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Mission

Research is focused on broadening the biodiversity of forage germplasm, developing improved management practices, and providing an array of improved plant materials for enhancing both semi-arid and irrigated private and public lands in the western United States. Specific germplasm improvement projects seek to provide novel plants for conservation, reclamation, recreation, forage production, and sustainable management practices. New genetic combinations, germplasm introductions, and plant selection provide a genetically enhanced gene pool for use in developing new plant materials. Modern methods of biotechnology are used to improve the efficiency of traditional plant breeding efforts. Polymerase chain reaction, AFLP, SSR, and SNP genetic markers, DNA sequencing, and marker assisted selection are used to identify desirable genes such as those imparting increased biomass and forage quality, cold temperature growth, seedling vigor, salt tolerance, and reduced seed dormancy. Management, physiological, and biochemical studies are effected to improve the knowledge base related to water-use efficiency, drought tolerance, cool temperature growth, nitrogen metabolism, and other adaptations that impact seedling vigor and enhanced plant growth in semi-arid environments.
The Forage and Range Research is located in Logan, UT and is part of the Pacific West Area.
The Research Leader is Blair Waldron.
Email: blair.waldron@ars.usda.gov
Phone: (435)797-3066
Fax: (435)797-3075
USDA, ARS, PWA, FORAGE AND RANGE RESEARCH
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY-696 NORTH 1100 EAST
Logan, UT 84322