ARS | Publication request: Utilizing common-garden and genetic diversity structure analysis to determine strategies for releasing wildland plant germplasm for rangeland revegetation

Submitted to: International Rangeland Congress
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: January 10, 2011
Publication Date: March 31, 2011
Citation: Johnson, D.A., Bhattarai, K., Bushman, B.S. 2011. Utilizing common-garden and genetic diversity structure analysis to determine strategies for releasing wildland plant germplasm for rangeland revegetation. p.520. In: Feldman, S.R., G.E. Oliva, and M.B. Sacido (eds.). Diverse Rangelands for a sustainable society. International Rangeland Congress, Rosario, Argentina.

Technical Abstract: Semi-arid rangelands in the western North America face many challenges due to invasive weedy species, wildfires, and past mismanagement. A diversity of plant species are needed to effectively revegetate degraded rangelands in this expansive area. Legumes native to western North America are of interest in rangeland revegetation because they can potentially provide biologically fixed nitrogen to associated species, increase plant production, enhance forage quality, provide food sources for herbivores and pollinators, and can maintain and restore natural successional trajectories. Dalea ornata [Douglas] Eaton & Wright L. (western prairie clover), D. searlsiae (A. Gray) Barneby (Searls prairie clover), and Astragalus filipes Torr. ex A. Gray (basalt milkvetch) are legumes that hold promise for use in rangeland revegetation in western North America. The objectives of our studies were to: 1) identify collections with high seed and biomass production, and 2) identify the amount and distribution of genetic variation in collections of these three Great Basin legumes.