| Abstract Detail
Evolution, Ecology and Floristics in Northern California - Current Knowledge and Unexplored Realms Hanson, Linnea [1], Kitzmiller, Dr. Jay [2]. Developing Seed Zones for Sierra Nevada Native Grasses. A critical element of ecosystem-based management on public lands is the use of native grass species for revegetation and restoration. Exotic grasses have been used successfully in protecting soil on forest and range sites; however, these exotics compete with native herbs and woody plants and may even alter natural plant succession. Seed zoning decisions have a major effect on the cost of producing seed by commercial growers. Adaptive seed zones should be defined by sound research to ensure ecological, economical, and operational success. A 1997 comprehensive common garden study was initiated to study three native grasses (Bromus carinatus, B. orcuttianus, and Elymus glaucus) in 11 field sites across the Plumas National Forest. Results for adaptive traits after three seasons in the field phase supported the existence of three native grass seed zones in the Plumas National Forest:1)west-side low elevation 2) west-sde high elevation, and 3) eastside.The native grass seed zone program is currently being expanded for the whole Sierra Nevada at the request of the commercial native grass growers. The current study will examine three native grasses (Bromus carinatus, Elymus elymoides, and Elymus glaucus) in 15 field sites on five National Forests (Plumas, Tahoe, Eldorado, Inyo and Sierra). The study design will evaluate seed lot performance, across elevational, latitudinal, and longitudinal gradients. Seed was collected in 2003, grown into grass plugs in 2004 and either planted in the fall of 2004 or in spring of 2005. Preliminary data collection occurred in 2005 for survival, culm height and number, and leaf width. Data will be collected and analyzed for all 15 field plots in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
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1 - Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District, 875 Mitchell Ave., Oroville, California, 95965, USA
2 - 5882 Oakmore Ln, Paradise, California, 95969, USA
Keywords:
Adaptive traits of native grasses
Bromus carinatus
Bromus orcuttianus
Elymus elymoides
Elymus glaucus
Sierra Nevada.
Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: 38-7
Location: 170/Holt
Date: Tuesday, August 1st, 2006
Time: 2:00 PM
Abstract ID:90 |
