ARS | Publication request: Evaluation of Astragalus Filipes (Basalt Milkvetch) Collections and NBR-1 Germplasm

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 24, 2009
Publication Date: April 1, 2009
Citation: Bushman, B.S., Johnson, D.A., Bhattarai, K. 2009. Evaluation of Astragalus Filipes (Basalt Milkvetch) Collections and NBR-1 Germplasm. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program Workshop.

Technical Abstract: Legumes have been under-represented in rangeland seeding due to a lack of available seed from appropriate species. To facilitate the availability of a native legume with broad distribution throughout the Great Basin, we collected approximately 70 populations of Astragalus filipes. The populations' growth and seed production were evaluated in a common garden setting, and their inherent genetic relationships investigated with DNA markers. Based on molecular data, we found evidence of some population structures, and clearly defined a center of diversity. The molecular and morphological relationships were not correlated; however, the populations with the highest biomass and seed production also had some of the highest within-population genetic diversity. NBR-1, a recently released germplasm that is under seed increase, is also derived from populations with high relative diversity and no population structure.