Corvallis Plant Materials Center 2012 Progress Report of Activities September 2012 3415 NE Granger Avenue ▪ Corvallis, OR 97330 ▪ Tel: 541-757-4812 ▪ FAX: 541-757-4733 Web site: http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov

Contents with and without a legume, big deervetch Page (Lotus crassifolius), to determine which rate Plant Technology Development 1 and composition performed better and/or Plant Genetic Studies and Releases 5 proved to be more cost-efficient while still Partnerships with Other Agencies 7 Special Projects and Activities 9 effectively stabilizing disturbed sites. A Technology Transfer 11 longer-term goal of this study is to Facilities and Equipment 12 determine whether the BLM and FS should About the Corvallis PMC 13 develop various legume seed availability for land rehabilitation. PLANT TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT The roadbed was seeded in fall, 2009. Permanent 1-m2 plots were established and Overall, 40 new or ongoing studies and cover and density counts were taken in associated seed or plant increases were 2010 and reevaluated on August 4, 2011. conducted in 2011-12. In terms of general As would be expected, blue wildrye cover production, more than 35,900 container appeared to be higher in 2011 than 2010, plants, 300 camas bulbs, and 5,105 pounds though this difference was not statistically of common seed were grown. In addition, significant. Blue wildrye plant density was 550 cuttings and 305 pounds of seed of also greater at the 30 lb/acre rate but was PMC releases were produced this year. less in 2011 than 2010, while cover did not Cascade Seeding Trial vary with seeding rate. Thus, the 15 lb/acre rate of blue wildrye may be sufficient to provide adequate soil cover and provide a cost saving for restoration compared to a 30 lb/acre rate. Deervetch density and cover were greater at the higher 30 lb/acre seeding rate. The presence of deervetch did not significantly affect blue wildrye cover. Only cover estimates were reevaluated during August, 2012. Data for 2012 has not yet been analyzed; however, a majority of the roadbed had good cover of blue wildrye,

Vegetation establishment on BLM Cascade roadbed seeding big deervetch, and/or other volunteer trial in 2012. Lane Co., OR. seedlings in all treatment plots. The NRCS Oregon Plant Materials Program Field Trial: Native Cover Crops for entered into an interagency agreement with Vineyards the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (FS) on the west side of The Corvallis PMC staff seeded a new Oregon in 2008. The NRCS, BLM and FS native cover crop field trial at a vineyard in have an interest in developing native plant Cottage Grove, OR on Nov 1, 2011. The seeding recommendations and mixes for purpose of the field trial is to evaluate the various erosion control purposes. The establishment and longevity of a number of objective of this study was to look at native species for use as vineyard cover different broadcast seeding rates (15 or 30 crops. Northwest Maritime Germplasm lb/acre) of blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus) Roemer’s fescue (a new Corvallis PMC 1

release of Festuca roemeri) was seeded on forbs should be seeded first with over- 14 vineyard rows, alternating with “Shade seeding of the missing component during and Sun Mix” red creeping/Chewings fescue one or more following years, or whether (Festuca rubra var. rubra/Festuca rubra var. grasses and forbs should be seeded commutata) as a standard; fescues were together without further seed additions. seeded with a Truax pull-type broadcast Results will help define the best seeding seeder with covering chains. Two additional method to achieve the most cost-effective shorter rows were hand seeded with and diverse native plant community. lanceleaf selfheal (Prunella vulgaris var. In fall of 2007, nine one-acre plots were no- lanceolata) and springbank clover (Trifolium till seeded to one of three treatments: 1) wormskioldii), native wildflowers that may Grasses-First, 2) Grasses & Forbs, or 3) benefit vineyards or nearby cane berries by Forbs-First. Plots were mowed and the attracting native pollinators and beneficial missing components (either grasses or insects. Small plots (50 cm x 50 cm) were forbs) were no-till drilled into the plots during evaluated for plant density and cover on fall, 2010. In the Grasses-First plots, the July 31, 2012. seeding row was concurrently sprayed with Northwest Maritime Germplasm Roemer’s a 10-inch width of 2% glyphosate at seeding fescue appeared to have comparable (or time to kill some existing vegetation and better) establishment than the standard open up space for the forbs to establish. creeping red/Chewings fescue mix, The Grasses-First plots have become very especially in the shaded rows with more densely and heavily vegetated with grasses mature vine canopies. The lanceleaf up to 5-6 ft tall. Forb establishment is barely selfheal showed great first year perceptible in these plots. The Grasses & establishment, creating more than 50% Forbs plots have also become fairly cover and competing well with weeds. The dominated by grasses, but are less dense springbank clover plants were abundant, but than the Grasses-First plots, and many very small (less than 1 inch tall), so did not native forbs have established. The Forbs- create much cover the first year, but we’re First plots have far shorter stature and less hoping they will take off this winter and vegetation (biomass) than the other compete better with weeds by next year. treatments and grasses are now Plots will be evaluated for density and cover establishing in these plots. These plots still again in summer of 2013. contain a dominant non-native forb composition. Grassland birds, including a nest full of baby sparrows, have more commonly been found in these shorter stature plots than the remainder of the site. Because of this observation, numerous variable-sized plots were sprayed with a broad spectrum herbicide and seeded with forbs during fall, 2010, to attempt to provide more nesting habitat for grassland birds. Detailed vegetation plots were evaluated during July, 2012 and a technical summary Lanceleaf selfheal plot in vineyard cover crop field planting, or scientific publication will be published Cottage Grove, OR, July 2012. during 2013.

Hutchinson Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) Seeding Trial Currently, there are no best management practices established for restoring diverse native Willamette Valley prairies. The objective of the Hutchinson WRP Seeding Trial is to determine whether grasses or 2

Common Scientific Technology name name Issues Tall Glyceria striata Seed yields, mannagrass moisture management Meadow barley Hordeum Seed retention, brachyantherum harvest techniques, diseases Prairie Koeleria Adaptive genetic junegrass macrantha variation, turf potential Foothill Nassella lepida Seed production Joe Williams (left) and Annie Young-Mathews evaluating needlegrass technology Hutchinson seeding trial. Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization Timing Seed Production, Germination and and Rate on Seed Production of Two Establishment Studies Native Grasses The major challenges facing the widespread The rate and timing of nitrogen fertilization increase and availability of native grasses can have a major impact on the seed yield and forbs are unknown seed production of native grasses. Maximizing seed yields is techniques and inherent low seed yields for important for commercial viability. To this many species. To address these end, two new experiments were initiated in bottlenecks, the PMC conducts studies and the fall of 2009, one with meadow barley evaluates seed production and (Hordeum brachyantherum) and the other establishment methods. Topics include with Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri). fertilization, post harvest residue The experiments compared fall application management, harvest methods, seed (20 lb N/acre) alone and in combination with dormancy, processing, and germination, spring applications at different rates (50 vs. and control of annual grasses and broadleaf 75 lb N/acre) and different times (February, weeds. Fourteen species of native grasses March, and April). The meadow barley are currently being evaluated (see table). experiment was conducted once and the Roemers fescue was repeated in 2011. Native Grasses under Increase or Study Common Scientific Technology For the meadow barley experiment, name name Issues variation within and among treatments was Lemmon’s Achnatherum Harvest methods, needlegrass lemmonii stand establishment, too great to be conclusive. However, there seed dormancy was a trend toward higher seed yields with California Bromus Volunteer seedlings, February applications of 50-75 lb N/acre, so brome carinatus production, control Western panic Dichanthelium Production methods this is the recommended rate until further grass acuminatum tests can be conducted. Split N application var. in the fall and spring appeared to have fasciculatum similar results to spring-only applications. California Danthonia Establishment, seed oatgrass californica dormancy, High N rates (75 lb/ac) are not adaptation recommended in March if seed is going to Tufted Deschampsia Adaptation be harvested mechanically without hairgrass cespitosa (inundation, salinity) ecotypic variation swathing, as this can lead to higher rates of Blue wildrye Elymus glaucus Seed shattering lodging and inaccessible seedheads. Sand fescue Festuca Seed yield, rust, ammobia harvest techniques Our results suggest that optimum seed California Festuca Production methods yields of Roemer’s fescue can be obtained fescue californica and sensitivity to forms of residue by applying 50 to 75 lb N/ac in late February management to early March, either alone or as a split Roemer’s Festuca roemeri Seed fill, longevity, application with 25 lb N/ac in the fall (late fescue low yields, rust disease October to early November). However, total Red fescue Festuca rubra Seed yields application rates of 75 to 100 lb N/ac are likely to increase lodging and make direct

combining and seed stripping more difficult. 3

Effects of Scarification and Cold-moist Stratification on Seed Germination of Big Deervetch Big deervetch (Lotus crassifolius) is a deep- rooted, perennial legume that can be used for erosion control and restoration in the Pacific Northwest, USA. However, large- scale use of this species has been limited by a lack of commercial availability of seed and seed dormancy issues that have resulted in poor establishment from direct Nitrogen fertilization study on Roemer’s fescue seed increase field. seeding. The purpose of this study was to investigate the type of seed dormancy in Influence of Post-harvest Residue this species, and to assess which Management on Seed Yields of Roemer’s combination of treatments would maximize Fescue germination, in order to facilitate seed The method chosen to remove crop production and restoration plantings. aftermath (herbage residues) after We carried out three laboratory experiments harvesting a grass seed crop from a on different seed lots to test four lengths of production field can often affect seed yields. mechanical seed coat scarification (0, 5, 10 Therefore in 2010-2011, a study was and 15 seconds in a Forsburg seed conducted to evaluate the influence of three scarifier) and six periods of cold-moist different flail chop mowing/residue removal stratification (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 treatments (3 different clipping heights) and days). Our results indicated that the best one burn treatment on the recovery and germination was attained by mechanically seed yield of Roemer’s fescue. scarifying seed for 10 seconds followed by Results indicated that although the cold-moist stratifying for at least 60 days, treatments did not differ significantly among thus suggesting that this species possesses mowing height and burning, the lowest mow combinational seed dormancy (both and burned plots tended to have the highest physical and physiological dormancy). For seed yields. Residue treatments also revegetation projects, late fall or winter affected culm (fertile tiller) abundance with planting of scarified big deervetch seed the lowest mow height having the most should allow natural cold-moist stratification culms. Control plots had the lowest yields to occur outdoors over winter, thus and least number of culms. In conclusion, if maximizing germination in the first year of it is not possible to do open field burns on restoration. Roemer’s fescue seed production fields, Scarification and Seed Longevity of comparable seed yields can still be obtained Three Native Legumes by mowing stubble low (1.5 to 2.5 inches tall) and removing all residue using a forage Seed mixes are often needed at short notice harvester or other method. for revegetation of retired logging roads, road cuts, or for other erosion control plantings, and many native legumes used for such plantings require scarification in order to get good germination, but little is known about the longevity of scarified seed. In 2012, the PMC and the Salem Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began a study to look at how long seed can remain viable when scarified and stored under different Post- harvest residue management test strips on Roemer’s storage conditions. The species being fescue seed increase field. evaluated are big deervetch (Lotus crassifolius), broadleaf lupine (Lupinus 4

latifolius), and riverbank lupine (Lupinus Springbank Clover Common Garden rivularis), and the two storage treatments Study are a controlled environment (walk-in cooler Springbank clover (Trifolium wormskioldii) is set at 45°F and 30–40% relative humidity) a native perennial legume that shows and an un-controlled warehouse-like potential as a new pollinator-attracting, environment (PMC headhouse with no nitrogen-fixing cover crop for vineyards, temperature or humidity control). Initial orchards, and cane berries. Seed is not tetrazolium (TZ) viability was tested for each currently available on the commercial seed lot at the beginning of the experiment market, but a 2010 planting at the PMC in April, and will be tested again at 6 established quickly and produced an months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years to abundance of seed the last two years. In determine how quickly scarified seed loses 2012, we began a study to make wild viability compared to un-scarified seed. collections of springbank clover throughout its native range in western Washington, PLANT GENETIC STUDIES AND RELEASES Oregon and northwestern California in order to establish a common garden trial at the Wild populations of plants are collected, Corvallis PMC. The purpose of the common propagated, evaluated in a common garden is to evaluate differences in environment (common garden) for their establishment, biomass production, pest differences, and sometimes selected for and disease resistance, and seed their physical attributes, area of adaptation, production among the populations for or potential or proven performance. Material selection of the best genetics for a cover from such studies may be further evaluated crop. in a series of experiments or plantings to determine how capable the species or In a related trial at the Corvallis and selections are at addressing conservation Lockeford, CA PMCs, this fall we plan to needs. Purposeful selection can be direct-seed replicated plots of springbank important for farm or other pragmatic uses clover and two common non-native cover such as erosion control, forage, seed crop species, white clover (T. repens) and production, windbreaks, or water quality strawberry clover (T. fragiferum), to improvement. However, species are not compare their establishment and bred, genetic changes are intentionally productivity under simulated cover crop minimized, and genetic diversity is conditions. emphasized when ecological restoration is the primary goal. Studies can begin with assemblies of numerous wild ecotypes and the establishment of an initial evaluation planting or common garden. After populations are chosen from comparative evaluations, propagation and increase methods are determined and field tests are conducted. Sometimes the selected material is then released and made available to commercial growers. They in turn produce the seed or plants on a much larger scale and make it available for sale to Seed production field of springbank clover at the Corvallis PMC, with white clover in foreground, June 2012. the public for conservation, reclamation, or restoration purposes. Currently, the Pre-variety Native Plants to Address Corvallis Plant Materials Center maintains Resource Needs and promotes 19 plant cultivar and pre- Commercial sources of genetically variety releases. appropriate native plants are needed for wetland, upland, and riparian revegetation 5

and other resource conservation and enhancement needs on the basis of ecoregion, seed zone, or Major Land Resource Area (MLRA). The PMC addresses this need by providing pre- varietal releases of species from specific areas for use in the same or similar areas. Pre-varietal release is a process whereby a plant (individual, population, or group of populations) from a specific location or area is identified and studied (by the PMC), increased (by the PMC or private grower), and certified (by the official seed certification agency in the state it was collected or grown). Pre-varietal releases may be categorized as “source identified”, Roemer's fescue (Festuca roemeri) “selected”, or “tested” material, depending Developed as the culmination of 10 years of on the degree of testing, selection, or research, observations, and production evaluation they undergo. beginning with 47 wild collections and a Release of Five Roemer’s Fescue common garden study (2002-2006), each Germplasms for Conservation Use in the germplasm is a polycross of two to nine Pacific Northwest native populations. They are named according to their geographic origin and Five new seed sources of Roemer’s fescue primary intended area of use. These areas (Festuca roemeri) were officially released in are equivalent to seed transfer zones which, September 2012 by the NRCS Corvallis based on data analysis of the common Plant Materials Center in cooperation with garden study, corresponded well with EPA the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) of Level III or Level IV Ecoregions for this Corvallis, Oregon. Classified as pre-variety, species. selected class germplasms, they are intended for restoration of upland plant communities, wildlife habitat improvement, and erosion control in the Pacific Northwest. Roemer’s fescue is a fine-leaved, cool season perennial grass that was and still is an important natural component of native prairies and oak savanna in the region. The five new releases are: Northwest Maritime Germplasm for use in the Coast Range of Oregon and southwest Washington; Willamette Valley Germplasm for use in the Willamette Valley of Oregon; Puget Germplasm for use in the Puget Lowlands of Washington; San Juan Germplasm for use in the San Juan Islands and Olympic rainshadow area of Origin and Suggested area of use for 5 Roemer's fescue Washington; and Klamath Mountains germplasms Germplasm for use in the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains region of southwest Oregon and After further evaluation, the use of each northwest California. See map for origin Roemer’s fescue germplasm may also and suggested area of use for each. include low-input turf and cover crop in vineyards and orchards, and extend to adjacent ecoregions within the species’ natural range. Seed has been distributed to 6

seed producers and each release may be establishing as one-year-old plants. For commercially available as early as example, wooly mule’s ear (Wyethia mollis) September 2013. is very abundant along sunny slopes in the Park. The PMC has grown many one-year- PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES old tubers from seed that were transplanted into restoration sites in the Park. Survival Upland Plants and Technology for the has been low (around 15%). In 2013, Park National Park Service employees will transplant two-year-old tubers grown by the PMC in an effort to The Native Plants for Parks Program is increase survival. The PMC and Lassen based on a cooperative agreement between Volcanic National Park have interagency NRCS and the National Park Service (NPS). agreements that include yearly plant It began in 1989 to share expertise and propagation and delivery for the next three develop plant materials for use in Park years. programs. In 2011-12, the PMC collaborated with four National Parks. Since 2004, the PMC has been working with Propagation, seed technology and increase, Olympic National Park which has almost and revegetation techniques developed or completed removal of two large dams on refined by the PMC in the process benefit all the Elwha River. Their elimination is of the PMC’s customers interested in native necessary to restore the salmon runs that plants for production, restoration, erosion historically had access to the upper reaches control, wildlife habitat and related of the river prior to the dams being built. conservation efforts. The PMC has produced over 7,000 lb of seed to revegetate the 500 acres of Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in exposed lake beds. In the spring of 2012, the southeast corner of the PMC service preliminary seed mixes were created and area, is a dry, rugged, high elevation park sent to the Park to be sown on exposed with a unique and diverse flora. Propagation soils as the dams were being removed. The techniques are not known for many plants results of these mixes will be used to that occur in the Park. Germination trials determine seeding density and species were performed in 2011-12 on over 30 forbs mixes when the entire site is seeded in the and sedges from the Park. The results of fall of 2012. PMC staff traveled to the Park these trials were used in late spring of 2012 to visit the restoration site and evaluate the to produce over 5,000 plants of seven seed mixes, as well as deliver 5,000 lb of species. In early September, the PMC seed. delivered this container stock which will be planted at the new Visitors’ Center and other revegetation projects within the Park.

Seed mixes were developed and sown at Olympic National Park on the slope of this exposed lakebed in the winter of 2011-2012 following dam removal. PMC staff visiting restoration sites in Lassen Volcanic National Park, October 13, 2011. In 2009, the PMC and San Juan Island National Heritage Preserve began an Trials are also underway using larger stock interagency agreement to produce seed of of some species that can have trouble three native grasses for on-going prairie 7

restoration. The Park plans to restore about endangered Columbian white-tailed deer 100 acres over the next six years. (Odocoileus virginianus ssp. leucurus). The Approximately 200 lb of seed were species has only been delisted for Douglas produced in 2012 for this Park. Co., OR, and remains listed in other counties of Oregon and Washington along The PMC began an interagency agreement the lower Columbia River. The PMC entered in 2010 with Golden Gate National an agreement with the BLM in 2007 to Recreational Area for seed increase of two produce seeds of native grasses, legumes, grass species, California oatgrass and forbs. (Danthonia californica) and foothills needlegrass (Nassella lepida). California In 2011, new species were added to the oatgrass is a slow growing but long-lived production list. Showy annuals such as perennial bunchgrass. Seed increase of this farewell-to-spring (Clarkia amoena), blue species can be tricky due to its low stature gilia (Gilia capitata), and two species of and presence of seeds in exposed florets as tarweed (Madia elegans and M. gracillis) well as self-pollinated seeds stored within were direct sown in the fall of 2011 and the stems. To increase yields, the PMC staff produced seed in 2012. The fields were performs a double harvest. A seed stripper large enough to experiment with direct is used to remove all the seeds in the combining. This harvest technique worked florets, and then the remaining stems are very well for all four species. However, swathed, left to dry and combined weeks these fields were also established using later. The PMC produced 200 lb of seed weed fabric so that any seed which from a half-acre field using this method in shattered prior to combining could be 2012. Ten pounds of foothills needlegrass recovered from the fabric by sweeping or was also produced in 2012 for this project. vacuuming. Approximately 300 lb of 11 species were produced in 2012. Wetland and Wet Prairie Species for the Bureau of Land Management In 2002, the Corvallis Plant Materials Center entered into an agreement with the Eugene District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to perform seed germination trials and conduct small-scale increases of native wetland and wet prairie species. The PMC agreed to investigate and document seed propagation techniques for these species and to evaluate their potential for agronomic seed increase. The agreement has been Common madia (Madia elegans) seed increase field at the renewed on a yearly basis, and since its PMC in 2012. inception, the PMC has successfully The Medford District of the BLM has produced over 350 lb of 85 species. Most of partnered with the PMC since 2004. They them have little if any published data on are often in need of large amounts of seed germination or production methods. for revegetation after wildfires. The PMC Improved production techniques have been agreed to work with certain native grasses developed for small-scale seed increase, and forbs that are seldom grown by large- such as planting annuals in fields covered scale seed producers. Some seed increase with weed fabric to facilitate weed control fields for this project are quite old, such as and vacuum harvesting. the sulfur buckwheat (Eriogonum Native Grasses and Forbs for Fire umbellatum) field that was established in Rehabilitation and Wildlife Habitat in 2005. This field continues to produce lots of Southern Oregon high quality seed in good weather years. In 2012, over 25 lb of six species were The Roseburg District of the BLM manages produced. Both BLM contracts are renewed the North Bank Habitat Area for the on a yearly basis. 8

SPECIAL PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES a prime candidate for federal delisting. It is presently found on 62 patches within five Threatened and Endangered Plant relict population centers in Oregon, and at Species two sites in Washington. This species is very easy to grow, produces lots of viable seed, and is relatively easy to establish on restoration sites. The PMC is partnering with the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) in Corvallis, OR, and the USFWS to produce seeds and plants of this species for planting on appropriate sites. IAE staff collected seed from two designated recovery zones. The seed was delivered to the PMC in the fall of 2008 and was used to grow plants to establish two separate seed increase fields in the spring of 2009. In four years, the PMC has produced over 460 lb of seed, 24,000 plugs and over 15,000 rhizomes, all of which have been planted Three-year-old western lily (Lilium occidentale) bulbs out on NRCS Wetland Reserve Program flowered profusely in the PMC shadehouse in 2012. (WRP) sites in 2010, 2011, and 2012.The The western lily (Lilium occidentale) is a IAE is currently performing a population federally listed endangered plant. There are census of Nelson’s checkermallow to only 28 populations known along the coast evaluate how many plants now exist. The of southern Oregon and northern California. species may now be a candidate for Major threats to its existence are delisting in certain counties. horticultural collecting, habitat conversion to agriculture, and tree encroachment. In 2010, the PMC entered an agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to develop a propagation protocol for this species and produce 2,000 bulbs within six years. In spring of 2010, germination studies were performed on the seeds. Seeds origin was tracked to see if there were significant differences in germination by mother or by population; none were observed. Seedlings grew amazingly well in Nelson’s checkermallow (Sidalcea nelsoniana) seed 2010, and by 2011 many of the bulbs were increase field, June 20, 2012. large enough to flower. This is unusual for a two-year-old bulb. More seedlings were Golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) is grown in 2011 using the techniques that considered to be extirpated from Oregon, were developed the previous year. In 2012, but a few populations still remain in the three-year-old bulbs were very large and Washington. The PMC is working with IAE some had as many as five flowers per stalk. and USFWS to produce seeds and plants to Over 3,700 bulbs have been produced and reintroduce this plant back into Oregon. In 2,000 will be delivered to Oregon the spring of 2010, the PMC produced Department of Agriculture’s Plant 5,000 plants, most of which were planted Conservation Program which will plant them out in protected sites in the Willamette out into appropriate sites along the southern Valley. The remaining 1,800 plants were Oregon coast in October of 2012. transplanted into a seed increase field at the PMC. This plant is a hemiparasite and Nelson’s checkermallow (Sidalcea performs better if planted with a host, nelsoniana), is a threatened species that is except in small containers. The paintbrush 9

plants were planted with a sand fescue seed source for habitat restoration. The (Festuca ammobia) “buddy” in the seed seed and plant production is a small part of increase field. The field produced 4 lbs of a larger project focusing on the recovery of seed in 2012 (there are approximately the Oregon silverspot butterfly. Butterflies 400,000 seeds per pound). The PMC also and caterpillars are also raised by the produced 5,000 plugs with various hosts Oregon Zoo, and many federal, state, and that were planted out in restoration sites. non-profit entities are working together to These paintbrush plants will be monitored restore sites in the critical habitat area. This for survival and analyzed to see if they have effort has become a national model for a host preference. In the early stages of the butterfly conservation. study, yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Since 2005, the PMC has been growing appeared to be the best host. plugs of early blue violet (Viola adunca), which is the larval (caterpillar) host plant. In 2008, large seed increase fields were established of violets, sand fescue (Festuca ammobia), and nectar plants such as goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and pacific aster (Aster chilensis). Other coastal meadow species like edible thistle (Cirsium edule), sand clover (Trifolium wormskioldii), and coastal wormwood (Artemisia suksdorfii) were added to the seed production list in 2009. Golden paintbrush seed increase field growing with host sand fescue at the PMC, May 27, 2011. Reintroduction sites have been identified along the northern coast of Oregon and Cook’s lomatium (Lomatium cookii) is a southern Washington. In 2010, the PMC federally endangered species that grows in entered an agreement to establish seed wet meadows and vernal pools in southwest increase plots of species for this area. The Oregon. Very few populations exist and matrix and nectar plants are slightly different creating new populations is part of this for the north coast, including species such species’ recovery plan. The PMC is working as dune sedge (Carex pansa) and dune with IAE and USFWS to increase seed of goldenrod (Solidago simplex var. spathula). this species for use in recovery efforts. In 2012, wild collected seeds were sown and In 2012, the PMC produced 70 lb of violet many small tubers were grown. These seed, 200 lb of fescue seed, 6 lb of sedge tubers will be transplanted into a seed seed, and over 200 lb of seed of the nectar increase field in the spring of 2013. species. Included in the total is over 100 lb of aster seed annually produced for Seed and Plant Propagation for restoration projects in coastal meadows of Recovery of Oregon Silverspot Butterfly Oregon and Washington. The PMC has the opportunity to assist with the recovery of Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene spp. hippolyta). The species was declared a federally listed threatened species in 1980 and is classified as endangered in Oregon and Washington. It occurs in small, isolated populations on grassland habitats within its range from

coastal Washington south to coastal Coastal asters are an important source of nectar for northern California. In 2005, the PMC and butterflies along the Oregon and Washington coasts. Anne Walker of USFWS began a collaborative effort to develop a long-term 10

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER and the private sector in wetland delineations and the planning and The PMC conducts and contributes to field monitoring of wetland mitigation and days, workshops, and tours, writes and restoration sites. The list is available at produces publications, and makes http://wetland_plants.usace.army.mil” presentations in order to train or For further information: disseminate technology to NRCS and Soil http://www.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsRele and Water Conservation District employees, ases/NewsReleaseArticleView/tabid/231/Art growers, and other agency partners, as well icle/1185/updated-2012-national-wetland- as the general public. plant-list-is-available.aspx During the 2012 fiscal year, the PMC jointly conducted a field day on farmscaping with PMC Field Day 2012 – 4th Annual native plants, gave a tour and presentations Farmscaping with Native Plants to four scientists from the People’s Republic of China and two from the local US Forest Service, hosted and trained students from the University of Oregon, conducted a tour of the PMC for NRCS interns, made a presentation to members of the Siletz Tribe, gave a presentation to a local elementary school, and conducted several other tours and presentations. The PMC also published an Annual Technical Report, two Plant PMC Field Day participants observing and discussing one of Guides, eight Plant Fact Sheets, seven the wildflower pollinator plots on the PMC farm, June 20, Plant Release Brochures, five Plant 2012. Release Notices, and three papers on For the fourth consecutive year, the native grass seed production technology. Corvallis PMC and Plant Materials Kathy Pendergrass, Plant Materials Specialist Kathy Pendergrass teamed up Specialist (Oregon PMS) for the Corvallis with Oregon State University researchers PMC service area, conducted five additional from the Integrated Plant Protection Center presentations and training sessions on (IPPC), the Xerces Society for Invertebrate topics such as using native plants for Conservation, and insect and native plant erosion control and pollinator habitat. enthusiasts for a field day at the PMC on June 20th, 2012. National Wetland Plant List Update Completed Twenty-seven farmers, landowners, NRCS Kathy Pendergrass was involved with a field staff, and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) employees spent the whole National Review Panel to update the day learning about native plant National Wetland Plant list. That update is finally completed and a beautiful new establishment and the importance, identification, and habitat needs of website packed with information is available. beneficial predatory insects and native pollinators by listening to presentations, “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers scouting for insects, and touring the PMC (USACE) in partnership with other federal forb seed increase fields, replicated agencies announced today the release of wildflower pollinator plots, and pollinator the updated National Wetland Plant List hedgerow. Presentations in the field or (NWPL). This national list of wetland plants indoors also included farmscaping with by species and their wetland ratings native plants, planting site preparation and provides general botanical information equipment, native grass and forb about wetland plants and is used establishment and use in habitat, seeding extensively by federal and state agencies, rates and seed calculators, and the scientific and academic communities, conservation programs for private farms. 11

PMC Hosts University of Oregon  Baskett Slough Germplasm Students for Introduction to Native Seed California oatgrass (Danthonia Technology and Production californica)  Willamette Valley Germplasm Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri)  San Juan Germplasm Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri)  Northwest Maritime Germplasm Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri)  Puget Germplasm Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri)  Klamath Mountains Germplasm Amy Bartow (blue shirt) of the PMC describes operation of Roemer’s fescue (Festuca roemeri) PMC seed processing equipment to University of Oregon students during class tour on May 11, 2012.  'Hederma' riverbank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) On May 11th, 2012, the PMC staff provided • Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Timing and a tour, orientation, and training to 18 Rates on Seed Production of Jackson- students from the University of Oregon (U of Frazier Germplasm Meadow Barley O). The young women and men learned (OSU Seed Production Research) about native seed production and • Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Timing and processing methods, some examples of Rates on Seed Production of Roemer's important native species, the use of Fescue (OSU Seed Production common garden studies, and the role of the Research) PMC in restoration and revegetation efforts • Effects of Post-Harvest Residue in cooperation with other land management Management on Seed Production of agencies. The students visited the PMC as Roemer's Fescue (OSU Seed part of an undergraduate course entitled Production Research) “Conservation and Restoration in the Pacific • Plant Release Notices: Northwest” taught by Melanie Knapp, U of O  Notice of release of Puget instructor. Germplasm Roemer's fescue Publications in 2012  Notice of release of San Juan • Corvallis Plant Materials Center 2011 Germplasm Roemer's fescue  Technical Report (230 pages) Notice of release of Willamette Valley Germplasm Roemer's fescue • Plant Guides:  Notice of release of Northwest  rose checker-mallow (Sidalcea Maritime Germplasm Roemer's virgata) fescue  field mustard (Brassica rapa var.  Notice of release of Klamath rapa) Mountains Germplasm Roemer's • Plant Fact Sheets: fescue  Pacific aster (Symphyotrichum • Native grasses revisited (“Update” Linn chilense) County Extension Association)  showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)  riverbank lupine (Lupinus rivularis) FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT  Roemer's fescue (Festuca roemeri) PMC Gets a New Dust Collection System  slender cinquefoil (Potentilla gracilis)  Puget Sound gumweed (Grindelia This year the PMC improved the air quality integrifolia) of its seed processing room with the  lance selfheal (Prunella vulgaris ssp. purchase and installation of a new cyclone lanceolata) dust collector and ambient air ventilation  meadow checkerbloom (Sidalcea system. Cyclone dust collectors have campestris) effective separation properties in which • Plant Release Brochures: heavier dust particles naturally fall out of an 12

air stream as they pass through the air Technology development at the Corvallis cleaner. Dirty air enters the cyclone unit at a PMC to address priority resource needs high velocity and is spun around in a involves: cyclonic motion which throws particles  determining vegetative propagation, against an inside wall. As the cone narrows seed germination, production, and the larger particles will spin into an enclosed establishment methods of plants for container to be disposed of. Fine particles rehabilitating, stabilizing or restoring work up through the center of the cyclone riparian areas, wetlands, uplands, and are discharged through an outlet. and critical sites;  Installing demonstrations and conducting studies to illustrate and evaluate the use of native species for cover crops, wildlife and pollinator habitat, low input turf, natural area landscaping, and other ecologically sound uses;  investigating adaptation of select grass, forb, and woody species and New cyclone dust collector (center) at the Corvallis PMC. populations to environmental variation (differences in soil, climate, ABOUT THE CORVALLIS PMC water);  evaluating progress and monitoring Development of vegetative solutions to maintenance needs of sites restored conservation problems is a primary function or revegetated through direct of the USDA NRCS Plant Materials (PM) seeding, planting, and soil program. As one of 27 centers nationally, bioengineering; the Corvallis Plant Materials Center (PMC)  assessing adaptive genetic variation serves western Oregon, western within select plant species through Washington, and northwestern California. studies (done in collaboration with Its primary mission is to develop new geneticists) that help ensure technology in plant propagation, plant adapted populations are used in establishment, seed production, revegetation and restoration; revegetation, restoration, and erosion  determining seed and vegetative control, and to test, release, and increase propagation methods and increasing plant sources for use in riparian areas, native species that facilitates wetlands, and uplands. The major focus is revegetation work by National Parks, on native grasses, forbs, and shrubs. the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and The program’s principal customers include: Wildlife Service, and Federal  NRCS field offices, who in turn serve Highways; both rural and urban landowners,  Conducting special purpose studies farmers, ranchers, and other land such as the evaluation of certain managers, species with potential for biofuel.  Public agencies, universities, tribes, and private conservation organizations that Prepared by Dale Darris, Amy Bartow, utilize technology and plants selected or Annie Young-Mathews, Kathy Pendergrass, produced by the program, and and Joe Williams. All articles and photos are  Commercial seed producers and by NRCS Plant Materials Center staff or nurseries who receive information on Plant Materials Specialist. production technology as well as seed and plants of selected species for further increase.

USDA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER

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