisons and may betheresultofselectioneitherwithin Germplasms possesspotentially desirable traits variety germplasm-Selected Class).Selected germplasm (previouslydesignatedPre- Although thereareseveral PVGreleasecategories,the FRRLhasonlyreleased“Selected” Agencies (AOSCA)hasdefinedspecifications for thereleaseofPre- As analternative toformalvariety release(above), theAssociation ofOfficialSeedCertifying turf inthewesternU.S. stewardship ofrangelands, pastures, and management alternatives forsustainable Provide improved plantmaterialsand MISSION: practices will resultin sustainable stewardship for these environments for rangelands, pasture, and turf. Theseplant materials combined with best management molecular geneticists, and ecologists toenhanceplants and associated agronomicpractices environments. Research isaccomplished through the combined efforts of plant breeders, in breeding, genomics, and ecological applications of perennial plants for dry, temperate The FRRLisrecognized as the international center of excellence for integrated research the western U.S. rangelands andpastures. important plant materials presently used on team thathas developed critically (FRRL) is composedof a multidisciplinary The Forage andRange Research Laboratory VISION: v ariety Germplasm(PVG). . 1-435-797-2249 FRRL Plant Materials Plant materials are categorized into Rangeland three groups: Native Recovery Western wheatgrass 1 Rangeland P-7* Bluebunch wheatgrass 2 Discovery Snake River wheatgrass 3 FirstStrike Slender wheatgrass 4 Continental Basin wildrye 5
Irrigated Pasture Sand Hollow* Big squirreltail 6 Toe Jam Creek* Bottlebrush squirreltail 7 Antelope Creek* Bottlebrush squirreltail 8 Pleasant Valley* Bottlebrush squirreltail 8 Fish Creek* Bottlebrush squirreltail 9 Rattlesnake* Bottlebrush squirreltail 10
Turfgrass Star Lake* Indian ricegrass 11 White River* Indian ricegrass 12 Reliable* Sandberg bluegrass 13 Cucharas* Green needlegrass 14 Yakima* Western yarrow 15 Majestic* Western prairie clover 16 With each release Spectrum* Western prairie clover 16 documentation NBR-1* Basalt milkvetch 17 you will find these sections: Introduced Vavilov II Siberian wheatgrass 18 Plant Overview Hycrest II Crested wheatgrass 19 General information concerning germplasm origin, use, and Bozoisky-II Russian wildrye 20 optimal growing conditions Mustang Altai wildrye 21 NewHy RS hybrid 22 Plant Benefits Don Falcata alfalfa 23 A list of beneficial plant material characteristics Irrigated Pasture Cache Meadow bromegrass 24 How to order seed Germplasm availability and Turfgrass ordering instructions RoadCrest Crested wheatgrass 25
* Pre-variety Germplasm * Pre-variety germplasm 1-435-797-2249 Controls: PLANTS FOR THE WEST ivii Plant Improvement The story of our germplasm
Breeding Strategies Foundation Seed Production The FRRL uses both simplistic and complex breeding Foundation seed is produced from “Breeder” seed strategies that facilitate germplasm release. These that originates from seed increases of parental strategies range from evaluation of collected plant materials under controlled conditions. materials for Pre-variety release, to cultivar release strategies that involve intense evaluation, plant Seed Harvest selection, and then recombination of the best plants in a cyclic fashion (below). The production conditions of Plant Breeding Scheme Foundation seed is strictly controlled
Identify plant species such that uniform • Collect germplasm pollination occurs • Plant surveys in a seed increase • Evaluation trials block.
Assemble genetic base • Surveyed plants PLANT IMPROVEMENT: THE STORY OF OUR GERMPLASM • Breeding program Seed Cleaning
Repeat cycle
Release germplasm Establish source nurseries
Seed cleaning involves careful attention to each production field’s seed purity, where only the highest quality seed is retained and extraneous Cross- develop materials are eliminated. strains
Evaluate & select Education & Delivery Select best parental superior plants from source nurseries lines FRRL clientele are regularly invited to see our experimental and released plant materials Evaluate progenies where critical management information is deseminated. iiiv http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: RECOVERY Recovery Western wheatgrass The story of our germplasm Pascopyrum smithii
Plant Overview ‘Recovery’ was released to help limit weed infestation and soil erosion in
in 2009 by the USDA- areas where the regularity of disturbances normally (VARIETY) ARS, the U.S. Army prevents western wheatgrass from becoming fully Corps of Engineers- established. Engineer Research and Development Center, and the USDA-NRCS. It was developed as a rapidly establishing grass for revegetation of semiarid rangelands in the Plant Benefits Intermountain West, Great Basin, and Northern Great Plains regions of the western U.S. It is • SUPERIOR SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT especially intended for revegetation of frequently • MORE PERSISTENT disturbed rangelands, military training lands, and • HIGH DROUGHT TOLERANCE areas where repeated wildfires occur.
Stand Persistence of ‘Recovery’ Rapid establishment is one of the keys to successful Recovery Arriba Barton Flintock revegetation in the western U.S. Thus, western Rodan Rosana wheatgrasses inherent slow establishment limits its effectiveness in reducing erosion and controlling weeds in areas with frequent, severe disturbances. 80 Selection emphasis during Recovery’s development
focused on faster seedling establishment. During 70 the establishment year, Recovery consistently demonstrated an increase in the frequency of seedlings (averaged across eight locations) when 60
compared to ‘Arriba’, ‘Barton’, ‘Flintlock’, ‘Rodan’, Stand (%) and ‘Rosana’ western wheatgrasses. Recovery 50 typically has superior stand until 4 to 6 years after planting, when due to their rhizomatous nature, the stand of all western wheatgrasses were equal. 40 Establishment 2nd 3rd 4+ Year Year Year Years On average, Recovery’s establishment is better than Bozoisky Russian wildrye, similar to Bozoisky II and Vavilov Siberian wheatgrass, and lower than Vavilov II, and Hycrest and Hycrest II crested To order seed: wheatgrasses. Check with local seed companies to determine Morphological evaluations indicated that in availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement appearance, Recovery is most like Rosana and Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@usu. edu) or Idaho Foundation Seed Program (208- least like Barton western wheatgrasses. Two forage 423-6655; [email protected]) to find yield trials in Utah indicated that Recovery yielded commercial seed growers. Breeder, comparable to/or slightly less than other western Foundation, Registered, and Certified wheatgrasses. seed classes will be recognized. Foundation seed is available through The rapid establishment of Recovery, in comparison the following contacts; Utah Crop to other western wheatgrass cultivars, will allow Improvement Association and the Idaho land managers to use this native grass species Foundation Seed Program. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST #1 P-7 Germplasm Bluebunch wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata
Plant Overview Bluebunch wheatgrass is a very important native bunchgrass found in the sagebrush-steppe (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) ecosystem of the Intermountain Region, as well as the Rocky Mountains and western Great Plains of the U.S. This grass is highly palatable to grazing animals, but is susceptible to overgrazing. For this reason, bluebunch wheatgrass is Mature spikes of bluebunch wheatgrass believed to be currently less
RANGELAND: P-7 common than before the introduction of livestock in the latter half of the 19th century. Bluebunch wheatgrass may be awned or awnless, and is predominately cross-pollinated.
P-7 was released in 2001 as a selected pre-variety germplasm (genetically
manipulated track) on the P-7 in replicated trials (Beaver, Utah) basis of its high genetic diversity. Participating in the release were the USDA-ARS and the Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Collection Site
P-7 is intended to provide genetic diversity within a Seed production field single germplasm for semiarid to mesic sites where bluebunch wheatgrass was an original component Plant Benefits of the vegetation (Larsen et al. 2003). P-7 was constructed as a multiple-origin polycross, and was • ABUNDANT SEED YIELDS developed by intermating 25 individual populations • HIGH GENETIC DIVERSITY from Washington (13; WA), Idaho (3; ID), Oregon • BROAD ADAPTATION RANGE (3; OR), Utah (2), Nevada (1), Montana (1), and British Columbia (1) (Larson et al. 2000). The accessions from WA, ID, and OR represent a To order seed: bluebunch wheatgrass center of genetic diversity, while the remaining accessions represent additional Check with local seed companies to determine genetic variation from peripheral collection locations. availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement P-7 is predominately awnless. Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@ usu.edu) to find commercial seed growers. Early generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS- FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Larson, S.R., T.A. Jones, Z-M. Hu, A.J. Palazzo, and C.L. McCracken. 2000. Utah Crop Improvement Association. Genetic diversity of bluebunch wheatgrass cultivars and a multiple-origin polycross. Crop Science 40:1142–1147.
2 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: DISCOVERY Discovery Snake River wheatgrass Elymus wawawaiensis
Plant Overview Snake River wheatgrass was ‘Discovery’ was released in 2007. Participating in officially described as a new the release were the USDA-Agricultural Research species in 1997, although Service and the Agricultural Experiment Station, (VARIETY) this species was first reported Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Discovery in 1986. The first release traces its origin to materials collected in Whitman of Snake River wheatgrass, and Asotin Counties in ‘Secar’, was made in 1980. At southeastern Washington the time, Secar was released and Idaho County in central as a bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho. Discovery seedlings and this confusion has are more persistent during persisted in the seed trade for the summer drought than many years. Secar seedlings, resulting in enhanced stand establishment. The two species have a strikingly similar appearance, Thus, Discovery is intended as but they can easily be separated based on floral and an alternative to Secar. seedling characters. Snake River wheatgrass [i.e., basic chromosome number (n)] is always awned, while bluebunch wheatgrass may be awned or Plant Benefits awnless. The seedlings of Snake River wheatgrass are downy in appearance, while bluebunch • ENHANCED SEED YIELDS wheatgrass seedlings have comparatively few hairs. • IMPROVED STAND ESTABLISHMENT Snake River wheatgrass has a smaller seed and is • INCREASED DRY-MATTER YIELDS generally more drought and grazing tolerant than bluebunch wheatgrass. Bluebunch wheatgrass is Dry-matter yield of Discovery and Secar Snake widespread throughout the River wheatgrass (2001-2003)
Intermountain Region and the Discovery Secar Rocky Mountains of the western 1400
U.S., but the natural distribution 1200 of Snake River wheatgrass is 1000 limited to the drainages of the Columbia River and the lower 800 portion of the Snake River in 600
eastern Washington, northern 400 and central Idaho, and northeastern Oregon. Snake Dry-matter yield (lbs/acre) Dry-matter 200 River wheatgrass is always tetraploid (2n=28), while bluebunch wheatgrass may be diploid (2n=14) or 0 Blue Creek, Utah Green Canyon, Utah tetraploid (2n=28).
Despite its limited natural distribution, Snake River To order seed: wheatgrass has been widely used in restoration Check with local seed companies to determine seed mixes throughout the Intermountain Region availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement of the western U.S. Because of its drought and Association (435-797-2082; stanford. grazing tolerance, it may be regarded as a successful [email protected]) to find commercial seed growers. Breeder, Foundation, surrogate for bluebunch wheatgrass in environments Registered, and Certified seed classes where these traits are important. Like bluebunch will be recognized. Foundation seed wheatgrass, Snake River wheatgrass is cross- is available through the Utah Crop Improvement Association. pollinating. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 3 FirstStrike Slender wheatgrass (VARIETY) Elymus trachycaulus
Plant Overview Slender wheatgrass ID, FirstStrike had significantly more seedlings is a short-lived, per unit area than Pryor during the establishment native bunchgrass year. At Guernsey, WY, forage production was 27% with good seedling greater in FirstStrike than Pryor. FirstStrike also vigor and moderate germinated five days earlier than Pryor on three palatability. Slender different soil types (sandy loam, loam, and sandy). wheatgrass tolerates a wide range of RANGELAND: FIRSTSTRIKE conditions and is well adapted to high altitude Plant Benefits ranges and more favorable sites on sagebrush and pine habitats, and aspen and tall-mountain • MORE PERSISTENT shrub regions. Due to its rapid seed germination • HIGH DROUGHT RESISTANCE and establishment, moderate salt tolerance, • HIGHER DRY-MATTER YIELDS and compatibility with other species, slender • SUPERIOR SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT wheatgrass is a valuable component in erosion- Stand Persistence at Filmore, Utah control and mine land reclamation seed mixes. FirstStrike Slender WG Pyror Slender WG
90 Slender wheatgrass is widely adapted throughout 80 the western U.S. and Canada where it grows at 70 60 elevations from 4,500 to 10,000 ft. along dry to 50 moderately wet roadsides, streambanks, meadows, 40 Stand (%) and woodlands from valley bottoms to subalpine 30 20 and alpine elevations in aspen and open coniferous 10 forests. It is, however, less drought tolerant than 0 Establishment Persistence yr-2 Persistence Establishment many of the wheatgrasses, including crested and year 2004 2005 mean 04-05 year 2005 bluebunch wheatgrass, and prefers loamy and Site 1 Site 2 sandy loamy soils in areas receiving at least 12 Stand Persistence at Guernsey, Wyoming inches of annual precipitation. FirstStrike Slender WG Pyror Slender WG 90 ‘FirstStrike’ was released in 2006 by the United 80 States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural 70 Research Service and the United States Army 60 50 - Engineer Research and Development Center 40 Stand (%) for use on arid and semiarid rangelands as a 30 rapidly establishing revegetation grass in the 20 10 Intermountain Region and Northern Great Plains 0 of the western U.S. FirstStrike was selected for Establishment Persistence yr-2 Persistence Establishment year 2004 2005 mean 04-05 year 2005 persistence and overall plant vigor in response to Site 1 Site 2 drought. To order seed: Rapid seedling establishment is the key to a successful revegetation planting in the western Check with local seed companies to determine U.S. FirstStrike slender wheatgrass possesses availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement enhanced germination and seedling establishment Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@usu. edu) to find commercial seed growers. Breeder, on dry rangelands. In seeded trials at Yakama Foundation, Registered, and Certified seed classes Training Center (YTC), Yakima, WA; Camp will be recognized. Foundation seed is available Guernsey, Guernsey, WY; Fillmore, UT; and Malta, through the Utah Crop Improvement Association.
4 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: CONTINENTAL FirstStrike Continental Slender wheatgrass Basin wildrye Elymus trachycaulus Leymus cinereus
Plant Overview Basin wildrye is a statuesque be adapted in areas of the Intermountain Region late-maturing bunchgrass that where Trailhead and Magnar have been used is widespread throughout the successfully.
Intermountain Region of the (VARIETY) western U.S. It is highly drought tolerant once established, but Plant Benefits in more arid regions, it tends to occupy ravines where water • RAPID SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT occasionally accumulates. The • ABUNDANT SEED YIELD use of this species has been limited by its weak seedling vigor and poor seedling Stand percentage and Seed Mass of basin wildrye establishment. Basin wildrye consists of two races Stand percentage having distinct chromosome numbers [i.e., basic Continental Trailhead Magnar chromosome number (n)]. Tetraploids (2n=28) are 70 found east of the continental divide and in Utah, 60 southern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, 50 and Arizona, while octoploids (2n=56) are found in 40 30
the northern Intermountain Region in Washington Stand (%) and British Columbia. Tetraploids and octoploids 20 overlap in northeastern California, northern Nevada, 10 and Oregon. Basin wildrye is predominately cross- 0 5/05 5/06 6/07 5/06 7/07 5/07 pollinating. Oak Creek Lands End Bluebell Beaver Utah Colorado Utah Utah
‘Continental’ was released in 2008 by the USDA- ARS, the Upper Colorado Seed mass at Millville, UT (2009) Environmental Plant Center, Continental Trailhead Magnar Washoe
the USDA-Natural Resources 5 Conservation Service, and 4 the Agricultural Experiment
Station, Utah State University, 3 Logan, Utah. Continental 2
was developed by hybridizing Seed mass (mg)
‘Magnar’ (2n=56) and a 1 chromosome-doubled version 0 (2n=56) of ‘Trailhead’ (2n=28). Continental was then developed by selection for seedling and mature-plant vigor. To order seed:
During summer, Magnar develops a distinct bluish Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement wax on its leaves and stems, while Trailhead remains Association (435-797-2082; stanford. green. In Continental, about three-fourths of the [email protected]) to find commercial plants are bluish. Continental has displayed similar seed growers. Breeder, Foundation, or superior stand establishment to Trailhead and Registered, and Certified seed classes Magnar in evaluation trials in west-central Utah, will be recognized. Foundation seed northeastern Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and is available through the Utah Crop northwestern Colorado. Continental is expected to Improvement Association. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 5 Sand Hollow Germplasm Big squirreltail Elymus multisetus
Plant Overview Big squirreltail is a native Care must also be taken in debearding during short-lived perennial threshing, so as not to damage the seed and bunchgrass that is noted for reduce viability. Sand Hollow was the first (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) its ability to compete with squirreltail release and today (2010) remains the invasive annual weeds such as only released big squirreltail. cheatgrass and medusahead wildrye. This grass is most common in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho. Because Sand Hollow of its prominent awns, this grass is not considered to be an important forage species, but it is popular in restoration mixes.
Sand Hollow was released in 1996 as a selected pre-variety germplasm (natural track) and is predominately self-pollinated. Participating in the release were the USDA-ARS, Agricultural RANGELAND: SAND HOLLOW Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Awns of Sand Hollow Service.
Sand Hollow was collected in Gem County, Idaho Typical rangeland seeding near the town of Emmett. The collection site was a west-facing slope consisting of loamy coarse sand where the average annual precipitation is about 11 Plant Benefits inches. • ABUNDANT SEED YIELDS In general, big squirreltail is found in • COMPETITIVE WITH INVASIVE wetter habitats than ANNUAL GRASSES bottlebrush squirreltail. However, Sand Hollow To order seed: was collected from the driest portion of big Check with local seed companies to determine squirreltail’s distribution. availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Seed harvest of Sand Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@ Hollow requires close usu.edu) to find commercial seed growers. Early attention because of generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS- its tendency to shatter. FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Utah Crop Improvement Association. Seed production of Sand Hollow
6 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: TOE JAM CREEK Toe Jam Creek Germplasm Bottlebrush squirreltail Elymus elymoides ssp. californicus
Plant Overview Bottlebrush squirreltail is an important early- seral grass that is utilized for rangeland Toe Jam Creek
restoration. The (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) californicus subspecies can be found in montane habitats from British Columbia to California and east to Nevada, central Idaho, northern Utah, northwestern Wyoming, and southwestern Montana. Bottlebrush squirreltail is predominately self-pollinated, but when it coexists with bluebunch wheatgrass, sterile hybrid plants are not uncommon. The seed of ssp. californicus squirreltail is larger than the more common ssp. elymoides bottlebrush squirreltail, but the general appearance and stature of these two squirreltails is similar. Like the other squirreltails, ssp. californicus is susceptible to seed shattering.
Toe Jam Creek was released in 2003 as a selected pre-variety germplasm (natural track). Participating in the release were the USDA-ARS, the Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the USDI-Bureau of Land Management. Seed production field Toe Jam Creek was collected in northwestern Elko County, Nevada, about eight miles west of the Plant Benefits town of Tuscarora. Elevation at the collection site was 6,000 ft., and average annual precipitation at • HIGH SEED WEIGHT Tuscarora is 12 inches. Toe Jam Creek’s intended • ENHANCED SEEDLING VIGOR area of use is the northern Great Basin and the lower • ABUNDANT SEED YIELDS Snake River Plain of the western U.S. • POPULAR IN RESTORATION SEED MIXES
To order seed:
Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford. [email protected]) to find commercial seed growers. Early generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS-FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Utah Crop Improvement Association. Toe Jam Creek in replicated trial (Beaver, Utah) FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 7 Pleasant Valley & Antelope Creek Germplasms Bottlebrush squirreltail Elymus elymoides
Plant Overview A new bottlebrush squirreltail subspecies has recently been recognized based on DNA data Pleasant Valley (Larsen et al. 2003). Pending taxonomic revision, Antelope Creek (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASMS) Pleasant Valley and Antelope Creek germplasms are provisionally referred to as Elymus elymoides ssp. “C”. This subspecies is most common in central and eastern Oregon, but it also extends into northeastern California, northern Nevada, and southern Idaho. This subspecies is taller, later in maturity, and more common at higher elevations than the elymoides or californicus subspecies of bottlebrush squirreltail.
Pleasant Valley was released in 2010 as a selected pre-variety germplasm (natural track). Participating in the release were the USDA-ARS and the Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah (AEUSU). Pleasant Valley was chosen for release based on its high seed yield relative to other accessions from the eastern Blue Mountains of Oregon. It was collected on Typical collection site of bottlebrush squirreltail a southwest-facing slope near Interstate-84 exit 315 in Baker County, Oregon, about nine miles southeast of Baker City. Elevation at the site is Plant Benefits 3,825 m, and average annual precipitation is 14 inches. Pleasant Valley is intended for use in the eastern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Washington, PLEASANT VALLEY and Idaho. • ABUNDANT SEED YIELDS • ADAPTED TO THE EASTERN BLUE Antelope Creek was released in 2009 as a MOUNTAINS OF OREGON selected pre-variety germplasm (natural track). Participating in the release were the USDA-ARS ANTELOPE CREEK
RANGELAND: PLEASANT VALLEY & ANTELOPE CREEK and the AEUSU. Antelope Creek was chosen for release based on its high seed yield relative • ABUNDANT SEED YIELDS to other accessions collected at sites of similar • ADAPTED TO THE WESTERN BLUE precipitation level in the western Blue Mountains MOUNTAINS & EASTERN CASCADES and slopes and foothills of the Eastern Cascade OF OREGON Range in Oregon. Antelope Creek was collected in Wasco County, Oregon, about seven miles east of To order seed: the town of Antelope. Elevation at the site is 3,650 ft., and average annual precipitation is 14 inches. Check with local seed companies to determine Antelope Creek is intended for use in central availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Oregon. Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@ usu.edu) to find commercial seed growers. Early generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS- FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Larson, S.R., T.A. Jones, C.L. McCracken, and K.B. Jensen. 2003. Amplified Utah Crop Improvement Association. fragment length polymorphism in Elymus elymoides, E. multisetus, and other Elymus taxa. Canadian Journal of Botany 81:789-805.
8 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: FISH CREEK Fish Creek Germplasm Bottlebrush squirreltail Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides Elymus elymoides
Plant Overview The elymoides subspecies of
bottlebrush (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) squirreltail is the Fish Creek most common and widespread of all western U.S. squirreltails. It is common on valley floors throughout much of the Intermountain Region of the western U.S. Like the other squirreltails, ssp. elymoides is short lived, self-pollinating, and susceptible to shattering. Its primary use is in restoration seed mixes.
Fish Creek was released in 2003 as a selected pre- variety germplasm (natural track). Participating in the release were the USDA-ARS, the Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, the USDI-Bureau of Land Management, and the USDA- Natural Resources Typical heavily awned spike Conservation Fish Creek in replicated trial (Beaver, Utah) Service. When compared with other ssp. elymoides populations, Fish Creek possessed high seedling emergence rates and the latest heading date. Fish Plant Benefits Creek was collected in Blaine County, Idaho, about six miles northeast of the town of Carey. Elevation • RAPID SEEDLING EMERGENCE at the site is approximately 4,750 ft., and average • ORIGINATES IN THE SNAKE RIVER PLAIN annual precipitation is about 12 inches. • POPULAR FOR RESTORATION SEED MIXES
To order seed:
Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford. [email protected]) to find commercial seed growers. Early generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS-FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Utah Crop Improvement Association. Seed production field FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 9 Rattlesnake Germplasm Bottlebrush squirreltail Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides
Plant Overview The most widespread Rattlesnake is a bulk of eight lines selected from of all the bottlebrush T-1175 for biomass, number of seedheads, and squirreltails is the height. This material is intended to be used (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) subspecies elymoides. primarily in its area of origin, in the Lower Snake It frequently River Plain of Idaho. inhabits valley floors throughout much of the Intermountain Region of the western U.S. Like the other squirreltails, ssp. elymoides Rattlesnake is short-lived, self-pollinating, and susceptible to shattering. Its primary use is in restoration seed mixes.
Rattlesnake was released in 2007 as a selected pre- variety germplasm (genetically manipulated track). Participating in the release were the USDA-ARS, the Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State
RANGELAND: RATTLESNAKE University, Logan, Utah, and the USDI Bureau of Land Management.
Rattlesnake under replicated evaluation (Beaver, UT)
Rattlesnake was developed from accession T-1175, Typical bottlebrush squirreltail habitats a population collected four miles northwest of the overpass of old Highway 30 over Interstate-84 northwest near Mountain Home in Elmore County, Plant Benefits Idaho. Elevation at the site is 3,835 ft., and estimated average annual precipitation is 12 inches. • ADAPTED TO DROUGHT CONDITIONS • ORIGINATES IN THE SNAKE RIVER PLAIN
To order seed:
Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@ usu.edu) to find commercial seed growers. Early generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS- FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Utah Crop Improvement Association. Seed production field of Rattlesnake
10 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: STAR LAKE Star Lake Germplasm Indian ricegrass Elymus elymoides ssp. elymoides Achnatherum hymenoides
Plant Overview Indian ricegrass is an
important bunchgrass (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) that is found on light-textured soils Star Lake throughout much of the Intermountain Region of the western U.S. Broad use of this highly variable species has been hampered by poor seedling establishment due to very high levels of seed dormancy. Plant Benefits
Star Lake was released in 2004 as a selected • EXCELLENT GERMINABILITY pre-variety germplasm (genetically manipulated • ADAPTED TO THE FOUR CORNERS track). Participating in the release were the USDA- REGION & THE LOWER COLORADO ARS, the Agricultural PLATEAU Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan, Germination and seed mass of Indian ricegrass Utah, the USDA-Natural Germination Resources Conservation 70 Service, and the USDI- 60 Bureau of Land Management. 50 Star Lake was collected 40 30 in northeastern McKinley 20 Germination (%) County, New Mexico, about 10 14 miles northwest of the 0 town of Torreon. Elevation Seed Mass
Flowering habit at the collection site is 6,750 9 ft., and average annual 8 precipitation is about 10 inches. Star Lake was 7 6 Typical bottlebrush squirreltail habitats released on the basis of its high germinability, which 5 is attributed to the thinness of the brown coverings 4 that encapsulate the seed. Star Lake seed is 3 Seed mass (mg) Seed mass relatively small and elongate in shape. 2 1 0 Star Lake is one of three seed morphs found at the Star Lake GS morph JS morph Star Lake collection site (See image below). To order seed:
Comparison of Indian ricegrass seed morphs Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford. [email protected]) to find commercial seed growers. Early generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS-FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Utah Crop Improvement Jumbo (JS) Globose (GS) Star Lake Association. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 11 White River Germplasm Indian ricegrass Achnatherum hymenoides
Plant Overview Indian ricegrass is an that White River will be used in the Upper important bunchgrass Colorado Plateau of eastern Utah and western found on light-textured Colorado and the Basin Province of southern (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) soils throughout much of Wyoming. the Intermountain Region of the western U.S. Broad use of this highly variable species has been hampered by poor seedling establishment due to very high levels of seed dormancy. Indian White River ricegrass is a highly self-pollinating species, but hybrids with several needlegrass species are known to occur.
White River was released in 2006 as a selected pre-variety germplasm RANGELAND: WHITE RIVER (genetically manipulated track). Participating in the release were Plant Benefits the USDA-Agricultural Research Service • VIGOROUS PLANT (ARS), the Agricultural • GOOD SEED YIELD Experiment Station, Utah • HIGH GERMINABILITY State University, Logan, Utah, and the USDI-Bureau of Land Stand percentage at Soda Lake, WY (1997-2002) Management. The PI 232329 Rimrock Nezpar Seed production parental population of 20 White River, PI 232329, was collected along route 64 15 about 24 miles east of the town of Rangely, Colorado.
Average annual precipitation at the collection site is 10 10-12 inches, and elevation is about 5,400 ft. Thirty- (%) Stand two lines were selected from PI 232329 based on 5 high germinability and seed yield, and these lines 0 were bulked to form White River. It is anticipated 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
To order seed:
Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@ usu.edu) to find commercial seed growers. Early 1 2 3 generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS- FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Utah Crop Improvement Association. Nezpar (1), Rimrock (2), and White River (3) Indian ricegrass
12 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: RELIABLE Reliable Germplasm Sandberg bluegrass Achnatherum hymenoides Poa secunda
Plant Overview Reliable was released plain, canyon bottom, canyon summit, ridge top,
in 2004 by the USDA- canyon side, and bottom flat environments. (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) ARS and the Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah Sandberg bluegrass resists trampling and is often State University, Logan, one of the first species to naturally reestablish Utah, as a Selected Class on sites disturbed by fire, large equipment and (natural track) germplasm, vehicles, and animals. Thus, Reliable’s intended which is eligible for seed use is for rehabilitation and restoration of western certification under Association rangelands. It may be particularly useful as of Seed Certifying Agencies a pioneer plant species in severely disturbed guidelines. Reliable was developed in cooperation with environments, such as military training sites and the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the after wildfires. Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) project to identify resilient plant Plant Benefits characteristics and develop wear-resistant plant cultivars for use on military training lands. Reliable Sandberg bluegrass is a multi-origin germplasm assembled to ensure adaptation across a broad range • SUPERIOR PERSISTENCE of ecological sites and provide a source of abundant • BROAD GENETIC VARIATION seed. Reliable has been successfully established • HIGH DROUGHT TOLERANCE in rangeland trials in Utah, Idaho, and Washington • ORIGINATES FROM FREQUENTLY DISTURBED SITES where it has displayed better establishment and • RELIABLE SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT IN persistence than standard Sandberg check cultivars. DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS
Sandberg bluegrass is an important understory grass in bluebunch wheatgrass-sagebrush ecological Stand persistence of ‘Reliable’ Sandberg Bluegrass sites of the Intermountain and Northwest Regions ‘Reliable’ Check
of the western U.S. It is a medium-lived, perennial 50
bunchgrass valuable for soil erosion control, spring 45
livestock and wildlife grazing, and biodiversity. 40
35
Reliable was developed by 30 Stand (%) compositing seed from plants 25 originating from 28 locations, 20 Establishment 2nd 3rd 4+ with each location potentially year year year years containing unique co-adapted gene complexes. Three- hundred fourteen Sandberg To order seed: bluegrass plants were initially collected as live plants from Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement 28 locations at the U.S. Army Yakima Training Center Association (435-797-2082; stanford. (YTC) in Yakima, Washington. The collection locations [email protected]) to find commercial had the following range of characteristics: annual seed growers. Early generation seed precipitation (5 to 12 in.); surface soil texture (loam is maintained by the USDA-ARS-FRRL to sand); soil depth (6 to 72 in.); slope (0 to 45%); at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available aspect (north, south, east, and west); and elevation through Utah Crop Improvement (800 to 3400 ft.). Collections were made in foothill, Association. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 13 Cucharas Germplasm Green needlegrass Nassella viridula
Plant Overview Plant Benefits Green needlegrass is an important native bunchgrass in • ABUNDANT SEED YIELDS the western Great Plains and (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) • TOLERANT OF GRAZING Rocky Mountains, ranging from New Mexico to Alberta, Canada. Dry-matter yield It is a useful forage species Cucharas Lodorm and is especially tolerant of 120 grazing. Green needlegrass is an 100
excellent seed producer, but stand 80 establishment has been limited 60 by high levels of seed dormancy. Although green 40
needlegrass is predominately self-pollinated, it can Seed Yield (g/plant) produce sterile progeny upon hybridization with 20 Indian ricegrass. 0 2007 2008 2009
Cucharas was released in Seed yield and germination of green 2003 as a selected pre-variety needlegrass germplasm (2001,2003) RANGELAND: CUCHARAS germplasm (natural track). Seed Yield Participating in the release 4 were the USDA-ARS and
the Agricultural Experiment 3 Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. The original 2 collection of Cucharas was Seed Yield (g/plant) made near Cucharas Junction, 1 Huerfano County, Colorado, approximately four 0 miles northeast of the town of Walsenburg. 2001 2003 Cucharas was chosen for release because of its high productivity and seed yield relative to ‘Lodorm’, Germination which originated in North Dakota, U.S. 80 70
60
50
40
30 Germination (%) 20
10
0 2001 2003
Cucharas Lodorm AC Mallard To order seed:
Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@ usu.edu) to find commercial seed growers. Early Lodorm (L), Cucharas (R) generation seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS- FRRL at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available through Utah Crop Improvement Association. Etablishment year
14 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: YAKIMA Yakima Germplasm Western yarrow Achillea millefolium
Plant Overview
Yakima was released bottom, canyon summit, ridge top, canyon side, (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) in 2004 by the USDA- and bottom flat environments. ARS and the Agricultural Experiment Station, Western yarrow is an important, abundant Utah State University, forb in bluebunch wheatgrass–sagebrush plant Logan, Utah, as a Source communities of the Intermountain and Northwest Identified Class (natural Regions of the U.S. It is rhizomatous and drought track) germplasm, tolerant enabling it to recruit into disturbed areas which is eligible for and often competes well with invasive weedy plant seed certification under species. Yakima western yarrow is intended for use Association of Seed in rehabilitation and restoration of western U.S. Certifying Agencies guidelines (AOSCA, 2001). rangelands. It will be particularly useful in helping Yakima was developed in cooperation with the to stabilize and diversify severely disturbed sites, United States Army Corps of Engineers and the such as military training lands and burned areas. Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) project to identify resilient plant characteristics and develop wear-resistant plant cultivars for use on military training lands. Plant Benefits Yakima western yarrow is a multi-origin germplasm assembled to ensure adaptation across a broad range • ENHANCED PERSISTENCE of ecological sites and provides a source of readily • BROAD GENETIC VARIATION available seed. • HIGH DROUGHT TOLERANCE • ORIGINATES FROM FREQUENTLY Yakima western yarrow demonstrated vigorous DISTURBED SITES growth in field nurseries near Logan, Utah, and has been successfully established in field trials in Stand Persistence of ‘Yakima’ in Washington Utah, Idaho, and Washington where it established ‘Yakima’ yarrow Yarrow Check and persisted equal to or better than a common 6 variety of western yarrow. A range of phenotypic 5 (visual) differences have been observed in the 4 seed production field indicating the broad range of 3 phenotypic diversity within this germplasm. 2 Stand (%) 1 Yakima was initially developed by combining 0 germplasm from multiple environments, each Establishment 2nd 3rd year year year possibly possessing a different co-adapted gene complex to enhance its establishment across a range of semiarid ecosystems. This wildland seed To order seed: (generation G0) was collected from 27 locations representing seven different ecological sites at the Check with local seed companies to determine availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement U.S. Army Yakima Training Center (YTC) in Yakima, Association (435-797-2082; stanford. Washington. The collection locations had the following [email protected]) to find commercial range of characteristics: annual precipitation (6 to 11 seed growers. Early generation seed in.); surface soil texture (loam to sand); soil depth is maintained by the USDA-ARS-FRRL (6 to 72 in.); slope (1 to 30%); aspect (north, south, at Logan, UT. Stock seed is available east, and west), and; elevation (1600 to 2800 ft.). through Utah Crop Improvement The collections were made in foothill, plain, canyon Association. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 15 Majestic & Spectrum Germplasms Western prairie clover Dalea ornata
Plant Overview Use of a diversity of species enhancement in rangeland revegetation programs for native can help minimize weed pollinators and in (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) invasion. Diverse species the beautification occupy available ecosystem of roadsides, rest niches that could otherwise areas, and parks. be colonized by invasive Similarly, their weeds. Legumes are beautiful, showy of particular interest flowers make them because they biologically ideal for use in fix nitrogen, which can increase the productivity of home xeriscaping associated species in plant communities. Legumes applications. also typically contain more protein and less fiber than many other plants at similar stages of Majestic Germplasm was selected for use in western maturity. Few North American legumes, however, Columbia Plateau (Washington) and western Blue are commercially available for revegetation of arid Mountains (Oregon). Spectrum Germplasm was and semiarid western rangelands. selected for use in the central and eastern Columbia Plateau, central and eastern Blue Mountains, Western prairie clover is a perennial, North northern Great Basin, and Snake River Plain of the American legume that is non-toxic to livestock and western U.S. (see image below). wildlife. It is found in Idaho, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and California. Washington Majestic Germplasm Western prairie Montana RANGELAND: MAJESTIC & SPECTURUM clover develops Spectrum Germplasm a taproot that reaches a Oregon Collection Site length of 1 to 2 Idaho ft. The species is primarily insect- pollinated. A cluster of stems arises from the crown, and stems die back during late-fall and early winter. Flowers Plant Benefits are typically pinkish to purple in color and occur in dense, cylinder-shaped spikes. The flowers of • NITROGEN FIXER prairie clover bloom upward from the base of the • DROUGHT TOLERANT spike to its tip during a three-week period in June • SHOWY FLOWERS and July, depending on location and year.
Majestic and Spectrum Germplasm are intended To order seed: for use in revegetation of arid and semiarid rangelands. They are useful in increasing G0 and G1 seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS biodiversity, enhancing forage quality, providing a Forage and Range Research Laboratory at Logan, food source for birds and wildlife, and biologically UT. Stock seed is available through: Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford. fixing nitrogen. They also can be used in habitat [email protected]).
16 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: NBR-1 NBR-1 Germplasm Basalt milkvetch Astragalus filipes Dalea ornata
Plant Overview (PRE-VARIETY GERMPLASM) Arid and semiarid rangelands fire frequency on western U.S. rangelands and the are usually nitrogen-limited, importance of fire as a management tool. Although and only a few native many species of Astragalus are toxic to livestock, legumes are commercially basalt milkvetch has non-detectable or extremely available for revegetaion of low levels of toxic compounds. arid and semiarid western U.S. rangelands. Legumes NBR-1 basalt milkvetch selected pre-variety in rangelands and pastures germplasm was derived from 12 collections that fix atmospheric nitrogen originated from the northern Great Basin in Utah, (N) in association with Idaho, Oregon, and California. Elevations of these rhizobia bacteria, enhance collection sites ranged from (4,049 to 6,148 ft.), plant diversity, and increase and precipitation varied from 8 to 18 in. NBR-1 the quantity and quality Germplasm is intended for rangeland revegetation, of forage for livestock and rangeland diversity enhancement, and wildlife wildlife. They also increase the productivity of associated and pollinator habitat improvement. Its showy species in plant communities by releasing symbiotically flowers and drought-resistant characteristics make fixed N through root exudates and decaying plant it of interest for xeriscaping applications in home materials. Legumes also generally contain more protein gardens. and less fiber than grasses at similar stages of maturity.
Basalt milkvetch, also known as threadstalk milkvetch, is a perennial, North American Montana Collection Site Washington legume that is found in Oregon Wyom. California, Idaho, Nevada, Idaho Oregon, Utah, Washington, northern Mexico, and British Nevada Calif. Columbia, Canada. It is Utah a relatively tall (up to 3 ft.), sparsely leafed plant with creamy white to pale- yellow flowers. Basalt milkvetch has a thick, woody taproot with clumped Plant Benefits stems arising from the crown. Its long, thin seedpods (which dry to a papery texture) are attached to the stem • NITROGEN FIXER with a characteristic thread-like attachment. Basalt • DROUGHT RESISTANT milkvetch occurs commonly on basalt-derived, sandy, • AESTHETIC FLOWERS loamy or gravelly soils in sagebrush-steppe, pinyon- juniper woodland, ponderosa pine forest, or chaparral To order seed: ecosystems.
G0 (original generation) and G1 seed is maintained by the USDA-ARS Forage Its upright growth habit and prominence in recently and Range Research Laboratory at burned areas makes basalt milkvetch a promising species Logan, UT. Stock seed is available for rangeland revegetation. Its prevalence after fire through: Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford. may be especially important considering the increasing [email protected]). FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 17 Vavilov II Siberian wheatgrass (VARIETY) Agropyron fragile
Plant Overview Vast areas of semiarid where it is tolerant to grazing by wildlife and rangeland in the western United livestock. States are severely disturbed, frequently burned, increasingly Plant Benefits eroded, and infested with troublesome weeds. Reseeding disturbed rangelands with • HIGH STAND PERSISTENCE
RANGELAND: VAVILOV II genetically improved plant • IMPROVED DROUGHT TOLERANCE materials that are competitive • SUPERIOR SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT enough to replace existing Stand Establishment undesirable vegetation is often the most plausible Vavliov II Vavliov and economically feasible way to reclaim such sites. 100 90 One such cultivar is the newly released Siberian 80 wheatgrass ‘Vavilov II’ which was developed by 70 60 the USDA-ARS and released in 2008 in cooperation 50
with the United States Army - Engineer Research Stand (%) 40 and Development Center, and the USDA Natural 30 20 Resources Conservation Service. 10 0 Vavilov II is an improved cultivar of Siberian Yakima, Guernsey, Fillmore, Curlew Malta, Dugway, WA WY UT Valley, ID ID UT wheatgrass that was derived from collections originating from the steppes of Kazakhstan and Stand Persistence selected clones of the cultivar Vavilov. This Vavliov II Vavliov new cultivar was selected for increased seedling 100 establishment and stand persistence in response to 90 drought. Vavilov II expands the genetic base of the 80 70 cultivar Vavilov, and has been evaluated extensively 60 on ecological sites in the western United States. 50
It has superior seedling establishment and stand Stand (%) 40 30 persistence when compared to Vavilov. 20 10 In North America, Vavilov II is well adapted to a 0 Yakima, Guernsey, Fillmore, Curlew Malta, wide range of ecological sites and zones receiving WA WY UT Valley, ID ID as little as 7 to 8 inches of precipitation in regions ID=Idaho, UT=Utah, WA=Washington, WY=Wyoming of the northern and central Great Plains, and the Intermountain Region, where it is a long-lived, To order seed: drought-tolerant, bunch-type grass. Check with local seed companies to determine Vavilov II is noted for its ability to establish quickly availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement on sandy soils. It is adapted to foot hills, sagebrush, Association (435-797-2082; [email protected]) ponderosa pine, mountain brush, and pinyon-juniper or Idaho Foundation Seed Program (208-423-6655; [email protected]) to find commercial ecological zones. Vavilov II is one of the few grasses seed growers. Breeder, Foundation, Registered, and that can compete with difficult to control weeds such Certified seed classes will be recognized. Foundation as cheatgrass, halogeton, and medusahead wildrye seed is available through the following contacts; in arid environments. Vavilov II is recommended Utah Crop Improvement Association and the Idaho primarily for soil conservation on dry sandy soils Foundation Seed Program.
18 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND : HYCREST II Vavilov II Hycrest II Siberian wheatgrass Crested wheatgrass Agropyron fragile Agropyron cristatum
Plant Overview It has been estimated that cheatgrass (Bromus during the establishment year than Hycrest at tectorum) has displaced approximately 10 million ha Bluecreek, UT; Green Canyon, UT; Mandan, ND; of perennial vegetation in the Great Basin. During the Miles City, MT; Dugway, UT, and; Curlew Valley, (VARIETY) past 20 years, the frequency and size of cheatgrass ID. Due to Hycrest infestations have continued to increase, which II’s increased seedling enhances fire frequency, destroys soil structure, establishment potential and reduces the economic profitability of western (particularly under harsh U.S. rangelands. The control of cheatgrass without dry environments), it replacement by desirable perennial species frequently is intended to replace results in the reestablishment of cheatgrass or Hycrest II Hycrest Hycrest for reseeding other noxious weeds on disturbed rangeland. Rapid of severely disturbed range sites on heavier seedling growth and ability to compete against soils receiving less than 15 inches of annual cheatgrass are two characteristics that perennial precipitation. It is recommended that Hycrest II be grasses must have for successful establishment on planted as a component in seed mixes and not as a semiarid western rangelands. monoculture.
Crested wheatgrass is one of only a few grasses that Plant Benefits has the ability to compete with difficult to control weedy annuals such as cheatgrass, halogeton, and medusahead on semiarid rangelands receiving • RAPID SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT between 10 to 15 inches of annual precipitation. • INCREASED DROUGHT TOLERANCE Crested wheatgrass is a long-lived, drought-tolerant, • INCREASED STAND PERSISTENCE bunch to moderately rhizomatous range grass that is UNDER DROUGHT adapted to a wide range of ecological sites including Stand Establishment foothills, sagebrush, ponderosa pine, mountain brush, Hycrest II Hycrest CD-II Nordan and pinyon-juniper habitats. 100 90 Competitiveness of crested wheatgrass 80 70 60 50
Stand (%) 40 30 20 10 0 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Bluecreek, Green Mandan, Miles Stone, Dugway, UT Canyon, UT ND City, MT ID UT
‘Hycrest II’ crested wheatgrass was released by the ID=Idaho, MT=Montana, ND=North Dakota, UT=Utah United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service and the Utah Agricultural To order seed: Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan, Check with local seed companies to determine Utah in 2008, and is intended for use on arid availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement and semiarid rangelands as a rapidly establishing Association (435-797-2082; stanford. revegetation grass in the Intermountain Region and [email protected]) to find commercial Northern Great Plains of the western U.S. Hycrest seed growers. Breeder, Foundation, II was selected for improved seedling establishment Registered, and Certified seed classes under dryland conditions. will be recognized. Foundation seed is available through the Utah Crop Hycrest II produces more seedlings per unit area Improvement Association. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 19 Bozoisky - II Russian wildrye (VARIETY) Psathyrostachys juncea
Plant Overview Russian wildrye is a as a revegetation and winter forage grass in the long-lived bunchgrass. Intermountain Region and Northern Great Plains Most of the forage of of the western United States. Bozoisky II was this species is produced selected for seedling establishment, seed mass, in the basal leaves that seed yield, plant vigor, forage production, and grow rapidly in spring response to drought. It has been extensively and remain palatable evaluated on rangeland sites in the western U.S., throughout the summer where it has been shown to have equal or greater RANGELAND: BOZOISKY-II and fall as long as soil moisture is available. In seedling establishment than commercially available North America, this species has been successfully cultivars. In seeded trials at Guernsey, WY, King seeded most often on arid and semiarid rangelands Hill, ID, and Soda Lake, WY, Bozoisky II had of the Northern Great Plains and Intermountain significantly more seedlings per unit area than did Regions in areas receiving above 8 inches of annual Bozoisky-Select. precipitation. It is adapted to heavy grazing, and once established, Russian wildrye competes effectively with undesirable plants (e.g., weeds, Plant Benefits annuals). • RAPID SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT Russian wildrye is best adapted to the highly fertile • INCREASED DROUGHT TOLERANCE loam and clay soils of the Intermountain Region • INCREASED STAND PERSISTENCE of the western U.S., although acceptable stands can be obtained on a wide range of soil types. AND FORAGE PRODUCTION UNDER Forage production and stand persistence decline DROUGHT on low fertility soils. Nevertheless, Russian wildrye is exceptionally tolerant of cold and drought. Superior Stand Establishment Bozoisky II Bozoisky-Select Although its resistance to drought exceeds that of crested wheatgrass, it is more difficult to establish. 80 Within the Intermountain Region, Russian wildrye 70
is adapted to sagebrush, mountain-brush, and 60 pinyon-juniper environments. It is moderately 50
40 Stand (%) 30
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0 Guernsey, WY King Hill, ID Fort Carson, CO Soda Lake, WY
CO=Colorado, ID=Idaho, WY=Wyoming
Bozoisky Bozoisky II To order seed:
tolerant of saline and alkaline soils, and is Check with local seed companies to determine particularly productive on soils too alkaline for availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@usu. crested wheatgrass and too dry for tall wheatgrass. edu) to find commercial seed growers. Breeder, Foundation, Registered, and Certified seed classes ‘Bozoisky II’ Russian wildrye was released in will be recognized. Foundation seed is available through the Utah Crop Improvement Association. 2006 for use on arid and semiarid rangelands
20 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND : Bozoisky - II Mustang Russian wildrye Altai wildrye Psathyrostachys juncea Leymus angustus MUSTANG
Plant Overview Plant Benefits Altai wildrye is a long-lived
perennial bunchgrass with short • HIGHER DRY-MATTER YIELDS (VARIETY) creeping rhizomes that has • SUPERIOR PERSISTENCE excellent winter hardiness and • SUPERIOR INITIAL STANDS drought resistance. Altai wildrye
is native to western Siberia, Northern Plains Area Regional Trials in the Altai mountain region Dry-matter forage yields Mustang Altai wildrye (AWR) Prairieland AWR Pearl AWR
between Siberia and Mongolia, )* -1 and is widely distributed throughout Kazakhstan. 7000 6000
5000 It is most often found on semi-desert, alkaline 4000 3000
meadows, steppes, and on sandy or rocky river edges 2000 and in lake valleys. It is well adapted to loam and 1000
Forage production (kg ha Forage 0 clay soils. Altai wildrye is almost as productive as tall Blue Creek, Green Mead, Mandan, Miles Sidney, Mean UT Canyon, UT NE ND City, MT NE (locations) wheatgrass on saline soils.
Initial Stand Establishment in 2001 Forage of Altai wildrye cures well and maintains its Mustang Altai wildrye (AWR) Prairieland AWR Pearl AWR nutritional value better during the late summer and 100 90 early fall than many cool-season grasses. Erect culms 80 and moderate forage quality make Altai wildrye a 70 60 valuable species for extending the grazing season into 50
Stand (%) 40 the fall and winter. 30 20 10 In the past, the major limitation for the use of Altai 0 Blue Creek, Green Mead, Mandan, Miles Sidney, Mean wildrye was its poor seedling establishment and low UT Canyon, UT NE ND City, MT NE (locations) seed yields. In 2004, the Agricultural Research Service, Persistence in 2003 United States Department of Agriculture, and the Mustang Altai wildrye (AWR) Prairieland AWR Pearl AWR Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University, 100 90 Logan, Utah, released ‘Mustang’ Altai wildrye with 80 increased seedling establishment and forage yield. 70 60 50
‘Mustang’ Altai wildrye has been evaluated at Blue Stand (%) 40 30 Creek, UT; Green Canyon, UT; Mead, NE; Sidney, 20 10 NE; Mandan, ND, and; 0 Blue Creek, Green Mead, Mandan, Miles Sidney, Mean Miles City, MT for forage UT1 Canyon, UT1 NE ND City, MT NE (locations) production, stand 1 Not evaluated establishment, and * lbs/Acre = 0.893 x kg/ha NE=Nebraska, MT=Montana, UT=Utah persistence. Mustang produced significantly To order seed: more forage than cultivars Check with local seed companies to determine Prairieland and Pearl Altai Mustang Praireland availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement wildrye, and Magnar and Association (435-797-2082; stanford. Trailhead basin wildrye. Except at Mead, NE, Mustang [email protected]) to find commercial had superior initial stands over the other Altai and basin seed growers. Breeder, Foundation, and wildrye cultivars examined. After four years, Mustang Certified seed classes will be recognized. was more persistent than Prairieland and Pearl. Foundation seed is available through the Utah Crop Improvement Association. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 21 NewHy RS Hybrid (VARIETY) Elymus hoffmannii
Plant Overview year. Another management option is to harvest a ‘NewHy’ RS hybrid hay crop in early summer and graze the regrowth wheatgrass is a cross in late fall and early winter as winter forage. between quackgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. This cross combines the Saline Pasture
RANGELAND: NEWHY vigor, productivity, salinity tolerance, and persistence of quackgrass with the drought resistance, bunch growth habit, and seed and forage quality of bluebunch wheatgrass. The rhizome development in NewHy is comparable to intermediate wheatgrass. NewHy Alkar tall wheatgrass
This new hybrid cultivar is recommended for range sites and pastures with moderate salinity On saline soils, as either a hay or pasture crop, the problems that receive at least 14 to 16 inches of forage quality (palatability and nutritional value) of effective annual precipitation. The forage quality NewHy is better than that of tall wheatgrass. of NewHy is excellent. NewHy begins growth early in the spring and retains a more succulent and Plant Benefits palatable forage for livestock and wildlife later in the growing season than all other wheatgrass • EXCELLENT QUALITY FORAGE germplasm evaluated on semiarid sites. Under high soil fertility and adequate irrigation, forage yields of • HIGH DROUGHT RESISTANCE NewHy are lower than other pasture grasses (i.e., • HIGH SALT TOLERANCE orchardgrass, meadow brome, and tall fescue). Evaluation in Utah County for dry-matter However, on saline soils where irrigation is limited yield (2004-2006) or absent, NewHy will persist and provide high Alkar tall WG1 NewHy WG1 Fleet MB2 Fawn tall fescue quality forage when other pasture grasses are short 7000 lived and lack productivity. Salinity tolerance of 6000 NewHy approaches tall wheatgrass. 5000
4000
Saline Pasture 3000
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Dry-matter yield (kg/ha)* Dry-matter 0 Cultivar
* lbs/Acre = 0.893 x kg/ha 1 WG=wheatgrass 2 MB=meadow brome To order seed: Meadow brome, NewHy, Meadow brome, Tall Fescue Check with local seed companies to determine Under hay management, NewHy should be cut at availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement the pre-heading stage to maximize forge quality. Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@usu. edu) to find commercial seed growers. Breeder, When harvested later, forage quality declines as plant Foundation, Registered, and Certified seed classes maturity increases. Under proper management, one will be recognized. Foundation seed is available can expect two crops of hay from a NewHy field per through the Utah Crop Improvement Association.
22 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 RANGELAND: NewHy Don RS Hybrid Falcata alfalfa Elymus hoffmannii Medicago sativa ssp. falcata DON
Plant Overview (VARIETY) ‘Don’ was developed Seeds of Don are smaller when compared to for use exclusively in typical alfalfa. Don’s seeding rate is 1 lb per acre. mixed plantings and Don also has a high percentage of hard seed that is meant for use on should prove to be an advantage when it is used in semiarid rangelands dormant seedings with grasses. and irrigated pastures. Don is a persistent and Plant Benefits non-aggressive legume that can be used in land reclamation. When grown in mixtures with grasses, • INCREASED FORAGE PRODUCTION alfalfa cultivars Ladak, Spredor3, Amerigaze, and UNDER DROUGHT CONDITIONS P53V08, showed long-term mortality ranging from 25 to 50 percent. In contrast, there was no measurable Persistence of Don is greater than standard commercial alfalfa varieties mortality in Don when grown in these grass mixtures. Don Ladak Spredor3 Amerigraze P53V08 Over a four-year period at Nephi, Utah, which has 100% a long-term annual precipitation of 13 inches, Don 90% showed 9% mortality compared to Ladak (46%) and 80% Vernal (38%). 70% 60%
50%
Don has small, fine leaves and stems that bear 40%
bright yellow flowers. Don has a semi-decumbent persistence Plant 30% growth habit that does not deter grazing but makes 20% mechanical harvesting difficult. Don has moderately 10% 0 fibrous roots with a crown typically 1-2 inches below Irrigated Non-Irrigated Irrigated Non-Irrigated the soil surface. The top part of the crown can be Alfalfa monoculture Grass-alfalfa mix removed, and plants will initiate growth from well below the soil surface. Using Don in mixtures increases yield potential
Harvest Harvest Harvest Harvest Seasonal Irrigated 1 2 3 4 production When Don Don 2.40 2.31 1.25 0.47 6.42 was used in Meadowbrome 2.59 2.20 1.25 0.83 6.88 mixtures with MB/Don 3.06 2.42 1.63 0.82 7.93 Tall fescue 2.07 1.84 0.84 0.58 5.33 tall fescue and TF/Don 2.92 2.59 1.36 0.99 7.86 meadow brome, Non-irrigated the production Don 2.31 0.83 0.32 0.03 3.47 increased from Meadowbrome 3.64 1.35 0.22 0.07 5.28 MB/Don 3.84 1.68 0.27 0.08 5.87 10 to 32 percent. Tall fescue 3.40 1.43 0.17 0.03 5.03 Similar production TF/Don 4.02 1.65 0.32 0.05 6.03 Don mixed with kochia & altai wildrye advantages are expected when Don is grown with crested wheatgrass To order seed: on dry rangelands. It has a low growth habit and stays well below the canopy of most cool-season Check with local seed companies to determine grasses. Thus, it will not dominate when grown in availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement mixtures with grasses. When grown in monocultures, Association (435-797-2082; stanford. [email protected]) to find commercial seed however, forage yield of Don is less than sativa type growers. Breeder, Foundation, Registered, alfalfas. Consequently, Don is only recommended for and Certified seed classes will be growing in mixtures with grass. recognized. Foundation seed is available through the Utah Crop Improvement When moisture is limiting, Don will go dormant. Association. FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 23 Cache Meadow bromegrass (VARIETY) Bromus riparius CACHE Plant Overview Meadow brome is a long- meadow brome and Lincoln (5.07), and Big Foot lived perennial grass (4.76) smooth bromegrass. Likewise, under multiple that offers promise on harvests (6 harvests per year), Cache produced non-irrigated or irrigated more forage than orchardgrass cultivars Ambassador pastures. It “greens up” and Latar under irrigation in northern Utah. 2 to 3 weeks earlier in the spring than other pasture Plant Benefits grasses, increasing the grazing season as well as forage production under reduced irrigation. It is
IRRIGATED PASTURE: adapted to slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soils on • EXCELLENT EARLY SPRING FORAGE dryland pastures where annual precipitation exceeds • RAPID SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT 15 inches. It is extremely winter hardy (see image • INCREASED FORAGE PRODUCTION below), and recovers quickly after grazing. Meadow UNDER DROUGHT brome is adapted to the mountain brush, aspen, Meadow brome forage production under five conifer forests, and subalpine environments. It is irrigation levels - Dry-matter yield (2001-2002) less dormant under high summer temperatures than Cache Regar Fleet smooth brome. 20 18 )** ‘Cache’ meadow bromegrass was released in 2004 -1 16 14 by the USDA-ARS, Forage and Range Research 12 Laboratory in cooperation with the Agricultural 10 8 Experiment Station, Utah State University, Logan. 6 Cache meadow bromegrass possesses enhanced 4 2
seedling establishment and increased forage yields (Mg/ha production Forage 0 on irrigated and semi-irrigated pastures in the 1.4 1.2 0.9 0.7 0.4 Mean Intermountain and Northern Great Plains Regions of Water levels (inches/week)*** the western U.S. Dry-matter forage yield from the Northern Plains Area Regional Trials
Cache Regar Fleet )*
Stand Establishment -1 7000 6000
5000
4000
3000
2000 1000
Cache Fleet (Kg/ha production Forage 0 Blue Creek, Green Mead, Mandan, Miles Sidney, Mean UT Canyon, UT NE ND City, MT NE (locations)
At different irrigation rates ranging from 0.5 inches NE=Nebraska, MT=Montana, UT=Utah
to 1.5 inches per week, Cache produced significantly * lbs/Acre = 0.893 x kg/ha ** lbs/Acre = 893 x mg/ha *** 1 inch = 25.4 mm more forage than the cultivar Fleet at all irrigation rates and significantly more forage than the cultivar To order seed: Regar at the two lowest Winter Kill irrigation rates. In forage Check with local seed companies to determine trials at Powell, WY, availability or call the Utah Crop Improvement Association (435-797-2082; stanford.young@usu. Cache produced more edu) to find commercial seed growers. Breeder, forage (5.52 t/ac) than Foundation, Registered, and Certified seed classes Paddock (4.90), Montana will be recognized. Foundation seed is available through the Utah Crop Improvement Association. Orchard grass Meadow brome (4.71), and Regar (4.39)
24 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 TURFGRASS: Cache RoadCrest Meadow bromegrass Crested wheatgrass Bromus riparius Agropyron cristatum ROADCREST
Plant Overview ‘RoadCrest’ is an improved Turf quality and color are not as good as Kentucky
cultivar of crested wheatgrass bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass under (VARIETY) that was released by the optimum environmental conditions. Nevertheless, USDA-ARS Forage and RoadCrest “greens up” in early spring and remains Range Research Laboratory green until mid-summer in climates similar to in cooperation with the Logan, Utah. Like other crested wheatgrasses, Agricultural Experiment RoadCrest turf goes and remains dormant during Station, Utah State University, the summer until temperatures decline in fall. Logan, Utah, in 1998. The However, summer dormancy is not as pronounced parental plant materials at higher elevations of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. were collected in Turkey, but in contrast to typical bunch-type crested wheatgrass, the original breeding population displayed varying degrees of rhizome development. RoadCrest is named such because of its rhizomatous nature, and the ease of establishment in harsh environments, which make it a leading choice for reducing soil erosion along roadsides and highways in the western U.S. RoadCrest was released after three cycles of selection for rhizomatous growth habit, short stature, and fine leaves under low-maintenance RoadCrest used as low-maintenance turf along highways conditions. RoadCrest is recommended for use along roadsides and other disturbed sites including mining, RoadCrest is a long-lived perennial that is significantly wildfire, and construction, and in traditional low- more rhizomatous than any other crested wheatgrass. maintenance turf settings such as summer cabins RoadCrest has finer leaves, produces less biomass, and golf course roughs in the Northern Plains and and is 15 to 25 % shorter in stature than forage-type western United States. crested wheatgrass cultivars. Although it is adapted to areas receiving from 10 to 20 inches of annual Plant Benefits precipitation, seedling diseases may be a problem if precipitation and irrigation exceeds 25 inches. • DROUGHT RESISTANT • ENHANCED SEEDLING VIGOR • MODERATELY RHIZOMATOUS SOD-FORMER • SHORTER STATURED AND FINER LEAVED THAN TYPICAL CRESTED WHEATGRASSES • USED FOR ROADSIDES, LOW-MAINTENANCE TURF, AND SOIL CONSERVATION
To order seed:
RoadCrest was released as a protected variety and Sod-forming characteristics typical of RoadCrest three western seed companies are licensed to sell it. Please check with Germination and seedling vigor compare favorably with these companies for seed availability other crested wheatgrasses, which makes it easier (Utah Seed, Clearfield, UT, 801-774- 0525; Bruce Seed Farm Inc., Townsend, to establish than other low-maintenance turf grasses MT, 406-266-3103; and Round Butte including Kentucky bluegrass, ‘Sodar’ thickspike Seed Growers Inc., Culver, OR, 866- wheatgrass, and hard fescue. 358-7001) FRRL 1-435-797-2249 PLANTS FOR THE WEST 25# Each year the Forage and Range Research Laboratory conducts numerous trials at sites throughout the western United States to thoroughly evaluate its varieties under production and natural conditions for factors such as yield, persistence, forage quality, drought tolerance, and disease resistance. Only the very highest performing varieties are commercialized as a result of
THE FORAGE AND RANGE RESEARCH LABORATORY: COME VISTIT US stringent selection trialing standards which are imposed upon breeding populations.
Montana Washington North Dakota
South Dakota Oregon Idaho
Wyoming
Nebraska
Nevada Colorado Utah
New Mexico
- FRRL Range Evaluation Site
26 http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest 1-435-797-2249 Learn more...
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http://ars.usda.gov/npa/frrl/plantsforthewest was created to answer the questions (A) Who are we? and (B) What do we do?
The Forage and Range Research Laboratory is organized of four working groups:
(1) Rangeland Ecology and Plant Improvement (2) Irrigated Pastures (3) Reduced-Input Turfgrass, and (4) Biomass/Biofuels
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Have questions or View short videos for comments? an insiders view at the research conducted in each Call: FRRL working group. 1-435-797-2249
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1-435-797-2249 Controls: PLANTS FOR THE WEST 27 ARS Mission
The Agricultural Research Service conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provides information access and dissemination to:
• ensure high-quality, safe food and other agricultural products • assess the nutritional needs of Americans • sustain a competitive agricultural economy • enhance the natural resource base and the environment, and • provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole.
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FRRL PLANTS FOR THE WEST
Forage and Range Research Laboratory www.ars.usda.gov/npa/logan Logan, UT 84321 1-435-797-2249