ARS | Publication request: Notice of release of Rattlesnake germplasm bottlebrush squirreltail

Submitted to: Native Plant Journal
Publication Type: Germplasm Registration
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2009
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Citation: Jones, T.A. 2010. Notice of release of Rattlesnake germplasm bottlebrush squirreltail. Native Plant Journal. 11:45-50.

Interpretive Summary: Bottlebrush squirreltail is a highly ecotypic grass that is in great demand for rangeland restoration applications because it is reported to be competitive with the invasive annual grass, downy brome (Bromus tectorum). Bottlebrush squirreltail germplasm from the Lower Snake River Plain of southern Idaho was collected, selected, and evaluated, leading to the development of Rattlesnake Germplasm. Its release will permit reclamation of lands that have been ravaged by wildfire as a result of downy brome invasion.

Technical Abstract: Rattlesnake Germplasm bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides [Raf.] Swezey ssp. elymoides) was released 29 Oct. 2007 for use in rangeland seedings. This plant material was developed from T-1175, an accession collected in Elmore County, Idaho. Seeds of eight T-1175 lines selected for dry-matter yield, spike biomass, and height were combined to form Rattlesnake Germplasm. It is anticipated that this material will be used primarily in its area of origin, the Lower Snake River Plain of Idaho.