Great Basin Native Plant Selection and 

Increase Project

FY02 Progress Report

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Utah Power Juab Washington

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USDI Bureau of Land Management (Nevada, Utah, and Idaho)

USDA Forest Service, Shrub Sciences Laboratory

Provo, Utah and Boise, Idaho

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Ephraim, Utah

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range 

Research Laboratory, Logan, Utah

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Biology 

and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, Utah

Utah Crop Improvement Association

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, 

Idaho, Utah, and Nevada 
1

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

FY02 Progress Report 

Cooperators: 

USDI Bureau of Land Management (Nevada, Utah and Idaho) (BLM) 

USDA Forest Service, Shrub Sciences Laboratory (FS-SSL) 

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) 

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range Research Laboratory 

(ARS-FRRL) 

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory 

 (ARS-BBSL) 

Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (Idaho and Utah) (NRCS Aberdeen) 

 

Introduction 

The use of native plants for rehabilitation after wildfires and restoration of disturbed 

wildlands is being encouraged by various BLM programs, initiatives, and policies. This project 

integrates several proposals previously prepared by Idaho, Utah, and Nevada BLM to increase 

native plant production and use within the Great Basin, utilizing an applied science approach in a 

collaborative project. Although southeastern Oregon was not involved in the organizing this 

project, the development of native plant materials described in this proposal will also have direct 

application in that area. This project represents a regional approach to native plant enhancement 

encompassing the entirety of the Great Basin, the largest block of public rangelands (75 million 

acres) in BLM. This proposal was prepared in part by members of the Great Basin Restoration 

Initiative workgroup and meets an important objective of the GBRI strategic plan (Healing the 

Land 2000). 

Funding period: FY01– FY05 

Funding received 

FY01: $1,080,000 

FY02: 1,500,000

 $2,580,000 

 

Monies from both FY01 and FY02 have been transferred from BLM to the Rocky 

Mountain Research Station. The FY01 funding has been distributed according to the master plan 

by the appropriate agreement instruments to cooperators except the plan to work with 

commercial seed growers. The instruments for the FY02 funding and for working with 

commercial seed growers for both FY01 and FY02 are currently being developed so that the 

work can continue in a timely manner. 

Project priorities: Increase native plant materials available for restoration 

1. Management or re-establishment of seed sources and development of technology to 

improve the diversity of introduced species monocultures (not funded in FY01 or FY02) 

2. Technology transfer 

3. Genetic research 
2

Progress to date: 

Component 1. Native Plant Materials Increase

This component includes all aspects of increasing the availability of selected native plants for use 

in rehabilitation or restoration of disturbed Great Basin Rangelands. 

Project Location: USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT and 

Boise, ID; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Ephraim, UT 

 

Principal Investigators: Scott Jensen, Nancy Shaw, Tyler Thompson, Scott Walker 

Contact Information: Scott L Jensen, USFS Shrub Sciences Lab, 735 N. 500 E., Provo, 

UT 84606-1865, 801.356.5128, cell 801.319.5105, fax 

801.375.6968, sjensen@fs.fed.us 

Nancy Shaw, USDA-FS, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 316 

E. Myrtle, Boise, ID 83702, 208.373.4360, fax 208.373.4391, 

nshaw@fs.fed.us 

Tyler Thompson, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great 

Basin Research Center, 542 North Main Street, Ephraim, UT 

84627, 435.283.4441, fax 435.283.5616, tylerthompson@utah.gov 

Scott Walker, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great Basin 

Research Center, 542 North Main Street, Ephraim, UT 84627, 

435.283.4441, fax 435.283.5616, scottwalker@utah.gov 

I. Equipment (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources [UDWR]) 

2. Reel type seed harvester, 6 to 8 ft head. Purchase of this piece of equipment is 

underway. It should be delivered before the 2003 field season. 

4. Precision seeder, cone seeding units. Use of a precision cone seeder was donated 

through Brigham Young University. This funding will be used for other equipment 

purchases and upgrades including the possible purchase of a precision vacuum seeder. 

This piece of equipment is used for irregular seeds that do not flow through the cone 

seeder. 

5. Field Tractor – 40 hp, 4-wheel drive. Additional funds for purchase of a larger tractor 

are currently being pursued through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. If 

awarded, these funds will allow for the purchase of a larger tractor and a transport trailer. 

12. Portable Field Seed Thresher. Purchase of two seed threshers is underway with no 

estimate on delivery date. 

3, 6-11. Other equipment, maintenance, and upgrades. These funds will be used to 

purchase additional listed equipment items as well as for future upgrades and 
3

maintenance of equipment. Other possible equipment purchases may include a precision 

spray unit with row sprayers and a land leveler. 

Note: Some of the equipment purchase may be needed to be made by Rocky Mountain 

Research Station rather than Utah Division of Wildlife Resources because UDWR may 

have matching federal funding issues. If that is the case, the appropriate agreements will 

specify use of the equipment by UDWR personnel and transfer of the equipment to them 

at the conclusion of the extended life of the cooperative agreements that authorize the 

conduct of this work. 

II. Facilities 

1. Expand Snow Field Station, Seed Rearing Center (UDWR). 

Securing facilities at Snow Field Station with Snow College. Snow College recently 

announced plans to build a new football stadium at the Snow Field Station. Funds 

assigned to the Snow Rearing Center will now be applied to the lease and improvement 

of a proposed 20-acre replacement field. 

2. Expand Fountain Green Seed Rearing Center (UDWR). Currently UDWR Central 

Region and Great Basin Research Center personnel are developing a management plan 

for the Fountain Green Wildlife Management Area. When plans are completed these 

funds will be used to improve the infrastructure on the plant-rearing portion of the WMA. 

3. Greenhouse at Snow Field Station (UDWR). These funds will be added to requested 

FY03 funds, if received, to purchase a larger, more substantive greenhouse located at our 

new seed warehouse complex. 

4. Establish field or wildland testing sites for evaluation of additional native grasses, 

forbs, and shrubs. 

B. Nevada sites (Shrub Sciences Lab [SSL]–Provo and Boise). Funding was 

provided for site preparation, fencing and establishment of climatic stations at two 

locations, Wells and Winnemucca, Nevada. 

Winnemucca. The site is fenced and the first round of chemical weed control was 

completed in 2002. The climatic station has not been purchased. 

Wells. The site has been identified. Wells BLM officials are preparing an EA for 

fence construction and herbicide use. A fencing contract is being prepared. The 

climatic station has not been purchased. 

C. Idaho sites. 

Orchard Research Site (enhancement of ongoing cooperative project) (SSLBoise and cooperators). A 5-year EA was completed for the 240 acre site by the 

BLM Lower Snake River District Office. Perimeter fencing is kept in repair and a 

plot for forb plantings is being maintained weed free by SSL-Boise. Weather stations 

are maintained by the USDA-ARS Northwest Watershed Research Center and the 

USDA-NRCS. 
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Idaho Native Plant Demonstration Area, Orchard Research Site (NRCS 

Aberdeen Plant Materials Center (Loren St. John and Dan Ogle, see Component 

1-III-9 for contact information). Field visit with Mike Pellant and Nancy Shaw on 

October 24, 2002 to locate site. Planting site was determined to be the old 

demonstration nursery at the Orchard Research Site (just inside north boundary). 

BLM burned the site in fall of 2002. The Aberdeen PMC will apply Roundup in 

spring 2003. Planting is proposed for fall 2003. Need to identify accessions and 

prepare planting plan. 

Lucky Peak Shrub Garden (SSL-Boise). A multi-year rush skeletonweed control 

project was initiated. Fencelines were cleared of shrubs and debris. 

III. Native Plant Increases 

1. Develop seed production, seed germination, and seeding technology for 15 native forbs 

of the Great Basin (UDWR, SSL-Provo and Boise and cooperators, Boise work is 

partially funded by Forest Service National Fire Plan money). Nineteen forbs were 

selected for plant increase and research studies (Appendix 1). Literature and herbarium 

searches for these species are ongoing. Drought conditions since the initiation of the project 

have hindered collection of many species. Nonetheless we have made ample strides in 

achieving the project goals. We have mapped 452 forb collection sites across the Great Basin 

and collected seed from 234 sites (Appendix 2). Grass seed has been collected from 141 of 

179 sites identified. Based on estimated minimum seed needs to conduct the suite of studies 

identified in our various programs, 42% of the collections are adequate. Databases have been 

created that include GPS, site description, and seed records for each site. 

 Germination studies were conducted for three Penstemon species with initial results 

presented at the XII Wildland Shrub Symposium (“Germination of Three Penstemons of the 

Northern Great Basin”) and transplant stock of about 40 penstemon accessions is being 

produced at the Lucky Peak Nursery. 

Tyler Thompson, Research Biologist, was hired in May 2002 to oversee the forb collection 

program for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Scott Jensen transferred from the Utah 

Division of Wildlife Resources to the USDA-FS Shrub Sciences Laboratory to oversee forb 

research there. Common garden and evaluation sites have been identified at 8 locations in 

Utah, Nevada, and Idaho, and use agreements are being finalized. 

 

2003 Work Plan: Continue seed collection for presently identified species. Initiate 

germination, common garden studies, and seed production studies for selected species and 

accessions. Provide additional seed lots to private growers. 

2. Technology Transfer position (SSL-Boise). It is anticipated that the Botanist/Technology 

Transfer position (term appointment) will be filled at the USDA-FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station Laboratory, Boise, Idaho in April 2003. 

3. Seed Collection Records (UDWR, SSL-Provo). Transfer of all native seed collection 

records (card files) from 1912 on for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Shrub 

Sciences Laboratory to electronic files is nearing completion. We will continue entering seed 

file data from GBRC and USDA-FS. 
5

4. Adaptation Zones, Genotypic Variability, and Seed Transfer Guidelines for Atriplex 

canescens, Atremisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, and Purshia tridentate (SSL-Durant 

McArthur, see Component 4-1, 2 for contact information). Data have been collected and 

maps prepared for the publication for a Seed Transfer Guideline for Atriplex canescens. The 

guideline is in preparation and should be completed within a year. Genetic data (RAPD 

markers) have been collected and analyzed for several Artemisia tridentata ssp. 

wyomingensis populations and will be used with other data to prepare seed transfer data for 

this taxon. This guideline and the Pushisa tridentata one are a couple of years away. 

8. Establish commercial seed production fields with qualified seed growers in order to 

increase native forb availability for use in restoration of Great Basin rangelands 

(UDWR and SSL-Provo and Boise and cooperators). Location of wildland seed source 

sites and collection from these sites is underway and continues. Several growers in the Great 

Basin have been contacted and many are interested in growing forb species when adequate 

seed supplies are available. In addition, Brigham Young University has been contacted and 

has shown interest in participating in cultural care and production studies at their Spanish 

Fork farm. The list of species for this project was expanded to include additional species 

important in sage grouse diets. 

In 2002, working in conjunction with the Utah Crop Improvement Association, the Utah 

Division of Wildlife Resources and Shrub Sciences Laboratory filled 24 applications for 

stock seed. This process provided seed of 10 forb species to 7 private growers for planting 

seed production fields. Growers are located in Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Colorado. Seed 

was distributed using the buy-back option, a mechanism for returning part of the increased 

seed to the Crop Improvement Association for redistribution and further increase to 

additional seed growers 

9. Seed Increase at NRCS Plant Material Centers and by Private Growers: 

 

Project Title: Establishment and Maintenance of Certified Foundation (G1) Seed 

Project Location: NRCS Aberdeen, ID Plant Materials Center 

Principal Investigators: Loren St. John, Center Manager 

 Dan Ogle, NRCS Plant Materials Specialist, Boise, ID 

Contact Information: Loren St. John, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, P.O. Box 296, 

Aberdeen, ID 83210, LorenStjohn@id.usda.gov 

Dan Ogle, Plant Materials Specialist, USDA-NRCS, 9173 West 

Barnes Drive, Suite C, Boise, ID 83709, Dan.Ogle@id.usda.gov 

Description of Project: 

To produce Certified Foundation (G1) seed of Maple Grove Lewis flax, Anatone bluebunch 

wheatgrass, Snake River Plains Germplasm fourwing saltbush and Northern Cold Desert 

Germplasm winterfat to facilitate commercial production. Evaluate procedures for production of 

rooted cuttings of fourwing saltbush. Establish demonstration planting near Boise, ID. 
6

Status Report: 

Seed Production 

Maple Grove Flax - Seeded 1.8 acres field 3 on May 31, 2002. July 29 evaluation: Plant height 

5 - 15 cm tall, good vigor. Plan to harvest summer 2003. 

Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass - Seeded 1.0 acres field 11 on May 31, 2002. July 29 

evaluation: good, healthy, full stand developing. Plant height 8 - 12 cm. Seedling vigor appears 

to be better than that of Goldar. Plan to harvest summer 2003. 

Snake River Plains Germplasm fourwing saltbush - Produced approximately 70 pounds (seed 

analysis pending). Shipped 25 pounds Certified seed from 2001 harvest. Provided 500 Certified 

cuttings to Washington grower (he reported 17 percent rooting success). 

Northern Cold Desert Germplasm winterfat - Produced approximately 28 pounds (seed 

analysis pending). Shipped 8 pounds Certified seed from 2001 harvest. 

Propagation Studies 

Propagation of rooted fourwing saltbush from cuttings

Four cutting dates and percent rooting: 

 %

 March 21, 2002 0 

 August 19, 2002 50 

 September 6, 2002 4 

 October 7, 2002 14 

Timing of cutting harvest and morphology of cutting seem to be the most important factors. 

Greenhouse seedling establishment study: Evaluate fourwing saltbush seedling emergence 

based upon number of propagules planted per cell (5 versus 10 per cell) and to identify number 

of days to emergence, growth rates and transplant dates. 

Seed planted September 30, 2002. Maximum emergence within 3 weeks. Five-seed plots 

averaged 10.5 % emergence. Ten-seed plots averaged 8.5 % emergence. 

Seedlings transplanted to 40 inch 3

 containers on November 11, 2002. Currently average 3 to 18 

cm in height. Will continue to maintain plants to evaluate growth rates and maturity. 

Special note: 75 percent of seedlings had red stems and 25 percent had white stems at transplant. 

Could this be an indication of sex? Will monitor. 

(See also Component 1-II-4-C for additional NRCS Aberdeen activity). 

UDWR Seed Increase: Maintained foundation fields of ‘Anatone’ bluebunch wheatgrass, 

‘Orchard’ Thurber needelgrass at the Fountain Green Wildlife Management Area. 
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USDA ARS FRRL (See Component 4-4, for Tom Jones contact information) Seed Increase: 

Seed of 17 sources of Indian ricegrass, big squirreltail, bottlebrush squirreltail, bluebunch 

wheatgrass, basin wildrye, Snake River wheatgrass, and green needlegrass will be made 

available to the Utah Crop Improvement Association for entry into the buy-back option program, 

a mechanism to utilize seed growers to increase seed for the 2nd generation of seed growers. 

Transplanted plots of Toe Jam Creek and Fish Creek bottlebrush squirreltails and Cucharas green 

needlegrass were established for future seed harvest. 

10. Pollination and Pollinator Studies: 

Project Location: USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab 

Principal Investigator: James H. Cane 

Contact Information: USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab, 

Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5310 USA, 

435.797.3879, fax 435.797.0461, jcane@biology.usu.edu 

Description of Project: 

Native bees and/or honey bees are needed to pollinate most of the wildflower species considered 

for Great Basin revegetation. The pollinator faunas of many of these candidate plant genera 

include one or more potentially manageable native cavity-nesting species. Work will begin with 

the pollination needs and likely pollinators of Penstemon speciosus, Crepis acuminata, 

Hedysarum boreale and Balsamorhiza sagittata (Appendix 3). Pollinator needs will be evaluated 

by comparing fruit and seed sets at caged flowers, openly visited flowers, and manually 

pollinated flowers. If plant reproduction proves to be pollinator limited, then native bee faunas 

will be surveyed and evaluated at managed and wild flowering populations. If bees are 

sufficiently abundant, then single-visit pollination efficiencies at previously caged flowers can 

directly evidence each bee species’ contribution to seed production. Concurrently, drilled 

wooden nesting blocks will be placed in these habitats to acquire captive populations of one or 

more promising native pollinators. Currently managed bee species (alfalfa leaf-cutting bees, blue 

orchard bees, alkali bees, honey bees) will be evaluated for their pollination prowess with each 

of the target plant species as well, probably using managed stands maintained by BLM and 

USFS collaborators on this proposal. 

Status Report: 

Wild populations of balsamroot, northern sweetvetch, royal penstemon, and sulfur buckwheat 

were located on federal land prior to bloom in our local region. The search was assisted through 

our transcription of herbarium records at Utah State's Intermountain herbarium and that of the 

University of Nevada, Reno. A retrospective literature search has also been completed for all 

species except the biscuitroot. 

Pollinators, particularly bees, will be needed for seed production at most of the native forbs 

chosen for this project from the Great Basin flora. Plants among blooming wild populations of 

northern sweetvetch visited freely by its pollinating bees, averaged one seed per flower; 280 

unvisited flowers set no seed. Likewise, freely pollinated flowering spikes of penstemon set an 

average of 1000 seeds; 300 unvisited flowers set no seed. We had problems tracking seed set 
8

with the balsamroot this spring. We have revised the method and will apply it in the coming 

field season when we assess pollinator needs of the other species. The hawksbeard is the one 

known exception for pollination need in this group; research from the 1940s demonstrated that 

the species is facultatively apomictic, meaning that it can set seed without fertilization. 

In general, it appears that bees are the essential pollinators for the selected wildflower species. 

The one prominent exception is the penstemon, whose flowers are primarily visited by a pollen 

wasp (Pseudomasaris vespoides) in both eastern and western Nevada, along with a ground 

nesting species of Osmia. Neither species has great management potential for row crop 

agriculture, so alternative pollinators will be sought. Sweetvetch hosts a number of cavity 

nesting bee species of the genus Osmia. Balsamroot does too, and we obtained one of those 

species of Osmia in our nesting blocks this spring. Several dozen progeny have been processed 

and are currently overwintering in our cooler for release next spring. 

Native insects have the potential to become pests of seed production on each of the 

wildflower species studied to date. We have found the following thus far: the clear wing moth 

Penstemonia clarkei, adults of which we caught at a generalized pheromone trap placed in a 

blooming population of royal penstemon; larvae borne in flowering shoots of penstemon; 

caterpillars of a gelechiid moth that web together and devour flowering racemes of sweetvetch; a 

tephritid fly maggot that feeds in the flower heads of balsamroot (which we failed to rear to 

adulthood); and a seed weevil that attacks sweetvetch. With the help and expertise of Bob 

Hammon at Colorado State, we hope to develop practical, safe and effective control treatments 

for each of these insects for future use when these wildflowers are grown in row crop agriculture. 

Component 2. Manage or Restore Seed Sources and Develop Technology to Improve the 

Diversity of Introduced Grass Seedings 

No funding was provided for any section of this component in FY01 or FY02. 

Component 3. Technology Transfer

Status of Publications: 

1. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands (SSL-Provo and Boise, UDWR and 

cooperators). This book provides background on philosophy, processes, plant materials 

selection, and seed and seeding technology for revegetating disturbed rangelands, 

emphasizing native species. The text will be completed in spring 2003. Steve Monsen (SSLProvo, retired) and Richard Stevens (UDWR, retired) are compilers. Publication costs will be 

provided through this agreement and Forest Service R1/R4, National Fire Plan, Native Plant 

funding). 

2. Rangeland Revegetation Equipment Catalog (SSL-Provo and Boise, UDWR, BLM, and 

Revegetation Equipment and Technology Council). Harold Wiedemann (retired 

professor, Texas A & M University) was awarded a contract to publish a revegetation 

equipment catalog describing types and operation of equipment designed or adapted for 

range and wildlife habitat improvement and disturbed land rehabilitation. Categories of 

equipment include: tractors, implements for controlling vegetation using fire or mechanical 

or chemical means, seedbed preparation, fertilizing and mulching, seeders and drills, 

specialized planters, seed collection, seed processing, and transport. The publication will be 
9

produced in hard copy and also placed on a website for ease of updating. The project will be 

completed in spring 2005. 

3. Seed production, harvesting, cleaning, and storage of wildland grasses, forbs, and 

shrubs of the Intermountain area (UDWR, SSL-Provo, Utah Crop Improvement 

Association). The publication is about 50 percent complete and will be finished in summer 

2004. 

4. Field Guide to Intermountain Cyperaceae (excluding Carex) (SSL-Boise). This is the 

third in a series including the Field Guide to Intermountain Rushes (GTR-INT-306) and the 

Field Guide to Intermountain Sedges (RMRS-GTR-10). The guides are designed to assist 

both specialists and nonspecialists working with these groups of plants in the Great Basin and 

surrounding areas. The text will be completed in spring 2003. 

Component 4. Genetic Research

Project Location: Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT 

Principal Investigator: Durant McArthur 

Contact Information: USDA-FS-RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory, 735 N. 500 E., 

Provo, UT 84606-1865, 801.356.5112, fax 801.375.6968, 

dmcarthur@fs.fed.us

1. Genetic variability in Great Basin grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Population genetics work is 

underway to determine the within and between population variation on a suite of species, 

especially forbs, so the implications of their use in rehabilitation and restoration plantings can 

be determined. This work is coordinated with the cultural care and seed studies that are also 

ongoing. Several populations (20 plants per population) of the following species are being 

studied using both allozyme and AFLP DNA markers: Astragalus utahensis, Atriplex 

canescens, Bromus carinatus, Crepis acuminata, Erigeron pumilis, Eriogonium umbellatum, 

Lupinus argenteus, Stipa comata, Vicia americana, and Viguiera multiflora. (Shrub Sciences 

Laboratory in cooperation with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Forest Service National 

Genetics Laboratory, PNW Forestry Sciences Laboratory- Corvallis). This work is also 

supported by the Forest Service National Fire Plan. See Appendixes 4 and 5 for progress to 

date. 

 UDWR participation: More than 20 sites were visted and categorized as sites with potential 

or sites without potential for many of the above species. The sites were located on a map, 

visited, and GPS coordinates were recorded. These sites will be visited this year early and 

forb collections made. 

2. Genetics of source populations, seeded populations, and indigenous populations: This 

work was not funded by this project but is proceeding under funding by the Forest Service 

National Fire Plan. Seeded, adjacent indigenous, and more distant source populations of 

Atriplex canescens, Sphaeralcea species, Linum species, and other species are being 

investigated using both allozyme and AFLP DNA markers to determine the genetic impact of 

species population translocation for rehabilitation and restoration. (Shrub Sciences 

Laboratory in cooperation with Brigham Young University, Utah Division of Wildlife 
10

Resources, Forest Service National Genetics Laboratory, PNW Forestry Sciences 

Laboratory—Corvallis). See Appendix 6 for example of progress to date. 

(See also Component 1-III-8) 

UDWR participation: One individual was hired to work exclusively on this project. The 

drought conditions made it difficult to identify sites with the selected species. However, there 

were a number of sites identified and at three sites plant collections were made. This work 

will continue in FY03. 

3. Patterns of genetic variation in native grasses: 

Project Location: USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT 

Principal Investigators: Steve Larson 

Contact Information: stlarson@cc.usu.edu 

Description of Project: DNA fingerprinting North American range grasses 

Status Report: 

I finished a significant DNA fingerprinting study of North American squirreltail grasses and 

submitted the manuscript to the Canadian Journal of Botany (Appendix 7) and presented 

results at the 2003 annual meeting of the Society of Range Management (Revegetation 

Technology and Equipment Council Symposium) in Casper, WY (abstracts published). 

Results of this study were also presented at the BLM-GRI progress and planning meeting 

(January 27, SLC). 

 

Presented preliminary report from a comprehensive DNA fingerprinting study of North 

American bluebunch wheatgrass, which includes a substantial number of accessions from the 

USDA-FS Shrub Sciences Lab and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, at the BLM-GRI 

progress and planning meeting (Appendix 8). 

I am in the process of planning and setting up a comprehensive DNA fingerprinting study of 

North American Leymus wildryes, including basin wildrye (L. cinereus). I certainly would 

welcome any natural germplasm sources available from other BLM-GRI cooperators! 

 

UDWR participation: Collections of Great Basin wildrye and bluebunch wheatgrass were 

made. Seed of bluebunch wheatgrass was given to the ARS staff in Logan where genetic 

characterization was completed. Great Basin wildrye seed was given to the Lab in Logan 

and will be analyzed this year. 

4. Seed Increases, Genetic Variation and Ecophysiological Traits of Native Grasses: 

 Project Location: Logan, UT (USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab) 

Principal Investigators: Thomas A. Jones, Steven R. Larson, Thomas A. Monaco, and 

Douglas A. Johnson 
11

 Contact Information: Thomas A. Jones 

 Forage and Range Research 

 Utah State University 

 Logan, UT 84322-6300 

 435. 797.3082 

 tomjones@cc.usu.edu 

Description of Project: 

 

Genetic diversity among accessions will be characterized for 8 native grass species using 

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) DNA markers. Measurements of 

ecophysiological traits of accessions selected to represent AFLP variation will be used to 

provide an ecophysiological interpretation of the genetic array delineated by the DNA data. 

 

Status Report: 

Transplanted plots of Toe Jam Creek and Fish Creek bottlebrush squirreltails and Cucharas 

green needlegrass were established for future seed harvest. AFLP data revealed that big 

squirreltail (Elymus multisetus) is genetically distinct from bottlebrush squirreltail (E. 

elymoides), with the latter exhibiting much greater genetic variation. Four groups of E. 

elymoides ssp. brevifolius were detected and named A, B, C, and D. Group C was more 

closely related to ssp. elymoides than it was to ssp. brevifolius Groups A, B, and D despite 

the fact that it keys to ssp. brevifolius. Nine ecophysiological traits distinguished these 

subspecies and groups likewise, and they provide insights regarding seedling vigor, 

phenology, and leaf and root morphology. Work began on a similar AFLP study of 

bluebunch wheatgrass, but data collection is incomplete. 

(See also: Component 1-III-9 for additional USDA-ARS-FRRL activity).
12

Appendix 1. Cooperative Great Basin native forb research. 

Scientific Name Common Name 

Plant 

Selection and 

Increase 

(Jensen, 

Thompson, 

Shaw, Walker)

Pollination 

(Cane) 

Genetic 

Variability 

(McArthur) 

Genetics 

Seeded/Native 

Populations 

(McArthur) 

Apiaceae 

Lomatium 

dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot X X 

L. grayii Gray biscuitroot X 

L. nuttallii Nuttall biscuitroot X 

L. triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot X 

Asteraceae 

Agoseris glauca Pale agoseris X 

Balsamorhiza 

sagittata 

Arrowleaf 

balsamroot X X X 

Crepis occidentalis

Largeflower 

hawksbeard X X X 

Erigeron pumilus Shaggy fleabane X 

Tragopogon 

dubius Yellow salsify X 

Viguiera multiflora Showy goldeneye X 

Fabaceae 

Astragalus filipes Basalt milkvetch X 

Astragalus 

lentiginosus Freckled milkvetch X 

Astragulus 

utahensis Utah milkvetch X X 

Hedysarum 

boreale Boreal sweetvetch X X X 

Lupinus argenteus Silver lupine X X 

Lupinus sericeus Silky lupine X 

Vicia americana American vetch X X 

Linaceae 

Linum perenne Blue flax X 

Malvaceae 

Sphaeralcea 

coccinea Scarlet globemallow X 

S. grossulariifolia 

Gooseberryleaf 

globemallow X X 

Polygonaceae 

Erigonum 

ovalifolium Cushion buckwheat X 

E. umbellatum 

Sulfur-flower 

buckwheat X X X 
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Scientific Name Common Name 

Plant 

Selection and 

Increase 

(Jensen, 

Thompson, 

Shaw, Walker)

Pollination 

(Cane) 

Genetic 

Variability 

(McArthur) 

Genetics 

Seeded/Native 

Populations 

(McArthur) 

Scrophulariaceae 

Penstemon 

acuminatus Sand penstemon X 

P. deustus Scabland penstemon X 

P. palmeri Palmer penstemon X 

P. speciosus 

Sagebrush 

penstemon X X X 
Appendix 2. Native grass and forb 2001 and 2002 seed collection sites (red flags) 

and mapped populations (yellow squares). 

14
15

Appendix 3. Great Basin native forbs selected for pollination and seed predator 

studies. 

Latin binomial Common Name Pollinator Need 

Reproductive 

Pests 

Astragalus filipes basalt milkvetch Bee? seed weevil 

Balsamorhiza 

sagittata arrowleaf balsamroot

Osmia montana, 

O. californica seed predator 

Crepis acuminata tapertip hawksbeard Bee? ? 

Eriogonum 

umbellatum sulphur buckwheat Bee? ? 

Hedysarum boreale northern sweetvetch >10 Osmia spp. 

seed weevil, bud 

feeding moth 

Lomatium 

dissectum giant biscuitroot Bee? ? 

Lupinus argenteus silver biscuitroot Bee bud feeding moth 

Penstemon 

speciosus showy beardtongue 

Pseudomasaris 

vespoides, Osmia spp.

raceme-boring 

moth 
16

 Appendix 4. Empirical data collection for DNA and 

 allozyme analysis

SPECIES COMMON NAME N1 STUDY 

POPULATIONS

Astragalus 

utahensis Utah milkvetch 4

Idaho, Nevada, 

Utah 

Atriplex 

canescens

Fourwing 

saltbush 

11 Nevada, Utah 

New Mexico 

Bromus 

carinatus Mountain brome 2 Utah 

Crepis 

acuminata

Tapertip 

hawksbeard 5

Idaho, Nevada, 

Utah 

Erigeron pumilis

Low fleabane 7

Idaho, Nevada, 

Utah 

Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulfur-flowered 

buckwheat 6

Idaho, Nevada, 

Utah 

Lupinus 

argenteus2 Silvery lupine 7

Idaho, Nevada, 

Utah 

Stipa comata

Needle-andthread grass 3 Nevada, Utah 

Vicia americana American vetch 3 Nevada, Utah 

Viguiera 

multiflora Showy goldeneye 3 Nevada, Utah 

1

Study in progress, goal is a minimum of five populations 

in Idaho, Nevada and Utah. 

2

Working with both L. argenteus and L. sericeus (Silky lupine). 
Appendix 5. Genetic diversity in Lupinus 

(based on allozyme data at 23 loci) 

An example of data collection and summarization that 

will be performed on all species under study for allozymes; 

similar data will be summarized and analyzed for molecular 

genetics DNA. 

17

N P A Ho He

San Juan – UT 

(2581) 38 56.5 1.7 (0.7)

0.116 

(0.24)

0.201 

(0.23)

Juab – UT (2586) 40 65.2 2.0 

(0.9)

0.098 

(0.15)

0.220 

(0.23)

Washington – UT 

(2608) 37 47.8 1.8 (1.0)

0.098 

(0.19)

0.198 

(0.23)

Utah – UT (2703) 40 47.8 1.7 

(1.0)

0.132 

(0.25)

0.192 

(0.25)

Power – ID 

(2718) 40 56.5 2.1 (1.2)

0.171 

(0.22)

0.245 

(0.27)

Lincoln – NV 

(2720) 40 82.6 2.3 (0.8)

0.134 

(0.16)

0.289 

(0.21)

White Pine – NV 

(2733) 40 78.3 2.3 (0.9)

0.116 

(0.14)

0.276 

(0.20)

Population mean 39.3 62.1 2.0 0.124 0.232

Species level 272 95.7 3.0 

(1.1)

0.161 

(0.21)

0.195 

(0.22)
Appendix 6. Example of molecular genetic analysis using AFLP data for Atriplex 

canescens.

NUCLEAR GENETIC VARIATION

AFLP Analysis of Atriplex

z AFLP – Amplified Fragment Length 

Polymorphism analysis

z Marker bands anonymous, genetically

“dominant”

z Markers abundant (100 - 1000)

z Can be adapted to screen high ploidy

species

z Provide high resolution of individual 

identity and interpopulation-level 

differentiation

z Seeded 4X Atriplex canescens shows

higher uniformity (or genetic identity)

than indigenous 4X material at Twist 

Hollow, Washington County, UT

Indigenous 4X Seeded 4X

18
19

Appendix 7. Abstract of Canadian Journal of Botany submission by Steve Larson 

et al. 

Amplified fragment length polymorphism in E. elymoides, E. multisetus, and other Elymus 

taxa

Steven R. Larson, Thomas A. Jones, Carrie L. McCracken, and Kevin B. Jensen 

Abstract: Amplified fragment length polymorphism was used to assess DNA variation within and 

among 22 E. elymoides (Raf.) Swezey ssp. elymoides, 24 Elymus elymoides ssp. brevifolius (J.G. Sm.) 

Barkworth, and 13 E. multisetus (J.G. Sm.) Burtt-Davy squirreltail accessions relative to six other North 

American and 3 Eurasian Elymus taxa. The E. elymoides and E. multisetus species were both 

monophyletic and genetically similar relative to other Elymus species. The monophyly of ssp. elymoides 

was also supported, however ssp. brevifolius was paraphyletic and separated into four genetically distinct 

groups. Estimates of nucleotide divergence among these five groups range from 0.0194 to 0.0288, with 

approximately 0.0329 differences per site between E. elymoides and E. multisetus. Corresponding 

estimates of nucleotide divergence among the eight North American taxa range from 0.0243 and 0.0387. 

Slightly greater nucleotide divergence, 0.0346 to 0.0444, was detected between North American and 

Eurasian taxa. Old World species evidently formed a natural outgroup. Amplified fragment length 

polymorphism among E. elymoides accessions was correlated with geographic provenance and previously 

reported ecological traits. Correlation between DNA polymorphism and ecological trait variation was 

greater when E. elymoides and E. multisetus accessions were compared collectively. However, 

associations between DNA polymorphism and geographic origin were diminished when these two 

squirreltail species were included together. Genetically divergent E. multisetus and E. elymoides

accessions were collected from the same general region, whereas genetically distinct E. elymoides groups 

generally correspond to different geographic regions. Thus, DNA fingerprinting supports the taxonomic 

ranks of E. multisetus and E. elymoides. Moreover, these results demonstrate that ecologically significant 

geographic groups within E. elymoides can be distinguished by DNA fingerprinting.
Appendix 8. Preliminary results of DNA fingerprinting study of North American 

bluebunch wheatgrass. 

20

1

BWG046.7 (Goldar) BWG060.6 (Asotin-Wenaha, OR) BWG061.7 (unknown) BWG047.7 (Anatone, WA) BWG096.6 (Anatone, WA) BWG038.7 (Umitilla Co., OR) BWG045.7 (Whitman Co., WA) BWG044.7 (Whitmar) BWG042.7 (Adams Co., WA) BWG048.7 (P-7 MOPX) BWG056a.7 (Stumbaugh Ridge, OR) BWG056b.7 (Stumbaugh Ridge, OR) BWG058.6 (Indian Creek, OR) BWG059.7 (Potamus, OR) BWG041.5 (Yakima ATC, WA) BWG037.7 (Wallowa Co., OR) BWG057.7 (Grande Ronde, OR) BWG007.7 (Grinnell glacier, MT) BWG097.6 (?????) BWG030.5 (Boise, ID) BWG031.6 (Big Bar – Hells Canyon, ID) BWG099.6 (Eureka, Eureka Co. NV)

BWG100.5 (Pinto Summit, Eureka Co., NV) BWG068.7 (N Battle Mtn.,UT)

BWG025.7 (Lone, Mtn., BWG06NV) 6.5 (Elko, Elko Co., NV) BWG063.6 (Cottonwood Creek, UT) BWG093.7 (Winnemucca, Humboldt Co., NV) BWG075.7 (Owyhee Desert, Elko Co., NV)

BWG036.7 (Imnaha, OR) BWG010.6 (Lewis and Clark Co., MT) BWG011.7 (Madison, Co., MT) BWG012.7 (Broadwater Co., MT) BWG027.7 (Salmon, ID) BWG013.7 (Livingston, MT) BWG014.7 (Decker, MT)

BWG002.7 (Banff, BWG01A5B.)7 (Meeteetse, Park Co., WY) BWG004.7 (Coleman, AB) BWG006.6 (Slocan, AB)

B

4

WG043.7 (Steptoe Butte, Whitman Co, WA)

X BWG005.6 (Ainsworth, AB) 4X BWG039.6 (Roosevelt, WA)

BW

OR)

G034.7 (Burns, BWG086.6 (Fish Springs Ranch, Washoe Co., NV) BWG040.7 (Hood River, OR)

BWG003.7 (Oldman Dam, 

BWG009.7 (Powell Co., AB)

MT)BWG008.7 (Lolo, Missoula Co., MT) BWG028.7 (Arco, ID)

BWG029.7 (Magic Reservoir, 

ID) BWG065.7 (Chriss Creek, Juab Co., UT) BWG091.7 (Levan, Utah Co., UT) BWG073.7 (Spencer Fork, UT) BWG085.7 (Mona, Juab Co., UT) BWG074.4 (E Ephraim, Sanpete Co., UT) BWG102.7 (Springville, Utah Co., UT)

BWG070.7 (Five Mile/Pigeon Hollow, 

UT) BWG020.7 (Salina Canyon, UT) Rhz? BWG032.5 (Lucile, Idaho Co., ID) BWG080.7 (Mud Spring, Millard Co., UT) BWG062.6 (Mayfield, Sanpete Co., UT) BWG021.7 (Orem, UT)

BWG095.6 (Orem/Lindon Water Tanks, Utah Co., 

BWG089.7 (Wasatch Blvd, 5810 S, Salt Lake Co., UT)

UTB)WG088.7 (Hobble Creek, UT) BWG079.7 (Pigeon Water, Duchesne Co., UT) BWG101.7 (Ogden Canyon, Weber Co., UT) BWG082.7 (Paul Bunyon’s woodpile, UT)

B

U

WG078.6 (Yuba Dam, BWT)

UT)

G067.6 (Antelope Mtn., BWG069.6 (N Tintic, UT)

BWG083.6 (La Point, BWGUT)098.5 (Antelope Canyon, Duchesne Co., UT) BWG022.7 (Logan Canyon, Cache Co., UT) inermis BWG084.6 (Hardware Ranch, Cache Co., UT) BWG076.7 (Cold Water Canyon, UT) BWG090.6 (Mantua, Box Elder, Co., UT)

B

UT)

WG064.7 (Devils Playground, Box Elder Co.?, BWG071.7 (Toano, Elko Co., 

NV) BWG024.7 (Montello, NV) BWG081.7 (Comins Lake, White Pine Co., NV) BWG023.7 (Curlew Jct., Box Elder Co., UT) BWG072.7 (Pinyon Flat, UT) BWG018.7 (Poudre Park, CO)

BWG019.6 (Black Hawk – Denver, Gilpin Co., CO) BWG087.7 (Sqaw Hollow, WY) BWG016.6 (Half Moon Lake, ~Sublette Co., WY) BWG026.5 (Ashton Hill, ID) BWG094.6 (Antelope Island, Davis Co., UT) BWG017.4 (Hiland, Natrona Co., WY) mixed with thickspike WG BWG050.7 (P. aegilopoides, Xinjiang, PRC)

BWG053.5 (P. cognata, Xinjiang, PRC)

BWG049.6 (P. ferganensis, USSR)

BWG051.7 (P. stipifolia, Stravropol Botanical 

Garden) BWG052.7 (P. libanotica, BWG054.7 (P. kuramensis, Pakistan) Iran) SRWG103.7 (Orchard, ID field grown)

E. wawawaiensis.5 (Snake-river W

SRWG092.7 (Spanish Fork, UT field 

grown) E. lanceolatus.2 (thickspike WG)

G)

PRELIMINARY

Average number of polymorphic 

fragments among accessions 

(corrected for average number of

differences within accessions): 

91 North American BWG 

6 Eurasian Pseudoroegneria 

4 North American Elymus

-- 661 individual plants 

-- E41M47 & E36M59 

-- 748 polymorphic fragments