Results

Plant-breeding improved traits related to resiliency and establishment in introduced and native species of rangeland grasses. Germplasms were selected for early spring growth, increased seedling vigor, improved tiller and rhizome development after disturbance, and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Two grass cultivars and two grass germplasms were registered and released via publications in Crop Science. The native P-7 bluebunch wheatgrass germplasm has been widely accepted by federal land managers for its increased genetic diversity. The improved plant materials are ecologically compatible at northwestern military sites because they were developed from collections of species native to or previously seeded at these sites.

With advances in relating molecular markers to plant characteristics and in using DNA fingerprinting techniques, tools are now available to assess the genetic differences and similarities in commercial and natural seed sources. Land managers can select the most cost-effective seed sources that will ensure genetic compatibility with existing populations.

Tank traffic studies showed that naturalized, introduced species are more tolerant and recover more rapidly under repeated tracking than native plants. However, two native species, the western and Snake River wheatgrass, showed promise as stabilization species because of their ability to colonize damaged areas. “Ecological-bridge” studies confirm that seed mixtures of selected native and introduced species establish more rapidly than all-native mixes, allowing earlier land use for training and ultimately leading to healthy and persistent stands of native plants.