1

GREAT BASIN NATIVE PLANT 

SELECTION AND INCREASE PROJECT

FY2009 PROGRESS REPORT

APRIL 2010

 

COOPERATORS

USDI Bureau of Land Management, Great Basin Restoration Initiative, Boise, ID

USDI Bureau of Land Management, Plant Conservation Program, Washington, DC

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 

Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystem Research Program, Boise, ID and Provo, UT

Boise State University, Boise, ID

Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Tri-River Area, Grand Junction, CO

Eastern Oregon Stewardship Services, Prineville, OR

Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR 

Private Seed Industry 

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Truax Company, Inc., New Hope, MN

University of California – Davis, Davis, CA

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

University of Nevada, Reno, NV

University of Utah, Logan, UT

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Biology and Systematics Laboratory, Logan, UT

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Exotic and Invasive Weeds Research Unit, Reno, NV

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range Research Laboratory, Logan, UT

USDA Agricultural Research Service, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID

USDA Forest Service, National Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA 

USDA Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development Center, Missoula, MT

USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, OR

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great Basin Research Center, Ephraim, UT

Utah Crop Improvement Association, Logan, UT
2

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project

2009 Progress Report

The Interagency native Plant Materials Development Program outlined in the 2002 Report to Congress 

(USDI and USDA 2002), USDI Bureau of Land Management programs and policies, and the Great Basin 

Restoration Initiative encourage the use of native species for rangeland rehabilitation and restoration 

where feasible. This project was initiated to foster the development of native plant materials for use in the 

Great Basin and to provide information that will be useful to managers when making decisions about 

selecting appropriate plant materials for seedings. A second major objective is to provide the equipment 

and techniques required for reestablishing diverse native communities. 

Research priorities include: 1) increased understanding of genetic variability in native plant species under 

consideration for use in revegetation; 2) development of seed transfer zones to provide native plant 

materials adapted to major bio-geographic areas of the Great Basin; 3) improved availability of native 

plant seed; 4) development of seed technology and cultural practices required for agricultural seed 

increase of native forbs and grasses; 5) native pollinator management for native seed production and 

investigation of post-wildfire pollinator recovery; 6) provision for in situ and ex situ conservation of 

important populations; 7) management or re-establishment of wildland shrub stands to improve seed 

availability and conserve native populations; 8) evaluation of the potential for increasing native p lant 

diversity in established crested wheatgrass stands in the Great Basin while minimizing weed invasion; 9) 

investigation of the biology of native forbs, emphasizing seed germination and seedling establishment; 

10) assessment of interactions among restoration species and between restoration species and invasive 

exotics; 11) evaluation of rangeland drills and strategies for establishing diverse native communities; 

and 12) science delivery. 

We thank our collaborators for their expertise and the in-kind contributions of their agencies that have 

made it possible to address many of the issues involved in native plant materials development and use. 

We especially thank Kelsey Clouse and Erin Denney for their hard work in editing, formatting and 

assembling this report. 

Nancy Shaw Mike Pellant

USDA Forest Service USDI Bureau of Land Management

Rocky Mountain Research Station Great Basin Restoration Initiative

Boise, ID Boise, ID

nshaw@fs.fed.us Michael_Pellant@blm.gov

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project:

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/shrub/greatbasin.shtml

Great Basin Restoration Initiative:

http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/gbri.html

NOTE: The results in this report should be considered preliminary in nature and should not be quoted or 

cited without the written consent of the Principal Investigator for the study.
3

Summary of 2009 Progress

Highlights from the 2009 report are provided below. A current list of research species, GBNPSIP 2009 

seed collections and the UCIA Stock Seed Production contract can be found in the Appendices.

 In 2009, GBNPSIP Cooperators, and their crews, made over 300 wildland seed collections of 71 

species; including 63 research collections of Artemisia tridentata subspecies (see entire list 

Appendix I).

 A workshop: Sustaining vegetative landscapes in the West: Interactions with climate change was 

presented at the Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, August 30, 2009, Albuquerque, NM. 

Presentations are online:

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/shrub/projects/ESA_Presentations/

ESA_presentations_2009.shtml

 GBNPSIP Cooperators organized and participated in the workshop: Developing a Successful Native 

Plant Program, April 1-2, 2009, Ontario, OR. Over 150 participants came from eight western states. 

The workshop highlighted partnerships and collaboration, available native plant materials and success 

stories from Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The workshop included a field 

demonstration on selecting and calibrating drills for seeding native seed mixes and a field tour of forb 

seed production research plots at the Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station. 

Presentations are online: http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/shrub/projects/Ontario.html

 The Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting was held in Boise, 

Idaho, on March 31, 2009. Presentations are online:

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/shrub/GBNPSIP/GBNPSIPpresentations2009.shtml

Plant Materials Development

 Evaluation of 31 species for potential use as restoration materials is currently underway at the Provo 

Shrub Lab.

 Chemical scarification has proven effective for enhancing Lupinus prunophilus germination while 

mechanical scarification is more effective for Lupinus argenteus.

 Common garden trials of two shrub and eight forb species at two sites in Utah facilitated selection of 

Great Basin native plant species accessions that will be most amenable to ornamental landscape use.

 The Great Basin native species Dalea ornata, D. searlsiae and Astragalus filipes were selected for 

introduction to the ornamental industry and will be presented at a multi-state meeting of ornamental 

horticulturists and growers in 2010.

 Certified seed stock of Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass, Snake River Plains fourwing saltbush and 

Northern Cold Desert winterfat produced by the NRCS Aberdeen, Idaho Plant Materials Center is 

available though the University of Idaho Foundation Seed Program and Utah Crop Improvement 

Association.

 Based on propagation studies at the Aberdeen, Idaho Plant Materials Center, sulphur-flower 

buckwheat, hotrock penstemon, sagebrush penstemon and sharpleaf penstemon can be commercially 
4

grown, at least with the use of weed barrier fabric. Lomatium species appear to require a number of 

years (3 - 4) to mature to reproductive stage under the climatic conditions at Aberdeen and may not 

be conducive to commercial production because of the long period to reach reproductive capability.

 Seed transfer zones for key native Great Basin plant species are critical to ensure sustainable 

restoration. Great Basin seed zones have been developed for tapertip onion (Allium acuminatum) and 

Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides). These seed zones will guide collection and seed 

increase of these species for future restoration.

 Germinination tests were completed for bluebunch wheatgrass to explore differences in germination 

rate among populations. 

 Preliminary analyses indicate that bluebunch wheatgrass populations differ substantially for traits of 

growth, reproduction, leaf morphology and floral phenology.

 Moderate correlations of population means with the climates of bluebunch wheatgrass seed source 

origins suggest that presence of adaptively significant genetic variation that should be considered 

when moving populations in restoration projects.

 NBR-1 Germplasm of basalt milkvetch was released for use in the northern Great Basin. When used 

in seed mixtures with adapted grasses and shrubs, basalt milkvetch will be of value in stabilizing 

degraded rangelands, revegetating disturbed areas and beautifying roadsides. This native legume will 

be of use where introduced species are not desired. The attractive foliage and flowers of basalt 

milkvetch make it an excellent choice for use in wildflower seed mixtures.

Climate Change

 A range-wide seed collection of Artemisia tridentata subspecies was made for quantitative and 

molecular genetic analyses.

 We completed DNA sequencing of the transcriptome in Artemisia tridentata subspecies tridentata

and vaseyana.

Seed Increase

 The Stock Seed Buy-back Program, is evolving to: a) facilitate development of a seed market for 

specific germplasm accessions, pooled accessions, and/or formal germplasm releases developed 

through GBNPSIP; b) reward initial seed growers financially for the risks they have assumed to 

participate in the program; c) document germplasm identity through the seed increase process by 

utilizing seed certification protocols; and d) increase stock seed available for potential secondary seed 

growers. This program is administered though the Utah Crop Improvement Association.

 The UCIA Buy-back project provides a bridge between a) small-quantity initial accessions and b) 

commercial marketplace production, by working with specialized growers who are willing to provide 

land, time and expertise to produce increased amounts of stock seed that are then made available for 

commercial production. In general, great progress has been made in defining seed accession 

groupings and knowledge of agronomic seed production techniques.

 Through 2009 we partnered with growers in Utah, Wyoming, Nevada and Oregon to evaluate 

compatibility between the species planted, soil types and cultural practices, while increasing stock 

seed. Many test plots have been established among these growers evaluating upwards of 25 species.
5

 Ten native seed growers from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada took on native forb 

and grass seed for production of new fields.

Cultural Practices

Pollinators and Predators

 In relatively mild burns of intact sage-steppe plant communities across the northern Basin and Range 

province, additional standardized samples of bloom and bees indicate excellent prospects for survival 

(pending data analysis). Where forbs do not bloom in the year following fire (previously depauperate 

communities or hotter fires), surviving bee communities will need supplemental forage such as alfalfa

or something that blooms reliably the year after seeding.

 Wild bees that are specialists on Balsamorhiza proved to be no more discriminating connoisseurs than 

generalists when foraging among mixed arrays of their limited set of related floral hosts. Seed 

growers must expect that even specialist bees will hybridize neighboring fields of infertile species 

(e.g. the balsamroots), so standard spatial isolation practices will be necessary in these limited cases.

 In chronically overgrazed and degraded sage-steppe plant communities, flowering species and the 

bees that pollinate them are sparse and lack diversity, whether it historically began as crested 

wheatgrass or not.

 Two previously unknown immature stages of two native insects were found to be pests of grass seed 

production fields. The larvae of a flea beetle, Chaetocnema subconvexa, caused significant damage 

to a field of blue wild rye, Elymus glaucus. The larvae of the checkered melon leaf beetle, 

Paranapiacaba tricincta, are presumed to feed on the roots of blue grama, Bouteloua gracilis, and 

galleta, Hilaria jamesii, after adult beetles were found in abundance in seed production fields.

 Two relatively unknown homopterans were found attacking and killing fourwing saltbush, Atriplex 

canescens, plants in native settings in Colorado. An ortheziid mealybug, Orthezia annae, was found 

killing mature fourwing plants near Grand Junction CO. The irregular wax scale was also found 

killing mature fourwing plants in the same region. Either of these native insects has the potential to 

become a significant pest in Atriplex seed increase blocks.

Stand Establishment

 Planting bulbs of Allium acuminatum in seed fields leads to seed production in the first year while 

plants grown from seed require 3–4 years to flower and set seed. Bulbs can be successfully planted 

using a mechanical planter. Timing of seed harvest is critical due to seed shattering.

 Balsamorhiza sagittata requires several years to flower and produce fruit. Plants are being established 

at high densities in small plots and will be transplanted into seed fields the year prior to first flower 

production to determine whether this might be a more economical means of establishing seed fields.

 N-sulfate fabric, a crop protective cover, has proven very valuable in increasing germination in field 

plantings. At US Natives in Elko, NV plant density in 2009 reached the objective of one plant/linear 

ft. for 16 of the 22 species planted under fabric. Only four species reached the desired objective 

without the fabric.

 Many of the forb species from low precipitation areas need irrigation for reliable seed production, but 

the supplemental irrigation when needed is in the range of only 100-200 mm.

 Subsurface drip irrigation systems work well for native forb seed production.
6

Weed Control

 Several herbicides including 2,4-DB may have potential for us in Dalea searlsiae seed production and 

additional trials should further document treatment effects on seed production and viability.

 Prowl H2O, Outlook, Sencor and 2,4-DB may have potential for Post-emergence use in Dalea ornata

seed fields. The other herbicides tested may have potential if applied prior to D. ornata breaking 

dormancy as was observed in 2008. Further testing will be required to determine herbic ide effects on 

seed production and viability.

 2,4-DB may hold promise for use in controlling weeds in Astragalus filipes seed fields. However, 

seed yield and viability were not evaluated and must be tested to certify that candidate herbicides do 

not have a negative impact on seed production.

 Many post-emergence herbicides tested were effective for weed control. Few foliar or seed yield 

effects were found when herbicides were applied very early, before substantial forb growth. These 

herbicides lack registration.

Seed Biology and Technology

 Wyoming big sagebrush seed stored with no loss in germination for 21⁄2 years by storing the seed dry 

and at -20oC.

o Seed supplies of this species can be maintained for genetic conservation and restoration.

o Equilibrium relative humidity technology proved to be an excellent nondestructive way 

to measure seed moisture for Great Basin species.

 Dormancy breaking procedures for the highly dormant seeded species Achnatherum hymenoides

(Indian ricegrass) and Penstemon acuminatus, P. deustus and P. speciosus are under investigation so 

that these desirable species can be used successfully for restoration.

 Dormancy in Sphaeralcea spp. is an adaptive trait, but interferes with establishment of uniform stands 

in seed fields. Treating seeds with boiling water has proven effective in removing the waxy cuticle 

that prevents water uptake and subsequent germination.

 Plant growth regulators tested did not replace the requirement for cold stratification for embryo 

growth and germination of Lomatium dissectum seeds.

 Lomatium dissectum var. dissectum seeds from the Willamette Valley, OR had longer stratification 

requirements than those of L. dissectum var. multifidum collected from the northern Great Basin and 

Snake River Plain. Differences may reflect genetic differences between the populations and/or 

differences in environmental conditions during seed development. The shorter stratification 

requirements for seeds from the drier sites may provide an ecological advantage. This emphasizes the 

need for use of seed adapted to the planting site.

 Lomatium dissectum var. multifidum seeds produced during periods of dry conditions may be less 

dormant than those produced during periods with greater rainfall. Thus response to seeding date and 

overwinter conditions may vary among seedlots from the same location produced in different years.

Seed and Seedling Ecology

 Seedling root growth of revegetation species is being modeled using thermal accumulation. Forb 

roots were sensitive to increasing temperatures and required more degree days at temperatures above 

20°C to reach 15 cm root depth. Grass roots were generally less sensitive to temperature and had 
7

generally similar degree day requirements to reach 15 cm root depth at all temperatures. This suggests 

that the forbs are most likely to establish during early spring, while grasses are able to establish under 

early spring or late spring temperatures, as long as soil moisture is available. As expected, cheatgrass 

roots grew fastest at cool temperatures. However, crested wheatgrass and Anatone bluebunch 

wheatgrass grew well enough to compete with cheatgrass.

Species Interactions

 Laboratory germination experiments were conducted to determine whether a suite of eight native 

annual forbs exhibit winter or spring annual germination syndromes. It was determined that 

Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia, A. tesselata, Descurainia pinnata and Lappula occidentalis

should be capable of germinating in the fall, which might make them more competitive with Bromus 

tectorum. 

 A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine whether a native perennial grass establishes 

more successfully in native annuals than in cheatgrass. Growing with competitors decreased the size 

of Elymus multisetus, however the largest decrease in size was found when grown with B. tectorum

and A. tesselata. In contrast, E. multisetus grew best with Mentzelia veatchiana. When in competition 

with B. tectorum, E. multisetus performed best when M. veatchiana was also present. These results 

support the idea that the presence of certain native annual forbs can enhance the establishment of E. 

multisetus in B. tectorum invaded rangelands.

 A seed retrieval study for five native annual forbs is ongoing. Pilot data indicates that Amsinckia 

menziesii var. intermedia, and A. tesselata are partially dormant in the fall, and enter complete 

dormancy in winter. Blepharipappus scaber is entirely nondormant in the fall and enters dormancy in 

the winter, and seeds of Mentzelia veatchiana and M. albicaulis are dormant in fall and winter. This 

study will be ongoing for 3 years.

Crested Wheatgrass Diversification

 Spring-applied herbicide (glyphosate at 66 oz/acre) significantly reduced crested wheatgrass cover 

and density (p<0.05) as compared to untreated areas.

 Three-way disking did not significantly reduce crested wheatgrass cover (p>0.05) compared to 

untreated areas. 

 Crested wheatgrass density was significantly greater (p<0.05) on areas that were 3-way disked.

 Four of the six seeded native grass species established during the first growing season after seeding: 

basin wildrye, bluebunch wheatgrass, bottlebrush squirreltail and Indian ricegrass. Each of the 

seeded forb species, western yarrow, Lewis flax and Munro globemallow also established.

 As spring growing conditions were nearly ideal, some grass and forb plants produced seed during the 

first growing season.

Restoration Strategies and Equipment

 The Revegetation Equipment Catalog (http://reveg-catalog.tamu.edu/) was duplicated on the Texas 

Tech University website, which will become the primary host for the Catalog in 2010.

 A drill calibration video scheduled for completion in spring 2009 by the USDA Forest Service 

Missoula Technology and Development Center describes drill parts and mechanisms and 

demonstrates three common methods of drill calibration. It will also illustrate some of the differences 

among drills. The video will include a glossary of standard terms used in describing seed quality and 
8

drill operation.

 Improvements to the minimum-till drill focused on transport safety, planter parallelograms and seed 

metering. Among design changes were additions of a safety hydraulic lockout valve, a centralized 

greasing system, an improved delivery spout for the fluffy seed box and a two spout seed meter cup 

for the cool season box to improve flexibility in seeding methods.
9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PLANT MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT

SCOTT JENSEN

MARK ANDERSON

The Quest for Natives: Cultural Practices, Species Screening and Private 

Growers

11

MILES NIELSON

KATIE SORENSON

COVY JONES

ALISON WHITTAKER

Native Plant Material Development and Cultivation Trials for Native 

Great Basin Forbs and Grasses

18

HEIDI A. KRATSCH

DOUGLAS JOHNSON

Demonstration, Education and Outreach Activities Related to GBNPSIP 

Plant Materials

24

KEVIN CONNORS

LOREN ST. JOHN

DAN OGLE

Establishment and Maintenance of Certified Generation 1 (G1) Seed, 

Propagation of Native Forbs, Develop Technology to Improve the 

Diversity of Introduced Grass Stands, Equipment and Strategies to 

Enhance the Post-Wildfire Establishment and Persistence of Great Basin 

Native Plants

33

R.C. JOHNSON Adapted Indian Ricegrass for the Great Basin 39

MIKE CASHMAN

R.C. JOHNSON Genetic Diversity Patterns of Allium acuminatum in the Great Basin 47

BARBARA HELLIER

BRAD ST. CLAIR

R.C. JOHNSON

Genetic Diversity and Genecology of Bluebunch Wheatgrass 

(Pseudoroegneria spicata)

55

NANCY SHAW

MOLECULAR GENETICS

SHAUN BUSHMAN

DOUGLAS JOHNSON

Phylogeographic Characterization of Genetic Diversity in Basalt 

Milkvetch

60

KISHOR BHATTARAI

CLIMATE CHANGE

BRYCE RICHARDSON

NANCY SHAW

Ecological Genetics of Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata): Genetic 

Structure and Climate Based Seed Zone Mapping 

68

SEED INCREASE

STANFORD YOUNG Stock Seed Production of Native Plants for the Great Basin 71

MICHAEL BOUCK

BERTA YOUTIE Coordination of GBNPSIP Plant Materials Development, Seed Increase 

and Use

76
10

CULTURAL PRACTICES

POLLINATORS AND PREDATORS

JIM CANE Pollinator and Seed Predator Studies 80

BOB HAMMON Insect Pests of Native Plant Seed Production 84

STAND ESTABLISHMENT

BARBARA HELLIER

R.C. JOHNSON

Allium acuminatum Seed Production: First Look at Cultural Parameters 88

CLINT SHOCK

ERIK FEIBERT

Emergence of Native Plant Seeds in Response to Seed Pelleting, Planting 

Depth, Scarification and Soil Anti-Crusting Treatment

91

LAMONT SAUNDERS

NANCY SHAW

WEED CONTROL

COREY RANSOM Identification of Herbicides for Use in Native Forb Seed Production 97

KIM EDVARCHUK

CLINT SHOCK

ERIK FEIBERT

Tolerance of Native Perennial Forbs Grown for Seed Production to Rates 

and Mixtures of Postemergence Herbicides

102

NANCY SHAW

CLINT SHOCK

JOEY ISHIDA

Native Perennial Forb Tolerance to Four Years of repeated Annual 

Applications of Postemergence Herbicides

106

ERIK FEIBERT

NANCY SHAW

SEED BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY

ANTHONY S. DAVIS Characterization of Seed Germination Requirements for Improved 

Direct-Seeding Success in a Changing Climate

112

ROBERT KARRFALT

VICTOR VANKUS

Development of Germination Protocols, Seed Weight, Purity and Seed 

Conditioning/Cleaning Protocols for Great Basin Grasses and Forbs

113

MARCELO SERPE Development of Procedures to Break Dormancy in

Lomatium dissectum seeds

116

SEED AND SEEDLING ECOLOGY

BRUCE A. ROUNDY Modeling Seedling Root Growth of Great Basin Species 119

KERT YOUNG

SPECIES INTERACTIONS

TARA FORBIS

ELIZABETH A. LEGER

Investigations of Seed and Seedling Ecology and Competitive Ability of 

Native Annual Forbs of the Western Great Basin

127

ERIN GOERGEN

SUSAN E. MEYER
11

CRESTED WHEATGRASS DIVERSIFICATION

KENT MCADOO Evaluating Strategies for Increasing Plant Diversity in Crested Wheatgrass 

Seedings

136

COREY MOFFET Effect of Herbicide Application Timing on Crested Wheatgrass Control 

and Subsequent Native Plant Reestablishment Success

141

RESTORATION STRATEGIES AND EQUIPMENT

ROBERT COX Revegetation Equipment Catalog 146

LISA OUTKA-PERKINS Calibration of Drills for Rehabilitation and Restoration Seedings on 

Western Wildlands

147

COREY RANSOM Evaluation of Imazapic Rates and Forb Planting Times on Native Forb 

Establishment

148

NANCY SHAW

ROBERT COX

Native Plant Selection, Seed Biology and Seeding Equipment and 

Technology

150

JIM TRUAX

JAMES TRUAX Development of Seeding Equipment for Establishing Diverse Native 

Communities

167

ALISON WHITTAKER

DANNY SUMMERS

Establishment of Native Forbs Following Mechanical Soil Disturbance in 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush Communities in the Great Basin

170

APPENDICES

Research Species and Their Occurrence in Great Basin States 173

GBNPSIP Seed Collections 2009 177

UCIA Stock Seed Production Contract 180
12

Project Title: The Quest for Natives: Cultural Practices, Species 

Screening and Private Growers

Project Location: USDA Forest Service, Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo, UT

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Scott Jensen, Botanist

USDA FS RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory

735 N. 500 E.

Provo, UT 84606-1865

801.356.5128, fax: 801.375.6968

sljensen@fs.fed.us

Mark Anderson, Miles Nielson, Katie Sorensen

Biological Science Technicians

USDA FS RMRS Shrub Sciences Laboratory

735 N. 500 E.

Provo, UT 84606-1865

801.356.5128, fax: 801.375.6968

Project Description:

At the initiation of this GBNPSIP, our initial selection of plant materials included a number of 

species with morphological and/or phenological characteristics that made agronomic production 

difficult. Subsequently we are developing a screening process to characterize a species‟ 

agronomic and restoration potential as a first step in our development program. We see the native 

seed market in three broad categories: broad use restoration species, special use restoration 

species and niche species. Generally seed from a plant that yields large quantities can be 

marketed at a lower cost resulting in wide use. Species that fall into the broad use restoration 

category will follow this model as well as having good establishment characteristics, temporal 

persistence and desirability by end users. Special use species may be more difficult to produce 

resulting in higher seed cost, have a more restrictive geographic distribution or a narrower range 

of site adaptability than broad use species. Niche species may be difficult to produce in quantity 

resulting in high seed costs or have a narrow distribution or adaptability. 

While several species we have worked with fall into the niche market category our efforts going 

forward are to focus on species that will fall into the broad use and special use categories. 

Species Screening

Since 2006 we have made both opportunistic and targeted collections of plausible species and 

begun trials. Broader collection and more discrete selecting will occur for promising species. 

The following genera/species are currently being evaluated:
13

Genus Common Name Genus Common Name

Agastache giant hyssop Helianthus sunflower

Amsinckia fiddleneck Hymenopappus hymenopappus

Argemone munita flatbud pricklypoppy Hymenoxys rubberweed

Aster Aster Iris iris

Astragalus Milkvetch Linum subteres sprucemont flax

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker's balsamroot Lithospermum stoneseed

Calochortus mariposa lilly Lomatium nudicaule barestem biscuitroot

Castilleja paintbrush Mentzelia blazingstar

Chaenactis pincushion Nicotiana attenuata coyote tobacco

Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain beeplant Oenothera evening primrose

Cryptantha cryptantha Packera groundsel

Enceliopsis nudicaulis nakedstem sunray Penstemon beardtongue

Erigeron fleabane Phacelia crenulata cleftleaf wildheliotrope

Frasera albomarginata desert frasera Potentilla slender cinquefoil

Gaillardia blanketflower Thelypodium milleflorum manyflower thelypody

Helianthella one flower helianthella

Individual Species Status

Astragalus utahensis

Niche Market: Prostrate stature makes weed control within the plant canopy difficult and limits

mechanical harvest. Handheld or backpack blower-vacs are practical on small plots, a larger 

tractor mounted unit would be desirable for larger plots. Seed yields are projected to be about 40 

lbs/acre. 

Agoseris heterophylla

Special Use Market: Extrapolating data from greenhouse production indicates this species can 

yield as much as 900 lbs per acre. Operational scale production and harvesting difficulties will 

reduce yields substantially. Still yields on the order of several hundred pounds per acre should be 

feasible. Handheld or backpack blower-vacs are practical on small plots, a larger tractor 

mounted unit would be desirable for larger plots.

Fall 2008 plantings at two private growers failed. One plot germinated in December following a 

rainstorm then frost killed, the other plot experienced poor establishment due to a residual soil 

herbicide. We increased a G2 Humboldt County, NV source at our production facilities. 

Approximately 4 lbs of seed is available for distribution to growers in spring 2010. 

Hesperostipa comata

Bulk collections were made in 2009 for several top performing sources based on seed yield, 

similarity in height and ripening date. Additional bulk collections will be made in 2010. 
14

Lupinus spp.

Niche Market: Studies evaluating establishment techniques and yields for four lupine species 

completed their second year. L. prunophyllus and L. arbustus exhibit uniform seed ripening and 

good yields in wild stands. However, neither species has performed acceptably at any of four test 

sites. Establishment is often poor; the plants suffer from chlorosis, senesce early and require 

multiple years to reach flowering stage. L. argenteus and L. sericeus establish readily but exhibit 

indeterminate seed ripening and shatter. Extrapolated yields estimate harvest at < 50 lbs/acre 

with either multiple hand harvests or single mechanical harvest at peak seed. 

Stock Seed Production

A single Humboldt County, NV source of annual agoseris (Agoseris heterophylla) was increased 

in 2007 (G1- 2 lbs), 2008 (G2 - 9 lbs) and 2009 (G3-4lbs) in our Provo greenhouse. 

During the fall of 2009 the following species were seeded in small plots for seed increase:

Scientific Name Common name

Species 

Screening

Yields - Row 

Spacing Trials Increase

Seeding 

Rate

Amsinckia fiddleneck X X

Argemone munita flatbud pricklypoppy X X X X

Aster sp. aster X X X

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker's balsamroot X X X X

Balsamorhiza sagittata arrowleaf balsamroot X X

Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain beeplant X X X

Crepis acuminata tapertip hawksbeard X X X X

Crepis intermedia limestone hawksbeard X X X X

Enceliopsis nudicaulis nakedstem sunray X X X X

Frasera albomarginata desert frasera X X X X

Heliomeris multiflora Nevada goldeneye X X X

Helianthella uniflora oneflower helianthella X X X X

Ipomopsis aggregata scarlet gilia X X X X

Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain iris X X X

Lomatium dissectum fernleaf biscuitroot X X

Lomatium nudicaule barestem biscuitroot X X X X

Mentzelia sp. blazingstar X X X X

Nicotiana attenuata coyote tobacco X X X

Penstemon sp. beardtongue X X X X

Penstemon pachyphyllus thickleaf beardtongue X X

Phacelia crenulata corrugata cleftleaf wildheiotrope X X X X

Potentilla gracilis slender cinquefoil X X X X

Thelypodium milleflorum manyflower thelypody X X X X
15

Wildland Seed Collections

Seed collection, in 2009, targeted new and additional populations of species being screened, as 

well as additional populations of the promising candidates scarlet gilia, Nevada goldeneye, 

Lewis flax and thickleaf beardtongue.

Bulk Collections from Wildland Stands for Research and Distribution to Growers

3 lbs of flatbud pricklypoppy (Argemone munita) were collected in Juab County, UT. 

28 lbs of coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) were collected in Whitepine County, NV.

40 lbs of barestem biscuitroot (Lomatium nudicaule) were collected in Elko County, NV.

3 lbs of cleftleaf wildheliotrope (Phacelia crenulata) were collected in Whitepine County, NV.

18 and 28 lbs of thickleaf beardtongue (Penstemon pachyphyllus) were collected in Whitepine 

County, NV.

2009 Seed Collections

Screening

No. 

collections Development

No. 

collections

Species

Common 

Name Species

Common 

Name

In Process

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker's 

balsamroot 2 Agoseris grandiflora bigflower agoseris 2

Materials in Development

Enceliopsis nudicaulis nakedstem sunray 3 Agoseris heterophylla annual agoseris 1

Frasera albomarginata desert frasera 2 Lomatium dissectum fernleaf 

biscuitroot 1

Lomatium nudicaule *** barestem 

biscuitroot 2 Lupinus arbustus longspur lupine 2

Lupinus argenteus silvery lupine 2

Lupinus prunophilus hairy bigleaf 

lupine 1

New Species to Screen

Linum subte res sprucemont flax 1 Lupinus sericeus silky lupine 2

Mentzelia blazingstar 3 Penstemon deustus

scabland 

penstemon

1

Phacelia crenulata cleftleaf 

wildheliotrope 1 Penstemon speciosus royal penstemon

1

Agastache urticifolia nettleleaf g iant 

hyssop 1 Sphaeralcea coccinea scarlet globemallow 1

Cryptantha crypta ntha 1 Hesperostipa comata

needle and 

threa d

6

Heliome ris multiflora var. 

nevadensis ***

Nevada 

goldeneye 6

Recent Additions

Early Seral Species

Amsinckia me nziesii fiddleneck 3 Ipomopsis aggregata scarlet gilia 6

Argemone munita flatbud 

pricklypoppy 2 Linum lewisii Lewis flax 3

Thelypodium milleflorum manyflower 

thelypody 2

Penstemon pachyphyllus 

***

thickleaf 

beardtong ue 3

Nicotiana atte nuata coyote tobacco 3

*** Distributed to Growers in 2009
16

Soil Replacement Pilot Study

Soil samples taken at a large number of forb collection sites show a predominance of loam to 

sandy loam soils. Over the years we have seeded many species into clay loam to loam soils at 

our test facilities with mixed success. We hypothesize incompatibility between species and soil 

texture may be partially responsible in cases of poor establishment. In a pilot study with five

replicated blocks at Fountain Green, UT we seeded four species into the native loam soil and a 

sandy replacement soil. A furrow opener was used to displace soil in a broad V shaped pattern to 

a width and depth of approximately 4”. Sandy soil was shoveled into the V. One row in each 

block/species combination was covered with n-sulate plant protection fabric while the other row 

was left open yielding four treatments; native soil covered and uncovered with n-sulate, and 

sandy soil covered and uncovered.

Balsamorhiza hookeri and Frasera albomarginata failed to establish under all treatments. 

Thelypodium milleflorum and Potentilla gracilis germinated significantly better (p=0.004) when 

covered with n-sulate fabric. While not significant at the 5% level, P. gracilis germinated nearly 

twice as well in native soil as the sandy replacement and T. milleflorum demonstrated just the 

opposite preferring the sandy soil nearly 2:1.

This study was expanded in 2009 to include 25 additional species, replicated at three sites. 

N-Sulate Fabric Trials

N-Sulate fabric, a crop protective cover, has proven very valuable in increasing germination in 

field plantings. The fabric helps retain moisture, increases temperature and limits frost damage to 

early emerging seedlings. We have used the fabric in a soil texture study, in wildland settings 

and at several growers‟ farms. At the Canaday farm in 2009 plant de nsity reached the objective 

of one plant/linear ft. for 16 of the 22 species planted under fa bric. Four of the remaining six

species did not germinate at all and two germinated weeks after the fabric was removed. Only 

four species reached the desired objective without the fabric. 

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

avg # plants per linear ft

Seedling Establishment 

Canaday Farm

May 12, 2009

N-sulate Uncovered 

Cultural Practices
17

Root Transplant Study

A number of species require several years to reach seed producing stage. Paying weed control 

and maintenance costs on a nonproducing field for several years is cost prohibitive. Several 

species have large taproots with good potential for transplanting. We planted Balsamorhiza

hookerii, B. sagitata, Crepis acuminata, C. intermedia, Enceliopsis nudicaulis, Lomatium 

nudicaule, L. triternatum and Lupinus prunophilus in densely seeded nursery beds to evaluate 

plant production in this setting and provide stock for transplanting tria ls. High density plantings 

grown to seed producing size then transplanted to production fields may be a feasible option for 

some species. 

Seed Distribution to Growers

As of 2009 we have partnered with eight growers in Utah, Wyoming, Nevada and Oregon to

evaluate compatibility between the species planted, soil types and cultural practices, while 

increasing stock seed. Our approach is to select a few species we think are well adapted to the 

site and grower circumstances for bulk plantings then take a shotgun approach with a lot of other 

species to determine what will perform well. Based on first year success, we will increase the 

size of successful plantings. Many test plots have been established among these growers 

evaluating upwards of 25 species. 

Seed Distribution to Cooperators

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station. Clinton C. Shock. Seedling establishment 

and cultural practice studies.

Utah State University, Department of Plants, Soils, and Climate. Cory Ransom. Pre-emergent 

herbicide trials.

Presentations:

Jensen, Scott L. 2009. Equipment for native forb production. 6th Annual Diversity in Agriculture 

Conference, 2009 February 26; Delta, UT. 

Jensen, Scott L. 2009. Status of plant materials development work for Great Basin species. 

Intermountain Native Plant Summit, 2009 March 24-25; Boise, ID. 

Jensen, Scott L.; Jones, Covy; Vernon, Jason; Summers, Danny. 2009. The quest for natives: 

Cultural practices, species screening, harvesting equipment and private growers. Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31; Boise, ID.

Jensen, Scott L.; Jones, Covy. 2009. Status of plant materials development work for Great Basin 

species. Native Plant Materials and Seeding Workshop, 2009 April 1-2; Ontario, OR. 

Jensen, Scott L. 2009. Overview of GBNPSIP. Colorado Plateau Materials Working Group 

Organizing Meeting, 2009 April 22; Salt Lake City, UT.

Jensen, Scott L. 2009. Overview of GBNPSIP with emphasis on Shrub Lab work. Visiting 

RMRS Leadership, 2009 July 7; Provo, UT.
18

Jensen, Scott L.; Jones, Covy; Larsen, Ron; Hanks, Kerry; Whitaker, Alison. Wintersteiger 

Classic Combine – Maintenance and Operation Guide. PowerPoint Presentation available for 

combine operators.
19

Project Title: Native Plant Material Development and Cultivation 

Trials for Native Great Basin Forbs and Grasses 

Project Location: Great Basin Research Center, Ephraim, Utah

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Covy Jones, Wildlife Biologist II 

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources/Great Basin Research Center 

494 West 100 South

Ephraim, UT 84627 

435.283.4441, fax: 435.283.2034 

Alison Whittaker, GBRC Project Leader

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources/Great Basin Research Center 

494 West 100 South

Ephraim, UT 84627 

435.283.4441, fax: 435.283.2034 

Project Description:

Mission and Goals 

We are working on developing cultural practices for several forb species in the Great Basin. Our 

current focus is improvement of germination techniques through mechanical, chemical and 

thermal scarification methods. Forging relationships with new growers continues to be a priority, 

thereby allowing us to increase seed availability from small collections to larger quantities and 

providing seed for larger production fields and landscape scale restoration projects. We are 

continuing to find new methods to deal with disease and pestilence issues that have become 

apparent in agricultural settings. We are also striving to purchase or develop necessary 

cultivation machinery to enable the success of the project. 

Wildland Seed Collections

The focus this year was on bulk seed collections. A bulk collection allows us to experiment with 

direct seeding methods and provide seed to commercial growers. Seed set was good this year for 

balsamroot, globemallow and some lupine species; bulk collections were made for multiple 

accessions of these species. Seed set was poor this year for cushion buckwheat and hawksbeard 

species; collections were made when possible for these species. We will continue with the bulk 

collection model in 2010. 

Species Status 

Sphaeralcea spp

New common gardens of globemallow species were established in Nephi and at the Desert 

Experimental Range (DER), west of Milford. This was done in an effort to confirm seed 

production data that was collected in 2008 from the Fountain Green common garden. 

Grasshoppers ate all the foliage at the Nephi site but not before the plants had time to establish. 

As a result, we suspect they will re-sprout in 2010. Disease presented an issue for globemallow 

species in 2008. Most of the Fountain Green common garden was decimated by a fungal rust 
20

infection and did not re-emerge in 2009. In addition to seed production, we will evaluate genetic 

resistance to rust at the newly established common garden sites. Due to the possibility of losing 

a significant number of plants from a particular accession to disease, a pooled source release 

might not be the best idea for this genus. Further investigation is needed to determine if some 

accessions are more resistant and would therefore be better suited for cultivation. 

Hedysarum boreale

In 2008, preliminary inoculum testing was done on Utah Sweet-Vetch (Hedysarum boreale) to 

evaluate the effect of local native rhizobia vs. the commercially available rhizobia. We noticed 

that the commercial inoculum seemed to infect a higher percentage of plants. A follow up study 

this year confirmed preliminary results demonstrating that the commercially available inoculum 

has equal, or in some cases better, inoculation potential than the native inoculum. Figure 1a and 

1b show the overall effect of inoculum on biomass production and nodulation frequency. 

Figure 1 Effect of inoculums on A) biomass production and B) nodulation frequency. 

Eriogonum ovalifolium

We collected data on the cushion buckwheat common garden using flower height as an indicator 

of mechanical harvest-ability, and because of the poor seed set, we used flower number as a 

surrogate for possible seed production. After analyzing the data we discovered that there are 

significant differences between accessions for both of these categories. We designed a scoring 

system to incorporate both the flower height and flower number data. We will continue to 

peruse the top ranking accessions for collections in 2010. To confirm that flower number is a 

good surrogate for seed set we are building pollination boxes to induce forced pollination and we 

will harvest actual seed this coming year. Once seed is acquired a pooled source accession 

increase plot will be established. Evaluation of mechanical harvesting methods will be 

conducted in order to provide mechanical seed harvesting information for growers.

Balsamorhiza spp

Arrowleaf balsamroot has posed problems primarily because of the time it takes to establish. 

This year we experimented with a new planting method where we used nursery bedding 

equipment to create a perfectly flat planting surface and then seeded on the beds with six inch 

row spacing. We hope to be able to establish a dense stand of plants and then use a root lifter to 

remove the plants from the bed and transplant them into a field the year before they produce 

seed. The use of dense beds until establishment would lower the initial land investment for a 

grower. We continue to work with Hooker‟s balsamroot and have included it in the above 

mentioned study. More wildland collections are needed for this species to bulk up stock seed for 

direct seeding.

HEBO Above Ground Biomass Production in Grams

140

145

150

155

160

165

170

Comercial Control Native

Inoculum Treatment Weight in Grams

A

Hebo Nodulation Frequency

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Comercial Control Native

Inoculum Treatment Rating: Frequency of Inoculation

B
21

Perideridia bolanderi

We will continue to opportunistically collect wildland seed from superior accessions of this 

species. Time to establish may make it a good candidate for a transplant study. 

Seed Scarification Studies

Sphaeralcea spp

We had success in 2007 using acid scarification to reduce dormancy in globemallow. However, 

concentrated sulfuric acid is not the easiest chemical to acquire and handling the acid poses some 

risk. Consequently, treating large quantities of seed using this method is not our first choice. 

Additionally, thermal scarification is more practical than using sulfuric acid. Pouring boiling 

water over the globemallow seed melts away the waxy cuticle and allows the seed to imbibe and 

germinate. Preliminary studies using this method were conducted during fall 2008 and showed 

promise. In 2009, we continued using this method of scarification on globemallow seed prior to 

direct seeding in an increase field situation. More research will be done in 2010 to quantify 

optimal water temperature and exposure time so that maximum germination is obtained with 

minimum embryo death.

Lupinus spp

Additional testing has been done on thermal, chemical and mechanical scarification; however, 

the mechanical scarification failed because the machine would not work with small quantities of 

seed. This has been corrected and is currently being repeated. Upon completion we will use 

linear regression to confirm preliminary results that L. prunophilus responds best to chemical 

scarification while mechanical works better on L. argenteus. In 2010, the regression will be 

finalized and used to find the optimal scarification technique for hard-seeded lupine species 

across several accessions. This will allow us to then use a more complex statistical model to

define the best scarification methods over a broad geographic area. 

Cultivation Trials

Lupinus spp

We collected and analyzed data comparing two direct seeding methods as well as a transplant 

into weed barrier method for four lupine species (LUAR, LUPR, LUSE, LUARB). As shown in 

figure 2a and 2b, increased germination and establishment was shown with the use of N-Sulate 

fabric for all species. Although LUARB germinated, it quickly showed signs of iron chlorosis,

then became necrotic and senesced and did not re-emerge in 2009. LUPR showed the same 

signs as LUARB but it was able to persist longer before it senesced, which allowed it to put 

down a root and it did emerge in 2009. We were able to sustain LUPR plants this year with 

supplemental EDDHA chelated iron treatments; however they did not produce flower or fruit. 

Fig.3 Average % germination of 4 lupine species under N-Sulate fabric

and uncovered in Fountain Green and Ephraim Combind

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

Species Per cent Germination

Fabric 20.52% 31.95% 20.20% 33.67%

Uncovered 2.48% 13.09% 7.23% 7.29%

LUAR LUSE LUARB LUPR

Fig. 2a Fig.3 Average % est. of 4 lupine species under N-Sulate fabric

and uncovered in Fountain Green and Ephraim Combind

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

Species Percent Establishment

Fabric 8.79% 9.82% 0.20% 11.65%

Uncovered 0.29% 1.51% 0.00% 0.11%

LUAR LUSE LUARB LUPR

Fig. 2b
22

Weed control techniques were also evaluated between the two planting methods; the transplant 

and interspaces method. The evaluation was done in man hours and the plots were a little less 

than 0.2 acres each. The interspaces were about half an acre. All weeding inside the plots was 

done by hand. Extrapolated it would take between 500 and 1000 man hours an acre to maintain 

the plot. Hand weeding is not a viable option. See figure 3. 

Figure 3. Weeding time by treatment. 

Yields for LUAR and LUSE, the two species that produced seed, were extrapolated into the 

range of 25 to 40 pounds an acre, which is too low for commercial production. In 2010, we will 

collect yield data again to see if the plants produce more seed in year three.

Management Applications: 

Forb Island Study

The cost of native forbs will always be more than grasses, shrubs and non-native forbs. Because 

of the additional cost, land managers will be more discretionary about when and where they use 

these vital plants. We have been using N-Sulate fabric for the past two years in our field 

plantings and it has made up to 1000x increase in germination for some species. Selecting areas 

that will hold moisture longer, combined with the use of N-Sulate fabric for added heat and 

moisture retention, could improve germination and establishment in wildland restoration. To 

understand how this technology might improve restoration success we put the Forb Island Study

in this fall at five locations; three in the Great Basin, one on the Colorado Plateau and one in the 

Mojave Desert. Each site is set up so that it will statically stand alone but can also be combined 

with the other sites. Using two seed mixes we will compare germination and establishment of 

plots that were either covered with N-Sulate fabric or not covered. In 2010, we will take 

germination and survival readings on the plots. In 2011, we will take establishment data. In 

subsequent years we will measure survival and recruitment. 

Weeding Effort Man Hours

0

50

100

150

200

250

Covered Uncovered Weed Barrier Interspaces

Treatment

Hours
23

Land Managers

Several of the globemallow plantings that we put in 2008 did well. We scaled up in 2009 and 

added three new growers growing different accessions of the same species. We encourage seed 

purchasers to keep these growers in mind when buying seed this coming year.

Seed Producers

We are now able to provide seed producers and restoration facilitators with information on 

scarification of globemallow and lupine species to fac ilitate stand establishment using less seed. 

Products:

Growers

Cindy Canady in Elko, Nevada has 47 acres in a very sandy soil type. She recently acquired the 

property and about 10 acres were in good planting condition. She has plenty of water to 

establish and grow native plants. Cindy also has experience with wildland seed collecting. In 

2008, we planted five acres and 24 different species on the Canady farm. We have the lead on 

three of the species, but only one of the three species established at increase field density. In 

2009, we scaled up adding 1.5 acres to what Cindy had originally planted using seed from the 

original source. See table 1 for details. 

The Bell farm comprises over 700 acres just north of Vernon, Utah and is a clay loam soil type. 

Warren Bell, the managing partner of Biograss Sod Farms, is currently harvesting several species 

of grass as sod on most of the land. Growing natives is not completely new to Warren, who in 

the past has collaborated with retired Forest Service Research Scientist Bruce Welch to grow 

several penstemon species. We were able to plant 22 species at the Bell farm on 10 acres of 

land. We have the lead on five of those species. Of those five species planted in 2008, it was 

determined in 2009 that two did well and established at densities that warrant a seed production 

field. We scaled up with those two species adding 0.25 acres of scarlet globemallow and one 

acre of gooseberryleaf globemallow. 

The Tripp farm is a small residential orchard in the middle of Spring City, Utah. Al Tripp, the 

owner/operator of the farm, has limited space on his land so we have worked together with Al to 

establish transplants in weed barrier for some of the more difficult species to cultivate and 

harvest. We used a pooled source accession approach to increase genetic diversity. 

The Hanks farm located in Grover, Utah is just over 300 acres. Walt Hanks, the owner/operator 

of the farm, currently has about half of the land in grass pasture or alfalfa production. The farm 

sits at just over 7,000 feet in elevation. We planted 14 species on the Hanks farm, of which we 

have the lead on two. 

The Jones farm is located 45 minutes north of Kemmerer, Wyoming at just over 7,000 feet in 

elevation. Debra Stoutenberg is the land manager that we have been working with on the Jones 

farm. We planted five species on the Jones farm of which we have the lead on one. 

The Young farm is located in Sterling, Utah and sits over 5,500 feet in elevation. The farm 

consists of 40 acres and is managed by Bob Young. We planted three species on the Young farm 

and have the lead on two of those. 
24

 Table 1. Natives seeded by private growers in 2009. 

For a full list of species planted at each location contact Covy Jones or Scott Jensen. 

Presentations:

Jones, Covy; Jensen, Scott. 2009. Native crops and seed production. Diversified Agriculture 

Conference, 2009 February 26; Delta, UT. 

Jones, Covy; Jensen, Scott; Vernon, Jason; Summers Danny. 2009. The quest for natives; 

cultural practices, species screening, harvesting equipment and private growers. Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31; Boise, ID. 

Jensen, Scott L.; Jones, Covy. 2009. Status of plant materials development work for Great Basin 

species. Native Plant Materials and Seeding Workshop, 2009 April 1-2; Ontario, OR. 

Grower Species Common Name

Acreage 

Seeded

Canaday Sphaeralcea grossularifolia gooseberryleaf globemallow 2.13

Bell Sphaeralcea grossularifolia gooseberryleaf globemallow 2

Bell Sphaeralcea coccinea scarlet globemallow 0.75

Tripp Balsamorhiza sagittata arrowleaf balsamroot 0.01

Tripp Balsamorhiza hookeri hooker’s balsamroot 0.01

Tripp Crepis acuminata tapertip hawksbeard 0.01

Tripp Crepis intermedia limestone hawksbeard 0.01

Hanks Sphaeralcea coccinea scarlet globemallow 0.75

Hanks Sphaeralcea grossularifolia gooseberryleaf globemallow 2

Jones Sphaeralcea coccinea scarlet globemallow 1.5

Young Sphaeralcea coccinea scarlet globemallow 0.75

Young Sphaeralcea grossularifolia gooseberryleaf globemallow 2
25

Project Title: Demonstration, Education and Outreach Activities 

Related to GBNPSIP Plant Materials

Project Location: Utah State University, Logan, Utah

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Heidi A. Kratsch

Utah State University

4820 Old Main Hill

Logan, UT 84322-4820

435.797.8124, fax: 435.797.3376

heidi.kratsch@usu.edu

Douglas Johnson

USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-6300

435.797.3067

Doug.Johnson@ars.usda.gov

Kevin Connors

USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-6300

Kevin.Connors@ars.usda.gov

Project Description:

Use of regionally adapted native plants in home and commercial ornamental landscapes can 

lower water use and decrease demand for limited water supplies. Most of the forbs being 

developed through GBNPSIP for rangeland restoration applications also have high potential for 

use as water-conserving ornamentals. Our project is devoted to education and outreach activities 

related to use of GBNPSIP and other native plant materials in urban low-water landscaping and 

in rangeland restoration and revegetation.

Objectives 

Incorporate plants developed in the GBNPSIP into evaluation and demonstration gardens in a 

multi-state area.

Develop partnerships with state and local agencies and the private sector to educate the 

general public about GBNPSIP plant materials and their use in expanding biodiversity in the 

revegetation and restoration of degraded rangelands.

Generate interest among growers for large-scale seed production of GBNPSIP plant 

materials, reduction in seed costs and increased availability.

Facilitate development of a secondary, non-Federal market that would enhance market 

stability of GBNPSIP plant materials.
26

Materials and Methods

Common garden trials of two shrub and eight forb species were conducted at two sites in northern 

and north-central Utah. Ten plants of each accession of Agastache, Cercocarpus, Geranium, 

Monardella, Penstemon, Purshia and Stanleya and 18 plants of each accession of Astragalus and 

Dalea were planted at two sites: Utah State University Greenville Farm in North Logan, UT and the 

Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville, UT. Plants were transplanted from greenhouse-grown plants 

in fall 2007 (Agastache, Cercocarpus, Geranium, Monardella, Penstemon, Purshia, Stanleya) 

and spring 2008 (Astragalus, Dalea). Plots were arranged in a randomized complete block 

design. Seeds were collected in Utah and neighboring states (except as noted in Table 1) and 

grown to a suitable size for outplanting in a greenhouse on the campus of Utah State University 

in Logan, UT. Plants were irrigated as needed to insure their establishment during their first 

growing season (2008). Thereafter, no irrigation was added.

Species included in common garden trials:

Agastache urticifolia (Horsemint)

Astragalus filipes (Basalt milkvetch)

Cercocarpus ledifolius (Curlleaf mountain mahogany)

Dalea ornata (Western prairie clover)

Dalea searlsiae (Searl‟s prairie clover)

Geranium viscosissimum (Sticky geranium)

Monardella odoratissima (Mountain beebalm)

Penstemon eatonii (Firecracker penstemon)

Purshia mexicana (Cliffrose)

Stanleya pinnata (Prince‟s plume)

Table 1. Species utilized in the trials and the county, state, and elevation of each accession‟s origin.

Species Accession County State Elevation

Agastache urticifolia

TB16 Davis UT 2438 m/8000 ft

TB19 Cache UT 2170 m/7119 ft

TB21 Bannock ID Unavailable

TB25 Juab UT 1601 m/5252 ft

TB36 Cache UT 1712 m/5617 ft

Astragalus filipes

LH Seed from L & H Seed Company

NCO

Seed from a composite mixture of four 

collections from north-central Oregon

Cercocarpus A-29 Iron UT 2410 m/7908 ft

ledifolius A-22 Millard UT 1782 m/5848 ft

Dalea ornata

10 Sherman OR 352 m/1154 ft

17 Wheeler OR 1001 m/3284 ft

23 Jefferson OR 941 m/3087 ft

LH Seed from L & H Seed Company

Dalea searlsiae

8 Lincoln NV 1796 m/5892 ft

14 Kane UT 1695 m/5561 ft

17 Kane UT 1749 m/5738 ft

Geranium 

viscosissimum

TB15 Davis UT 2438 m/8000 ft

TB27 Sanpete UT 2736/8975ft
27

Monardella 

odoratissima

A-32 Iron UT 2649 m/8691 ft

A-43 Cache UT 2134 m/7000 ft

Penstemon eatonii

A-30 Iron UT 2557 m/8388 ft

A-40 Carbon, Utah UT 1581 m/5187 ft

A-45 Utah UT 1798 m/5900 ft

Purshia mexicana

A-2 Iron UT 1948 m/6390 ft

A-20 Grand UT 1836 m/6024 ft

A-24 Garfield UT 2014 m/6608 ft

Stanleya pinnata

A-1 Iron UT 2051 m/6730 ft

A-8 Iron UT 1778 m/5832 ft

A-35 Washington UT 984 m/3227 ft

SRS Emery UT 1586 m/5203 ft

Results

Agastache urticifolia

Agastache seed was collected at sites ranging from 5200 to 8000 ft. in elevation (Table 1). 

Overwinter survival of all five accessions was greater than 90% (Table 2). The two accessions 

from the lower elevation collections did not survive the summer without irrigation at either site. 

Of the plants that survived, none differed in growth characteristics (Table 3). 

Astragalus filipes

Basalt milkvetch accessions in our trials were from composite seed collections. The LH 

accession exhibited poor winter survival in North Logan (Table 2), although survivors were 

larger, though not significantly so, than plants of the NCO accession (Table 3). Plants of both 

accessions were nearly in full bloom in early June 2009 (Table 4). 

Cercocarpus ledifolius

Littleleaf mountain mahogany accessions originated in central Utah at about 6000 and 8000 ft. 

(Table 1). Plants of both accessions overwintered successfully, but 50% or less survived the 

summer without irrigation at either location (Table 2). Plants of the higher elevation accession 

showed potential for being larger than lower elevation plants (Table 3), and parent plants 

exhibited a tree form in their native habitat, a characteristic considered valuable for ornamental 

purposes. This may be a trait useful for selecting a named variety for ornamental use.

Dalea ornata

Western prairie clover accessions originated from north-central Oregon at 1150 to 3300 ft. 

(Table 1). Nearly all survived the summer without irrigation at both sites, but plant losses 

occurred over the winter in North Logan (Table 2), the Do-LH accession exhibiting the best 

overwinter survival at this latitude. Plants from the Do-LH accession were larger at the end of 

the season at the North Logan site, whereas plants of the Do-17 accession were larger at the 

Kaysville site (Table 3). Extent of flowering differed among accessions, with two of the 

accessions (Do-LH and D0-23) at 50% bloom on 9 June 2009. Do-10, the accession from the 

northernmost county (northern Oregon), was at less than 20% bloom at this time.
28

Table 2. Overwinter and summer survival of plants (%) established in replicated trials in North Logan and 

Kaysville, Utah. Plants were installed in fall 2007 (Agastache, Cercocarpus, Geranium, Monardella, 

Penstemon, Purshia, Stanleya) and spring 2008 (Astragalus, Dalea). Data were collected in 2009.

Species Accession

North Logan, UT Kaysville, UT

Winter

Survival 

Summer 

Survival 

Winter

Survival 

Summer 

Survival 

(%) (%) (%) (%)

Agastache 

urticifolia

 TB16 90 56 100 50

 TB19 100 40 90 56

 TB21 100 40 100 30

 TB25 90 0 100 0

 TB36 100 0 100 0

Astragalus 

filipes

 LH 28 60 78 NA

 NCO 83 80 83 NA

Cercocarpus 

ledifolius 

 A-29 100 50 100 50

 A-22 100 30 90 44

Dalea ornata

 10 78 100 100 100

 LH 94 94 94 100

 23 72 92 100 100

 17 89 100 100 100

Dalea 

searlsiae

 8 89 100 100 100

 17 89 94 89 100

 14 94 100 100 100

Geranium 

viscosissimum

 TB15 90 56 90 44

 TB27 100 40 100 50

Monardella 

odoratissima

 A-32 100 50 90 56

 A-43 100 50 100 50

Penstemon 

eatonii

 A-40 100 70 90 100

 A-45 100 50 100 50

 A-30 100 40 100 50

Purshia 

mexicana

 A-24 70 100 100 20

 A-20 80 38 70 43

 A-2 100 50 90 44

Stanleya 

pinnata

 A-35 50 0 60 0

 A-1 70 29 90 11

 A-8 90 44 70 57

 SRS 90 11 80 25
29

Dalea searlsiae

Searl‟s prairie clover originated from seed collected at about 6000 feet at two sites in Kane 

County, Utah and Lincoln County, Nevada (Table 1). Plants from all accessions overwintered 

successfully and survived the summer without irrigation at both sites (Table 2). Plants that 

originated from seed collected in Kane County, Utah were larger and more vigorous at the North 

Logan site. Plants that originated from seed collected in Lincoln County, Nevada were larger at 

the Kaysville site. The extent of flowering on 9 June 2009 was greatest for plants of Ds-14 

(Kane County, Utah).

Table 3. Height (length of longest shoot [cm]) and width (at the widest point [cm]) for plants established in 

replicated plots in North Logan and Kaysville, Utah. Plants were installed in fall 2007 (Agastache, 

Cercocarpus, Geranium, Monardella, Penstemon, Purshia, Stanleya) and spring 2008 (Astragalus, Dalea). 

Data were collected in August/September 2009.

North Logan, UT Kaysville, UT

Species Accession Ht STD Width STD Ht Width STD Width STD

(cm)z(cm) (cm) (cm)

Agastache TB16 61.4 5.2 99.6 7.9 53.2 11.4 89.6 22.9

urticifolia TB19 72.5 16.6 111.0 37.5 66.0 11.5 93.0 22.1

TB21 58.2 3.1 95.8 14.6 56.3 16.5 87.7 38.8

Astragalus LH 37.3 5.7 41.3 20.4 NA NA NA NA

filipes NCO 22.5 11.8 23.8 20.0 NA NA NA NA

Cercocarpus A-29 74.8 13.5 78.6 16.9 71.2 11.9 82.6 28.5

ledifolius A-22 49.7 8.7 49.3 7.6 63.2 17.9 57.0 14.3

Dalea ornata

10 39.0a 8.9 77.2Aa 18.0 43.1ab 5.6 57.9Ba 13.7

LH 41.1Aa 8.5 76.9Aa 14.2 32.9Bd 5.1 40.6Bbc 10.7

23 34.5b 4.0 42.1c 9.2 38.5c 9.2 41.9b 12.3

17 31.0Bb 6.8 58.9b 21.9 41.7Aab 5.4 48.6ab 18.4

Dalea 

searlsiae

 8 37.2Bb 10.8 67.5 20.3 53.2Aa 8.2 71.4a 14.0

17 52.6a 8.9 75.6A 13.19 50.2a 9.4 59.7Bb 22.6

14 51.4Aa 13.3 76.6A 21.8 37.9Bb 11.5 53.7Bbc 21.8

Geranium TB15 72.8Aa 13.1 67.2a 28.7 22.8B 3.6 59.5 10.3

viscosissimum TB27 25.8b 1.0 52.8b 5.9 26.2 4.4.1 6 56.6 8.4

Monardella 

odoratissima

A-32 34.0 3.7 67.8 9.4 32.2 9.8 62.6 22.8

A-43 26.0 5.8 51.6 10.6 31.0 4.7 55.2 11.0

Penstemon 

eatonii

A-40 82.9 28.2 NA NA 98.4 21.0 138.4 26.5

A-45 90.2 7.7 NA NA 93.2 17.0 124.4 17.5

A-30 63.8 33.7 NA NA 76.6 11.4 98.6 36.3

Purshia 

mexicana

A-24 38.9Bb 11.5 57.6 14.9 64.5Ab 21.9 77.0 32.5

A-20 65.7Ba 6.7 73.3 8.3 89.7Aa 16.4 86.0 16.6

A-2 47.8ab 7.3 73.8 10.4 60.5b 15.7 88.2 26.9

Stanleya 

pinnata A-8 55.5 44.3 56.0B 59.3 89.0 27.0 190.5A 50.0

z Data within a column and species followed by the same lower case letter are similar at P < 0.05 using 

Fisher’s Least Significant Difference. Capital letters indicate significance of data for the same parameter 

and species accession across sites. Data sets without letters were not significantly different.
30

Geranium viscosissimum

Plants of sticky geranium originated from two seed accessions collected at about 8000 to 9000 

feet in Sanpete and Davis Counties in Utah (Table 1). Plants of both accessions overwintered 

successfully at both sites, but exhibited only about 50% survival over the summer without 

irrigation (Table 2). Plants from the Davis County accession were larger at the end of season at 

the North Logan site than were plants from the Sanpete County accession (Table 3), and they 

were larger than plants of the same accession grown at the Kaysville site.

Monardella odoratissima

Mountain beebalm is a high-elevation perennial in the Intermountain West. Our seed accessions 

came from Iron County at almost 9000 ft., and from Cache County at 7000 ft. (Table 1). Similar 

to Sticky geranium, plants overwintered successfully at both sites, but only about 50% survived 

the summer without irrigation (Table 2). No differences in end-of-season height or width were 

observed (Table 3). 

Penstemon eatonii

Firecracker penstemon is a perennial with bright red flowers that grows at elevations ranging 

from 3000 to 11,000 ft. Our seed accessions originated from southern and central Utah at 

elevations ranging from 5200 to 8400 ft. (Table 1). All accessions overwintered successfully at 

both sites, but plants of the A-40 accession exhibited better summer survival at both sites without 

irrigation (Table 2). No end-of-season size differences were noted at either site (Table 3). We 

conclude that firecracker penstemon is broadly adapted for north-central Utah, regardless of seed 

source. A more drought-tolerant variety may be selected from our A-40 accession.

Purshia mexicana

Cliffrose is an attractive shrub species with honey-scented flowers that bloom in spring. We 

collected three accessions from southern, southeastern and southwestern Utah sites ranging from 

6000 to almost 7000 ft. elevation (Table 1). Overwintering was not a problem for plants of these 

accessions at either trial site; however, survival without irrigation in summer varied between 

sites and among accessions (Table 2). Plants of accession A-20 from Grand County (about 6000 

Table 4. Percent of flower buds in bloom as a visual estimate. Plants were planted spring 2008; data were 

collected on 9 June 2009. STD = standard deviation. 

Species Accession Percent bloomzSTD

Astragalus filipes LH (n=14) 96.4a 9.1

NCO (n=9) 83.3a 28.0

Dalea ornata

10 (n=18) 17.2b 12.7

LH (n=17) 49.7a 34.3

23 (n=18) 48.9a 33.0

17 (n=18) 35.6ab 27.3

Dalea searlsiae

8 (n=17) 42.4b 27.6

17 (n=14) 34.3b 35.5

14 (n=18) 63.9a 27.4

z

Data in a column and species followed by the same letter are similar at P < 0.05 using Fisher’s Least 

Significant Difference.
31

ft.) were larger and more vigorous at both trial sites than plants of the other accessions (Table 3). 

Stanleya pinnata

Prince‟s plume is a western U.S. perennial with a lemon-yellow inflorescence that resemble 

feathers from a distance. We collected seed from four accessions in southwestern Utah and 

along the Colorado Plateau in Utah at elevations ranging from 3000 to 7000 ft. Only the A-8 

accession from Iron County (5800 ft.) survived (Table 2) by the end of summer, and this 

accession grew larger at the Kaysville site than it did in North Logan (Table 3). 

Future Plans

Further evaluation of flowering and other ornamental characteristics will be completed spring 

2010. We will select one population or individual from each species from which to develop a 

named variety for ornamental purposes. Stock blocks are planned for increasing seed of each 

variety. Plant materials will be shared at the fall 2010 meeting of WERA 1013, Intermountain 

Regional Evaluation and Introduction of Native Plants. Published USU extension facts are 

available for five of the ten species; the other five will be published in 2010. Dalea ornata, D. 

searlsiae and Astragalus filipes will be planted in demonstration gardens across Utah.

Management Applications:

Growers who produce plants for both reclamation seed and ornamental markets will find information 

on plant species adaptability useful in determination of seed collection sites and potential markets for 

plant materials. 

Products:

Demonstration gardens have been established at three sites within Utah: multiple gardens on the 

campus of Utah State University, one at the Kane County Extension office in Kanab and one at 

Tonaquint Gardens in St. George.

Living Circles. Interpretive panel for USU on-campus demonstration garden honoring Utah 

Native American traditional plant uses and including Great Basin native plants. Designed in 

collaboration with B. Middleton in the Environment & Society Dept., College of Natural 

Resources, Utah State University.

Water-Wise Starts with You. Interpretive panel for USU ornamental research and demonstration 

gardens. Designed in collaboration with B. Middleton in the Environment & Society Dept., 

College of Natural Resources, Utah State University.

Fact Sheets

Kratsch, Heidi A.; Hunter, G. 2009. Prince‟s plume in the landscape. USU Extension Publication 

HG/Native Plants/2009-05. 

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_Native_Plants_2009-05.pdf.

Kratsch, Heidi A.; Hunter, G. 2009. Mountain beebalm in the landscape. USU Extension 

Publication HG/Native Plants/2009-04. 

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_Native_Planats_2009-04.pdf.
32

Kratsch, Heidi A.; Hunter, G. 2009. Curl-leaf mountain mahogany in the landscape. USU 

Extension Publication HG/Native Plants/2009-03. 

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_Native_Plants_2009-03.pdf.

Kratsch, Heidi A.; Hunter, G. 2009. Firecracker penstemon in the landscape. USU Publication 

HG/Native Plants/2009-02. 

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_Native_Planats_2009-02.pdf.

Kratsch, Heidi A.; Hunter, G. 2009. Apache plume in the landscape. USU Extension Publication 

HG/Native Plants/2009-01. 

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_Native_Plants_2009-01.pdf.

Kratsch, H.A. and G. Hunter. 2008. Mexican cliffrose in the landscape. USU Extension 

Publication HG/Native Plants/2008-01pr. 

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_Native_Plants_2008-01.pdf.

Kratsch, Heidi A.; Hunter, G. 2007. Little bluestem in the landscape. USU Extension Publication 

HG/Native Plants/2007-01pr. 

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/HG_Native_Plants_2007-01pr.pdf.

Publications:

Beddes, T.; Kratsch, Heidi A. 2009. Seed germination of Shepherdia rotundifolia and 

Shepherdia argentea in three substrates. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 27: 129-133. 

Kratsch, Heidi A. 2008. Alnus maritima ssp. oklahomensis performance in non-irrigated 

landscapes in the Intermountain West. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 26: 229-234. 

Presentations: 

Kratsch, Heidi. 2009. Evaluating intraspecies diversity of Intermountain West Native Plants. 

Western Education/Extension and Research Activity (WERA) 1013 Annual Meeting, Laramie, 

WY. 

Kratsch, Heidi; Johnson, Douglas; Staub, Jack. Extending GBNPSIP markets through 

demonstration and outreach. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual 

meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, ID. 

Hunter, G.C.; Kratsch, Heidi; Kjelgren, R.; Hole, D.; Schultz, L. 2009. Water use of Eriogonum 

corymbosum in an irrigated field study. HortScience. Abstract. 44: 1159.

Panter, K.; Kratsch, Heidi. 2009. Intermountain regional evaluation and introduction of native 

plants. HortScience. Abstract. 44: 1151.

Sriladda, C.; Kratsch, Heidi; Kjelgren, R. 2009. Potential for domestication of Shepherdia 

rotundifolia (roundleaf buffaloberry). HortScience. Abstract. 44: 1052.
33

Bushman, Shaun; Johnson, D.A. Astragalus filipes meta-populations and release of NBR-1 

Germplasm. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31, 

2009; Boise, ID.

Johnson, D.A. Collection and utilization of plant genetic resources for use on rangelands, 

pastures, and urban interfaces in the western U.S. Utah State University Department of Wildland 

Resources, Logan, UT. 

Bushman, B. Shaun; Johnson, Douglas A.; Bhattarai, Kishor. Astragalus filipes Population 

Structure and Diversity. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; 

Ontario, OR. Poster.

Bhattarai, Kishor; Bushman, Shaun; Johnson, Douglas; Carman, John. Estimation of Genetic 

Diversity in Wildland Collections Dalea searlsiae and Dalea ornate from the U.S. Intermountain 

West. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Johnson, Douglas. Plant materials available for Great Basin ecoregions. Developing a Successful 

Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Panel discussion.

Sriladda, C.; Kratsch, Heidi; Curtis, B.; Kjelgren, R. 2009. Vegetative propagation of Shepherdia 

rotundifolia (roundleaf buffaloberry) from softwood cuttings. HortScience. Abstract. 44: 1105.
34

Project Title: Establishment and Maintenance of Certified Generation 1 

(G1) Seed, Propagation of Native Forbs, Develop 

Technology to Improve the Diversity of Introduced Grass 

Stands, Equipment and Strategies to Enhance the PostWildfire Establishment and Persistence of Great Basin 

Native Plants

Location: NRCS Aberdeen, ID Plant Materials Center

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Loren St. John, Team Leader

Aberdeen Plant Materials Center

P.O. Box 296

Aberdeen, ID 83210

208.397.4133, fax: 208.397.3104

Loren.Stjohn@id.usda.gov

Dan Ogle, Plant Materials Specialist

USDA-NRCS

9173 West Barnes Drive, Suite C

Boise, ID 83709

208.685.6987, fax: 208.378.5735

Dan.Ogle@id.usda.gov

Project Description:

The production of Certified Generation 1 (G1) seed of: Anatone Germplasm bluebunch 

wheatgrass, Maple Grove Germplasm Lewis flax, Snake River Plains Germplasm fourwing 

saltbush and Northern Cold Desert Germplasm winterfat to facilitate commercial seed 

production. The propagation of native forbs for evaluation and seed increase. Assist in 

development of technology to improve the diversity of introduced grass stands by evaluating 

methods to introduce native species into established plant communities. The development of 

equipment and strategies to enhance the post-wildfire establishment and persistence of Great 

Basin native plants.

I. Seed Production

Anatone Germplasm bluebunch wheatgrass

Currently 7.4 acres are in production. Estimated seed yield from 2009 seed crop is 280 pounds. 

Shipped 450 pounds of Generation 2 Certified seed to commercial growers in 2009.

Maple Grove Germplasm Lewis flax 

A 0.6 acre seed field was established in May 2008 with stock seed provided by the FS Rocky 

Mountain Research Station. Estimated seed production from 2009 crop is 200 pounds.
35

Snake River Plains Germplasm fourwing saltbush

Estimated seed yield from 2009 crop is 10 pounds. No seed was requested by commercial 

growers in 2009.

Northern Cold Desert Germplasm winterfat 

A hard windstorm in October detached seed prior to harvest resulting in no seed harvested in 

2009. No seed was requested by commercial growers in 2009.

II. Propagation of Native Forbs

The original project plan in 2005 was to propagate 8,000 plants total of Lomatium dissectum

(LODI) fernleaf biscuitroot, Lomatium grayii (LOGR) Grays biscuitroot, Lomatium triternatum 

(LOTR) nineleaf biscuitroot, Eriogonum umbellatum (ERUM) sulphurflower buckwheat, 

Penstemon deustus (PEDE) hotrock penstemon, Penstemon acuminatus (PEAC) sharpleaf 

penstemon and Penstemon speciousus (PESP) sagebrush penstemon, in the greenhouse. 

Approximately 1000 plants each of ERUM and LOTR were to be transplanted into seed 

production plots at the PMC and remaining plants were to be provided to cooperators for 

transplanting at field sites. Due to no plant establishment of Lomatium species and minimal 

success with greenhouse propagation of Penstemon species, no plants were provided to 

cooperators. All plants that were successfully propagated in the PMC greenhouse were 

transplanted into seed production/observation plots at the PMC during the 2005 growing season 

and direct dormant seeding of Eriogonum, Lomatium and Penstemon accessions were completed 

at the PMC in November 2005. Weed barrier fabric was installed to control weeds.

Weeds were controlled by hand during 2009. ERUM was harvested mostly by combine but was 

followed up by hand harvest. The remaining plots were harvested by hand. LODI and LOGR 

finally produced seed in 2009, the fourth year of establishment. PESP is the only penstemon 

accession left, the others being short-lived. The following table shows harvest date and seed 

yield for the accessions that were harvested in 2009:

Species Harvest Date Clean seed estimate 

(pounds)

ERUM 8/4 11.3

LODI 7/1 1.3

LOGR 7/1 0.9

LOTR 7/1 4.5

PEAC NA NA

PEDE NA NA

PESP 8/8 0.4

By early July, the Lomatium species were completely dormant. In early October 2009 the 

dormant Lomatium plots were treated with a spray application of Roundup to control weeds that 

were still green.

The Rocky Mountain Research Station in Boise, Idaho cleaned the ERUM seed that was 

harvested from the plots. Some of the seed was utilized for the seeding trial planted near 

Aberdeen, Idaho in November 2009 for the study to improve the diversity of introduced grass 
36

stands. The other accessions will be processed and provided to cooperators for seeding trials as 

requested.

III. Develop Technology to Improve the Diversity of Introduced Grass Stands

In 2005, the PMC began providing assistance for this study by assisting Brigham Young 

University (BYU) Provo, Utah and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Burns, Oregon in 

developing technology to improve the diversity of introduced grass stands by eva luating methods 

to introduce native species into established introduced plant communities. In 2005, the PMC 

modified a Truax Rough Rider range drill, mixed the seed and rice hull mixtures and completed 

the first year of seedings at sites in Utah and Oregon. In 2006, modified seed drop boots by the 

manufacturer were installed on the Truax drill and the second year of seeding was completed. In 

addition to these seedings, the PMC also seeded drill comparison trials near Elko, Nevada on 

recently burned rangeland to compare the Truax drill to the Kemmerer drill, the standard range 

drill used by BLM. The Truax drill is designed to both broadcast and drill seed in the same pass 

so species that require broadcasting or very shallow planting depth were broadcast a nd the 

deeper seeded species were drill seeded in alternating rows. No trials were established in 2007. 

In 2008, seeding trials were planted near Elko, Nevada in cooperation with the University of 

Nevada Extension Service and near Aberdeen, Idaho (Grandview site) in cooperation with the 

ARS Sheep Experiment Station.

The second year of seeding trials was completed at the Grandview site in cooperation with the 

ARS Sheep Experiment Station in 2009. The following seed mixes were prepared and the plots 

were planted November 2-3.

Grandview, ID

Broadcast Mix

12.90 acres

Pounds Pounds

Species PLS/ac Bulk Seed/ac

Maple Grove Lewis flax 0.40 0.44

Mtn. Home Sandberg bluegrass 0.20 0.22

Royal penstemon 0.40 0.50

Wyoming big sagebrush 0.05 0.25

Rubber rabbitbrush 0.15 1.20

Rice hulls 7.11

Grandview, ID

Drill Mix

12.90 acres

Pounds Pounds

Species PLS/ac Bulk Seed/ac

Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass 3.20 3.60

Magnar basin wildrye 0.80 0.85

Bannock thickspike wheatgrass 0.60 0.67

Thurber‟s needlegrass 0.60 0.94

Rice hulls 6.40
37

IV. Equipment and Strategies to Enhance the Post-wildfire Establishment and Persistence of 

Great Basin Native Plants

The objectives of this project are to: 1) examine seeding techniques for Wyoming big sagebrush; 

2) test seeding technology for native species, particularly native forbs; 3) compare the ability of a 

modified rangeland drill and an experimental minimum-till drill to plant native seeds of diverse 

size and to reduce surface disturbance; 4) apply and examine the use of USGS proposed 

monitoring protocols for gauging seeding success for both the short and long term; and 5) 

provide plantings for long-term examination of livestock on diversity in native seedings.

The minimum-till drill (Truax Rough Rider range drill) which has been modified by PMC 

personnel was provided by the FS Rocky Mountain Research Station. The PMC provided a 

trailer and tractor and the Utah Division of Wildlife provided an additional tractor. The modified 

rangeland drill (Kemmerer range drill) was provided by the BLM. In 2007, the PMC made 

modifications to the Kemmerer drill by replacing the existing drop tubes with aluminum 3 inch 

diameter irrigation pipe to improve seed flow to the drill openers. The aluminum pipe provided 

a more slippery surface for the seed to flow. The drills were set up to both broadcast and drill 

seed in the same pass so species that require broadcasting or very shallow planting were 

broadcast and the species requiring deeper planting were drill seeded in alternating rows.

The PMC mixed the seed and rice hull mixtures and calibrated the drills prior to seeding. 

Wildfire sites near Mountain Home, Idaho and Burns, Oregon were seeded in fall 2007 and a 

wildfire site near Snowville, Utah was seeded in 2008. Due to lower than normal wildfire 

frequency in 2009, no suitable sites were found and no seeding occurred for this study in 2009. 

Management Applications:

Certified seed stock of Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass, Snake River Plains fourwing saltbush, 

and Northern Cold Desert winterfat produced by the PMC is available though the University of 

Idaho Foundation Seed Program and Utah Crop Improvement Association.

Based on propagation studies at the PMC, sulphurflower buckwheat, hotrock penstemon, 

sagebrush penstemon and sharpleaf penstemon can be commercially grown, at least with the use 

of weed barrier fabric. Lomatium species appear to require a number of years (3 - 4) to mature 

to reproductive stage under the climatic conditions at Aberdeen, Idaho and may not be conducive 

to commercial production because of the long period to reach reproductive capability.

The Truax Rough Rider drill performs well in seeding studies and should be used for large scale 

seedings.

Products:

Certified seed stock of Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass, Snake River Plains fourwing saltbush, 

and Northern Cold Desert winterfat produced by the PMC is available though the University of 

Idaho Foundation Seed Program and Utah Crop Improvement Association

Seed of sulphur-flower buckwheat that were produced from the propagation studies were planted 

in the seed mixtures for the study to improve the diversity of introduced grass stands. Seed of 

the Lomatium species and Penstemon speciousus is available to cooperators for seeding trials.
38

Plant Guides are available for royal penstemon, hotrock penstemon and sharpleaf penstemon.

Publications:

(Available online at http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/publications.html)

St. John, Loren; Cornforth, Brent; Simonson, Boyd; Ogle, Dan; Tilley, Derek. 2008. Technical 

Note 20: Calibrating the Truax Rough Rider Drill for Restoration Plantings. Aberdeen, ID: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials 

Center. Revised April, 2008. 14p.

St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan; Shaw, Nancy. 2009. Hotroc k Penstemon Plant Guide. Aberdeen, ID: 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant 

Materials Center. January 8, 2009. 3p.

St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan; Shaw, Nancy. 2009. Sharpleaf Penstemon Plant Guide. Aberdeen, 

ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant 

Materials Center. January 20, 2009. 3p.

St. John, Loren. 2008. Equipment Strategies to Enhance the Post-Wildfire Establishment and 

Persistence of Great Basin Native Plants. Aberdeen, ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural 

Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. October 2, 2008. 4p.

St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan G. 2009. Technical Note No. 16 Green Strips or Vegetative Fuel 

Breaks. Aberdeen, ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation 

Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. March 5, 2009. 16p.

Tilley, Derek J.; St. John, Loren. 2006. Orchard Display Nursery Evaluation Summary (2005-

2008) Final Report. Aberdeen, ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources 

Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. October 15, 2008. 9p.

Tilley, Derek J.; Ogle, Dan; St. John, Loren; Shaw, Nancy. 2008. Royal Penstemon Plant Guide. 

Aberdeen, ID: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 

Aberdeen Plant Materials Center. October 6, 2008. 3p.

Presentations:

St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan; Tilley, Derek. Aberdeen PMC report of Activities 2008. Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31; Boise, ID.

Shaw, Nancy; Cox, Robert; Ganguli, Amy; Newingham, Beth; St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan; 

Truax, Jim. Seeding strategies and equipment for re-establishing Wyoming big sagebrush 

communities. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Annual meeting. March 31, 2009; 

Boise, ID.

Ogle, Dan. Plant materials available for Great Basin ecoregions. Developing a Successful Native 

Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Panel discussion.
39

Ogle, Dan; St. John, Loren. Conserving Ecosystems of the Intermountain West. Developing a 

Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.
40

Project Title: Adapted Indian Ricegrass for the Great Basin

Project Location: Plant Germplasm Introduction and Research, Western Regional 

Plant Introduction Station (WRPIS), Pullman, WA

Principal Investigators and Contact Information: 

R.C. Johnson, Research Agronomist

USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station

Box 646402, Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164 

509.335.3771, fax: 509.335.6654

rcjohnson@wsu.edu

Mike Cashman, Biologist

USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station

Box 646402, Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164 

509.335.6219, fax: 509.335.6654

mjcashman@wsu.edu

Project Description: 

Indian ricegrass [Achnatherum hymenoides (Roem. & Schult.) Barkworth] is a key species for

wildlife habitat and grazing in the Great Basin. Current releases of Indian ricegrass are useful but 

we know of no germplasm derived specifically from and for the Great Basin. Information on 

how Indian ricegrass germplasm varies across the landscape and which populations may be best 

adapted is lacking. Considering the importance of Indian ricegrass in the Great Basin plant 

community, germplasm specifically adapted to Great Basin climatic and environmental factors is

critically needed. 

The available USDA-ARS collections of Indian ricegrass collections are primarily from the 

eastern and southern regions of the Great Basin, extending into Colorado, Arizona and New 

Mexico (Fig. 1). This material was established in common gardens in 2007 and data on plant 

traits taken in 2007 and 2008. The analysis showed that seed source location was strongly 

associated with variation in plant traits. In addition, plant traits were linked to numerous climatic 

and environmental variables. This information is being used to develop seed zones for Indian 

ricegrass in the Great Basin.

Collections of more than 100 sources of new germplasm in the Northern and Central Great Basin 

were completed in 2008. This germplasm will be the basis of additional genecology studies and 

to develop seed zones for the central and northern Great Basin.

Our objectives are:

1. Collect Indian Ricegrass from diverse ecological areas in the Great Basin in areas 

previously uncollected, especially in the central and northern Great Basin.
41

2. Based on the current collections representing the southern and eastern Great Basin, 

establish common garden studies and measure numerous plant factors associated with 

growth and development. Continue this research on new material collected from the 

central and northern Great Basin.

3. Analyze plant traits among Indian Ricegrass populations, select traits f or principal 

component analysis and link plant traits to environmental variables.

4. Develop regression models and map seed transfer zones. 

5. Make source identified plant material available for utilization through the Western 

Regional Plant Introduction Station seed repository and the National Plant Germplasm 

System.

In spring 2007, a diverse set of 115 Indian Ricegrass accessions from the USDA germplasm 

collection was planted in two common gardens at Central Ferry, WA, one under dryland and the 

other under light irrigation conditions, forming two growing environments. Each garden was 

randomized into five complete blocks with 575 plants each. This germplasm represented the 

southern and eastern Great Basin together with locations across the Colorado Plateau and into the 

Great Plains. Evaluation of key growth and developmental traits was completed in 2007 and 

2008 on numerous growth and development traits on each plant. 

For the 2007 analysis, collection location effects were all highly significant (Table 1). Thus, 

Indian ricegrass populations varied strongly depending on the seed source locations in the 

southern Basin, and extending into Colorado and the Great Plains. Although the environments 

(irrigated and non-irrigated) differed for many traits, the environment by location interaction was 

only significant for crown diameter (Table 1). This showed that irrigation caused differences in 

Figure 1. Collection locations for common garden studies at Central Ferry in 2007 and 2008.
42

plant growth and development but the relative ranking of germplasm remained similar in both 

irrigation environments. 

Table 1. Summary of plant traits and analyses of variance for Indian ricegrass in common 

gardens representing 120 seed source locations grown at Central Ferry, WA, in irrigated 

and dryland environments (2007). 

Variable Mean CV Environ Location Env x 

Loc

 -----------------P-values----------------

Full heading† 191 6.9 <0.01 <0.01 0.66

Initial blooming† 179 6.7 <0.01 <0.01 0.06

Maturity† 205 6.2 <0.01 <0.01 0.59

Leaf width (mm) 2.0 36.9 <0.01 <0.01 0.43

Leaf length (cm) 15.0 29.6 0.93 <0.01 0.93

Leaf length/width 8.9 45.2 <0.01 <0.01 0.64

Leaf length x width 29.6 56.2 0.12 <0.01 0.73

Panicles/plant 13 73.9 <0.01 <0.01 0.36

Seeds/panicle 50 41.9 0.60 <0.01 0.42

Culm length (cm) 25 21.5 0.35 <0.01 0.51

Panicle length (cm) 15 26.6 0.13 <0.01 0.67

Culm to inflor. length (cm) 1.8 28.7 0.96 <0.01 0.26

Habit (1 least-9 most upright) 5 21.3 0.31 <0.01 0.47

Leaf texture (1 coarse-9 fine) 5 24.6 <0.01 <0.01 0.18

Leaf abundance (1 low-9 high) 5 23.2 0.15 <0.01 0.22

Leaf roll (1 least-9 most ) 4 37.1 0.03 <0.01 0.36

Crown dia. (cm2) 26.5 57.0 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

Dry weight (g) 23.4 36.1 <0.01 <0.01 0.33

Regrowth (g) 3.66 67.67 0.53 <0.01 0.39

Dry wt. less regrowth (g) 20.7 78.83 <0.01 <0.01 0.40

†Day of year

For 2008, the overall results were similar to 2007 in that seed source location was strongly 

significant for all plant variables measured (Table 2). There were far fewer significant effects 

associated with the irrigation treatment in 2008 than in 2007. As in 2007, interactions between 

garden environment and seed source location were usually not significant (Table 2). The data 

showed that Indian ricegrass populations differed at different seed source locations, suggesting 

that plant adaptation will vary depending on climatic/environmental factors. 

A process was completed on all traits within years and environments to reduce the trait number 

for principal component analysis. This was done to reduce “noise” and improve the principal 

components as composite plants traits for regression modeling. Traits over years and 

environments that did not have significant interactions were averaged. If traits were strongly 

correlated (r>0.80) then only one of the traits was used for the principal component analysis. 

This process resulted in the traits in Table 3.
43

Table 2. Summary of plant variables and analyses of variance for Indian ricegrass in 

common gardens representing 120 seed source locations grown at Central Ferry, WA, in 

irrigated and dryland environments (2008). 

Variable Mean CV Environ Location Env x Loc

 --------------------P-values-------------

Full heading† 148 1.60 0.98 <0.01 0.08

Initial blooming† 139 2.1 0.10 <0.01 0.63

Maturity date† 166 0.90 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01

Leaf width (mm) 2.0 35.4 0.93 <0.01 0.43

Leaf length (cm) 13.2 29.1 0.55 <0.01 0.22

Leaf length/width 9.57 40.2 0.85 <0.01 0.30

Leaf length x width 22.0 55.0 0.67 <0.01 0.51

Panicles/plant 105.6 59.3 0.20 <0.01 0.63

Seeds/panicle 44.9 42.4 0.31 <0.01 0.44

Culm length (cm) 27.3 22.5 0.95 <0.01 0.05

Panicle length (cm) 13.0 24.9 0.18 <0.01 0.72

Culm to inflor. length (cm) 2.21 27.0 0.27 <0.01 0.78

Habit (1 least-9 most upright) 6 21.1 0.17 <0.01 0.48

Leaf texture (1 coarse-9 fine) 6 21.0 0.97 <0.01 0.78

Leaf abundance (1 low-9 high) 4 32.3 0.04 <0.01 0.78

Leaf roll (1 least-9 most ) 7 20.5 0.53 <0.01 0.59

Crown dia. (cm2) 35.0 50.3 0.86 <0.01 0.39

Dry weight (g) 46.9 76.2 0.72 <0.01 0.54

Regrowth (g) 11.5 92.1 0.01 <0.01 0.01

Dry wt. less regrowth (g) 36.3 80.9 0.18 <0.01 0.29

†Day of year

Correlations between environmental variables and plant traits were often significant (Table 3). 

Thus links between genetic differences among seed source locations in common gardens and 

environmental factors were established. The strongest correlations were observed between seed 

per panicle and latitude in 2007 and 2008 (Table 3). The positive correlation showed that seed 

source locations in the north had generally more seed per panicle than those in the south part of 

the collection area. By convention, Western hemisphere longitude is increasingly negative from 

east to west. Thus the positive correlation of longitude with culm length and various leaf traits 

indicates a general increase in those traits from western to eastern locations. Elevation was also 

an important environmental factor related to seed source locations. Increased evelation was 

associated with plants that had finer texture, fewer seed per panicle and less dry weight in 2007 

(the establishment year), more leaf roll, smaller leaves and smaller crowns (Table 3). There were 

fewer significant correlations with actual climatic factors associated with temperature and 

precipitation than the geographic variables latitude and elevation. This suggested that other 

environmental factors associated with the geographic variables but unknown were represented in 

the geographic variables.
44

Table 3. Linear correlation between traits selected for principal component analysis and environmental 

factors for Indian ricegrass (Central Ferry WA, 2007 and 2008) (n=112). 

Trait†

 

Latitude Longitude Elevation

Mean Ann. 

Temp

Mean Ann. 

Precip.

Degree 

days>18C

Frost free 

days

Heading 0708 0.02 -0.01 0.02 0.02 -0.01 0.05 0.03

Leaf texture 07 -0.12 0.10 ***0.31 **-0.26 0.02 *-0.20 ***-0.31

Leaf texture 08 ***-0.36 *0.22 **0.24 0.02 -0.07 0.06 -0.09

Leaf abundance 0708 0.08 -0.01 -0.13 0.03 -0.01 0.02 0.01

Culm length 07 *0.19 *0.21 -0.04 -0.15 ***0.32 *-0.20 -0.12

Culm length 08 **0.30 -0.01 -0.09 -0.16 *0.21 *-0.21 -0.09

Head length 07 *0.20 0.01 -0.14 -0.05 0.09 -0.10 0.01

Head length 08 *0.23 0.08 -0.02 -0.17 *0.23 **-0.27 -0.09

Seed/panicle 07 ***0.40 -0.09 **-0.25 -0.10 0.19 -0.13 0.00

Seeds/panicle 08 ***0.41 -0.03 -0.09 **-0.27 **0.30 ***-0.37 -0.16

Panicles/plant 0708 -0.09 0.12 0.08 0.01 0.11 -0.10 0.00

Leaf roll 0708 *-0.20 **0.25 **0.25 -0.11 -0.07 0.03 *-0.20

Leaf length/ width 07 -0.09 **0.28 0.06 -0.03 -0.01 0.00 -0.06

Leaf length/width 08 -0.06 **0.24 0.00 0.05 0.08 0.07 0.05

Leaf length x width 07 *0.21 0.01 ***-0.34 0.17 0.05 0.11 *0.22

Leaf length x width 08 **0.30 -0.12 ***-0.32 0.06 0.07 -0.01 0.16

Crown area 0708 *0.18 0.04 *-0.18 0.04 0.11 -0.03 0.10

Dry weight 07 0.02 0.04 **-0.27 **0.25 -0.05 0.17 *0.23

Dry weight 08 0.07 -0.03 -0.16 0.12 0.06 0.04 0.14

*,**,***Significant at P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.001, respectively

†Traits selected for principal component analysis had strong seed source location effects and were not redundant 

with other traits or over years; 07 and 08 refer to the years 2007 and 2008, and 0708 to the means for 2007 and 

2008.

Principal component analysis on selected traits showed that 40% of the variation was explained 

in the first principal component, 12% in the second, and 8%, 7%, and 6 % in the third, forth, and 

fifth, respectively. Thus, a majority of the variation in selected plant traits (52%) was explained 

in the first two principal components. A preliminary regression model using principal component 

1 and 2 environmental data at seed source locations was completed (Table 4). 

The regression analysis based on environme ntal data at each seed source location and principal 

components 1 and 2 as composite plant traits both resulted in models with 12 coefficients (Table 

4). The number of coefficients for each model was determined by choosing the model with the 

highest R-square and the lowest Akaike information criterion (AIC) using the SAS regression 

procedure. 

The R-square values for the regression model developed with principal component 1 explained 

41% of the variation and the model for principal component 2 explained 43% of the variation. 

This shows that a reasonably high fraction of the variation was accounted for in the model and 

successful mapping of seed zones will be possible. It also shows that considerable variation was 

not explained and that could be related to factors such as species plasticity, microclimate effects 

and soil variables that were not accounted for in the models. 
45

Table 4. Regression equations for principal components 1 and 2 (prin 1 and 2)

for Indian ricegrass based 112 seed source locations in the Great Basin and 

Colorado plateau. The R-square or model fit was 0.41 and 0.43 for prin 1 and 

prin 2, respectively. 

Environmental 

variables

 Regression

 Coefficients

 Probability 

 of > |t|

Standardized

coefficients

----------------------------------Prin 1--------------------------------

Intercept 38.74216 0.0539 ―

Elevation -0.00206 0.1201 -0.30176

Ave T Oct 3.31618 <.0001 2.88734

Mean max T May -3.028 0.0008 -2.96358

Mean max T Jun 2.72701 0.0052 2.74324

Mean max T Sep -0.97572 0.0909 -0.95296

Mean min T Dec 2.29759 <.0001 2.37525

Precip Apr 0.1104 0.0065 0.3815

Precip Oct -0.1381 0.0019 -0.42428

Ave T spring 5.34377 <.0001 4.83054

Degree days<0 C 0.03178 <.0001 2.71042

Degree days>5 C -0.01778 0.0001 -3.98176

Frost free days -0.21535 0.0021 -2.76037

----------------------------------Prin 1--------------------------------

Intercept 15.98532 0.1509 ―

Ave Temp Jun 5.30587 <.0001 8.67508

Mean Max Temp Feb 1.54085 0.0004 3.21374

Mean Max Temp Ann -3.76469 <.0001 -6.5975

Mean Min Temp Mar -0.46622 0.1 -0.80626

Mean Min Temp Jun -3.12991 <.0001 -5.25809

Precip Jun -0.0465 0.0786 -0.35217

Precip Nov 0.06681 0.11 0.33941

Pricp Dec -0.08121 0.0236 -0.45017

Precip Summer -0.04736 0.017 -1.07013

Precip May to Sep 0.0416 0.0068 1.34157

Degree days<18 C 0.00449 0.0249 -2.09236

Evaporative demand -0.01728 0.0046 -1.71314

Summary and Future Plans 

The results show that there was genetic variation across the landscape in Indian ricegrass 

populations. Moreover, numerous plant traits were linked to basic climatic and environmental 

data. This is strong evidence that adaptation of Indian ricegrass varies in adaptation depending 

environment. In addition, principal components and regression modeling has been completed. 

These will be used to map seed zones across the source locations. For this initial Indian ricegrass 

study, objectives 1, 2, and 3 have been completed. The seed from the source locations is also 

available from the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station (Objective 5). 
46

For the northern and central Great Basin objective 1 relating to germplasm collection has been 

completed (Fig. 2). Establishment has been delayed by the problem of breaking dormancy in 

freshly collected seeds. Germination monitoring is ongoing on Indian ricegrass collected from 

the northern and central Great Basin and gardens to determine when plants can be established in 

common gardens.

Management Applications and Seed Production Guidelines:

Seed zones are being developed for plant materials needed for revegetation and restoration in the 

Great Basin and adjacent areas. 

Cooperation is ongoing with the BLM “Seeds of Success” program for collection, storage, 

conservation and distribution of native plant materials through the National Plant Germplasm 

System. This provides seed for distribution to users and security back-up for native populations 

that may be lost as a result of climate change and disturbances such as fire and invasive weeds.

Products: 

Co-organized workshop: Restoring and Sustaining Western Landscapes: Interaction with 

Climate Change, sponsored by the Ecological Society of America in Albuquerque, NM.

Seed zones for revegetation in the Great Basin are being developed.

Native plant material needed for research and development is being distributed through the 

Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman WA.

Figure 2. Seed collections of Indian ricegrass made in 2007 

and 2008 for common studies of adaptation to Great Basin 

environments.
47

Publication:

Johnson, Richard C.; Erickson, V. J.; Mandel, N. L.; St Clair J. Bradley; Vance-Borland, K. W. 

Geographic variation and seed zones for mountain brome (Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn.) 

from the Blue Mountains. (Revision submitted)

Presentations:

Johnson, Richard C.; Hellier, Barbara. Genetic diversity patterns and adaptation of Allium 

acuminatum in the Great Basin. Society of Range Management Annual Meeting, 2009 February 

10; Albuquerque, NM. Abstract.

Johnson, Richard C. Adaptation of key native species for the Intermountain West. Native Plant 

Summit, 2009 March 24; Boise, ID. Invited speaker.

Johnson, Richard C.; Hellier, Barbara and Cashman, Mike. Seed zones for Tapertip Onion and 

Indian Ricegrass. GBNPSIP Annual Meeting, March 31, 2009; Boise, ID.

St.Clair, J.B.; Johnson, R.C.; Shaw, N.L. 2009. Genetic diversity and genecology of bluebunch 

wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

Annual Meeting, 2009, March 31; Boise, ID.

Johnson, Richard C. Session panel member and speaker: Plant materials available for Great 

Basin ecoregions. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program Workshop, 2009 April 1;

Ontario OR.

Johnson, Richard C. Plant conservation, gene banking, and genecology with climate change.

Ecological Society of America: Restoring and Sustaining Western Landscapes: Interaction with 

Climate Change Workshop, 2009 August 2; Albuquerque, NM. 

Distribution of native seeds for research and development

as part of the BLM, Seeds of Success program through the 

Western Regional Plant Introduction Station from 2005 

through 2009.

Year

Seed packets 

distributed Seed orders

2005 1 1

2006 23 3

2007 161 54

2008 438 129

2009 467 118

totals 1090 305
48

Project Title: Genetic Diversity Patterns of Allium acuminatum

in the Great Basin

Project Location: Plant Germplasm Introduction and Research, USDA-ARS Western 

Regional Plant Introduction Station (WRPIS), Pullman, WA

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

R.C. Johnson, Research Agronomist

USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station

Box 646402, Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164 

509.335.3771, fax: 509.335.6654

rcjohnson@wsu.edu

Barbara Hellier, Horticulture Crops Curator

USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station

Box 646402, Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164

509.335.3763, fax: 509.335.6654

bhellier@wsu.edu

Project Description: 

Genetic information to identify locally adapted seed sources for restoration and reclamation is 

generally lacking. An understanding of the geographic and ecological distance that plant 

material should be transferred from original source populations is critically needed. Allium 

acuminatum Hook. (Taper-tip onion) is an important Great Basin forb associated with healthy

rangeland and good habitat for sage-grouse. Studies have been conducted to determine genetic 

variation and seed transfer zones of A. acuminatum in the Great Basin. Genetic resource 

management strategies based on biological conservation principals are being developed and 

made available to land managers for field application. In addition, ex-situ gene bank 

conservation is being carried out at the Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, 

WA. Gene bank conservation will provide readily available, source-identified genetic resources 

for research and increase and security back-up for in-situ source locations. 

Objectives

1. Collect and maintain native Allium acuminatum (Taper-tip onion) for use in restoration 

and reclamation in the Great Basin.

2. Establish common gardens to determine variability in plants traits from the Great Basin

3. Link genetic variation in plant traits of Tapertip onion with environmental variables and 

develop regression models for seed zones. 

4. Map seed zones for use in revegetation and restoration in the Great Basin.

Collections

In 2005, A. acuminatum bulbs were collected from 55 populations throughout eastern Oregon, 

southern Idaho and northeastern Nevada (Fig. 1) as described by Adair et al. (2006). Each team 
49

followed the same collection protocol. First the population size and area were estimated. Then 

40 to 50 bulbs per population were collected from across the given population. Only populations 

with 250 or more individuals were collected so in situ population integrity was not compromised. 

Collections were made from June 17 to July 2, 2005 and spanned 1430 m (4692 ft) of elevation 

and covered approximately 620 km (385 mi.) east-west and 445 km (277 mi.) north-south, 

between N 39 to 44 latitude and W 114o to 119o longitude. Allium acuminatum was collected 

in 20 of the Level IV Omernick Ecoregions across the Great Basin.

Common Gardens

Bulbs were planted in the greenhouse and vernalized at 4oC. Plants were transplanted to the field 

in the spring of 2006. Common gardens were established at Pullman, WA (780 m elevation; 46° 

43‟ 28.05” N and 117 08‟ 07.94”W) and Central Ferry, WA (206 m elevation; 46° 41‟ 52.78” N 

and 117° 39‟ 52.55” W). Four plants from each of the 55 collection sites were randomized in 

five complete blocks at both locations. Thus, there were 1,100 plants established at each site. 

Morphologic and phenotypic characterization data was collected in 2007.

All of the variables had significant location effects, so genetic differences in growth and 

development factors were present among different collection locations. Originally a set of 20 

Figure 1. Collection locations for Allium acuminatum in 

2005 representing 20 level IV Omernick ecoregions.
50

variables were measured. Table 1 shows a reduced set of variables or traits to use in principal 

component analysis. These traits met the criteria of being highly significant for seed source 

location and not redundant; that is, strongly correlated with each other (r>0.80). Except for 

flower color and days from flowering to seed maturity, the garden site by collection location 

interactions were not significant (Table 1).

Table 1. Summary of variables, analyses of variance, and variance components for 

Tapertip onion (A. acuminatum) collected in the Great Basin and measured in Central 

Ferry (CF) and Pullman (PU), WA common gardens in 2007.

ANOVA location effects Variance for locations

A. acuminatum

variables

Both

sites CF PU

Site by

Loc

 Both

 sites CF PU

------------------P-values†----------------- ---------------%---------------

Bolting date 0.001 0.000 0.001 0.109 52.8 57.9 57.9

Flower color 0.001 0.000 0.001 0.001 75.8 86.3 86.3

Flowers/umbel 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.986 17.5 9.4 9.4

Leaf length 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.190 23.2 22.0 22.0

Leaf length/width 0.003 0.000 0.221 0.357 87.6 77.2 96.5

Leaf width 0.001 0.009 0.001 0.901 20.2 12.6 12.6

Seeds/plant 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.494 20.1 18.9 18.9

Scape diameter 0.001 0.005 0.009 0.788 15.0 14.2 14.2

Scape length/dia. 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.688 22.2 21.7 21.7

Scape length 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.525 30.0 29.0 29.0

Days flowermaturity0.011 0.001 0.001 0.009 12.8 20.2 20.9

Survival 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.041 31.2 34.0 34.0

Umbel diameter 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.312 20.3 21.7 21.7

In most cases the variation associated with seed source location was substantial (Table 1). For 

flower color and for leaf length/width, more than 75% of the variation was associated with 

locations for both garden sites combined and for the individual sites. More than 50% of the 

variation for bolting date was associated with location. Flowers/umbel at Central Ferry and 

Pullman was the variable with the lowest amount of location variation (Table 2), but the amount 

of location variation was relatively high and consistent with the low P-values for each plant trait 

(Table 1). These results, showing strong location effects, indicate a strong potential for 

differences in adaptation at different Great Basin environments. 

There were numerous correlations between plant traits and selected climatic/environmental 

factors (Table 2). For example, bolting date was correlated with elevation, precipitation, frost 

free days and temperature. These data linked plant traits and environmental variables showed 

that regression modeling of the principal components as composite plant traits should produce 

useful seeds zones representing tapertip onion adaption. 
51

Table 2. Linear correlation between selected variables measured in 2007 and 

collection location environmental factors averaged over sites (n=53).

Trait

 

Latitude Elevation

 Annual 

 precip.

 Frost free 

 days

 Ave. ann. 

 temp.

Bolting date -0.084 ** 0.373 *0.336 ***-0.514 ***-0.523

Bolt to flower days 0.173 ***-0.515 **-0.442 **0.469 **0.484

Flower color *-0.308 *0.312 -0.008 -0.124 -0.053

Flowers/umbel -0.180 *0.344 0.097 **-0.375 -0.230

Leaf erectness PU 0.189 -0.153 -0.104 -0.196 -0.079

Leaf length -0.079 -0.029 -0.017 0.079 0.139

Leaf length to width CF *0.317 *-0.340 -0.078 -0.029 0.038

Leaf number PU **0.356 -0.011 **0.469 -0.104 *-0.277

Leaf width *-0.313 *0.267 0.100 0.070 0.068

Seeds/plant 0.194 0.131 **0.427 **-0.379 *-0.325

Scape diameter -0.252 *0.342 0.175 -0.167 -0.075

Scape length to diameter 0.159 *-0.335 *-0.313 0.107 0.073

Scape length -0.055 -0.051 -0.215 -0.044 0.014

Flower to maturity days CF -0.149 0.174 -0.036 -0.142 -0.089

Flower to maturity days PU -0.134 0.073 -0.140 0.023 0.080

Survival 0.019 *0.320 *0.333 **-0.425 **-0.469

Umbel diameter PU -0.196 0.196 -0.030 -0.052 -0.036

Umbel flowers to diameter -0.039 0.268 0.157 **-0.488 *-0.300

*,**,***Significant at P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.001

Principal Components and Regression Models

Principal component analysis was used to simplify key taper-tip onion plant traits into principal 

components to be used as composite plant traits in modeling seed zones (Table 3). The first two 

principal components explained 64% of the variation, 41% for the first and 23% for the second. 

Additional components explained less than 10% of the variation. Thus the first two principal 

components explained almost two-thirds of the variation and had the most potential for 

regression modeling for seed zones.

Principal components 1 coefficients loaded positively for all traits, and most were relatively 

equal in strength (data not shown). The exceptions were bolting date, flower color, length/width

and scape length/diameter, which had relatively low loading. Thus more flowers per umbel, 

longer and wider leaves, more seeds/plant, thicker and longer scapes, and wider umbels all were 

important for high principal component 1 scores. Principal component 2 interpretation was less 

obvious. It had high negative loadings for bolting date and flower color, but positive loadings 

for scape length/diameter, scape length and days from flowering to maturity. Correlations with 

principal components were significant for all plant traits except those with very small 

coefficients (data not shown). 
52

Table 3. Tapertip onion regression models for principal components 1 

and 2. Each model factor has one degree of freedom and the residual 

error had 43 and 42 degrees of freedom, respectively. The R-square 

values or model fit for principal component 1 and 2 were 0.52 and 0.58, 

respectively.

Factor

Regression 

coefficients t Value Pr > |t|

Standardized 

coefficients

----------------------------------Prin 1---------------------------

Intercept 14.364 1.27 0.2100 0

Jan precip 0.3360 4.08 0.0002 2.639

Jun precip 0.1477 2.3 0.0265 0.4062

Oct precip -0.3950 -4.67 <.0001 -1.252

Dec precip -0.2292 -3.3 0.0019 -1.917

May min temp -4.616 -4.17 0.0001 -2.890

Jul min temp 3.644 4.59 <.0001 3.109

First fall frost -0.0714 -3.32 0.0018 -0.6231

Apr ave temp 4.734 3.42 0.0014 3.014

Jun ave temp -3.850 -2.76 0.0085 -2.449

----------------------------------Prin 1---------------------------

Intercept 94.749 3.54 0.0010 0

Longitude 0.5522 2.93 0.0053 0.4292

Jun precip -0.1709 -5.03 <.0001 -0.6229

May max temp 1.627 2.42 0.0198 1.590

Mar max temp 0.9253 2.32 0.0253 0.9510

Aug min temp 1.362 3.01 0.0044 1.620

Apr ave temp 1.808 1.84 0.0724 1.525

Jun ave temp -3.534 -3.64 0.0007 -2.981

Oct ave temp -2.666 -3.04 0.0040 -1.842

Maps of principal components 1 and 2 (Prin 1 and Prin 2) showed the expected difference in 

apparent adaptation for tapertip onion (Fig. 1). The 70% confidence interval used for contour 

intervals, similar to isolines, was selected to give a conservative view of the interaction of 

environment with genetic variation in tapertip onion. Some geographic features were easily 

distinguished. For example the Snake River Plain mapped in reddish hues for Prin1 and greenish 

hues for Prin 2. For Prin 2 significant areas in the Snake River Plain shown in white were 

outside the model range and were not mapped. Prin 1 areas in the Snake River Plain and 

northern Nevada mapped to reddish-orange hues. Among other things, Prin 1 appeared to map 

to areas that roughly corresponded temperature and precipitation patterns. Prin 2 mapped the 

Snake River Plain and west into Oregon as darker green hues and into northeastern Nevada as 

lighter green hues. Orange hues predominated in north central Nevada. It appeared that Prin 2 

was driven predominantly by temperature gradients (Fig. 1)

For both Prin 1 and Prin 2 the major groups consisted of reddish-orange hues and the other 

greenish hues. As a result, a preliminary seed zone map was constructed by overlaying high 

(reddish-orange) and low (green hues) for both Prin 1 and Prin 2 to give four basic seed zones 

(Fig. 2). 
53

Principal component 1 map Principal component 2 map

Nevada

Nevada

Idaho Idaho Oregon Oregon

Fig. 1. Maps of principal components 1 and 2 across the field collection locations in the Great Basin 

showing different areas of expected adaptation for tapertip onion. The contour was the 70% 

confidence interval associated with regression error. The white areas represents areas outside the 

model range and were not mapped.

Nevada

Oregon Idaho

Fig. 2. Preliminary seed zones for tapertip onion across the Great Basin collection 

region. The map is an overlay of high and low groups for the principal component 

1 and 2 maps (Fig. 1) giving a map with four seed zones.
54

The seed zone map showed a zone representing the Snake River Plain (yellow) and extending 

into areas in Oregon to the west and to Nevada to the south and east (Fig. 2). Areas mapped to 

orange were located north of the Snake River Plain and a substantial orange region was south of 

the Snake River Plain. Areas mapped with green hues represented the remaining seed zones. 

Summary and Future Plans 

These results have shown strong variation in A. acuminatum populations across the Great Basin

and that specific plant traits are related to key environmental factors. Adaptation of A. 

acuminatum was associated with elevation, temperature and precipitation factors as shown in 

correlations (Table 2). Principal components were used to develop regression models that were 

mapped to show areas of apparent adaptation of tapertip onion across the landscape (Fig. 1). A 

preliminary seed zone map was developed. A manuscript for peer reviewed publication is being 

prepared that will summarize results and recommendations. The seed transfer zones will be used 

to select and propagate adapted material for restoration in the Great Basin.

Literature Cited

Adair, R.; Johnson, Richard C.; Hellier, Barbara; Kasier, W. 2006. Collecting Taper Tip Onion 

(Allium acuminatum Hook.) in the Great Basin using traditional and GIS methods. Native 

Plants Journal. 7: 141-148. 

Management Applications and Seed Production Guidelines:

Seed zones are being developed for plant materials needed for revegetation and restoration in the 

Great Basin and adjacent areas. 

Cooperation is ongoing with the BLM “Seeds of Success” program for collection, storage, 

conservation and distribution of native plant materials through the National Plant Germplasm 

System. This provides seed for distribution to users and security back-up for native populations 

that may be lost as a result of climate change and disturbances such as fire and invasive weeds.

Products: 

Co-organized workshop: Restoring and Sustaining Western Landscapes: Interaction with 

Climate Change, sponsored by the Ecological Society of America in Albuquerque, NM.

Seed zones for revegetation in the Great Basin are being developed.

Native plant material needed for research and development is being distributed through the 

Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman WA.
55

Distribution of native seeds for research and development

as part of the BLM, Seeds of Success program through the 

Western Regional Plant Introduction Station from 2005 

through 2009.

Year

Seed packets 

distributed Seed orders

2005 1 1

2006 23 3

2007 161 54

2008 438 129

2009 467 118

totals 1090 305

Publication:

Johnson, Richard C.; Erickson, V. J.; Mandel, N. L.; St Clair, J. Bradley; Vance-Borland, K. W. 

Geographic variation and seed zones for mountain brome (Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn.) 

from the Blue Mountains. (Revision submitted)

Presentations:

Johnson, Richard C.; Hellier, Barbara. 2009. Genetic diversity patterns and adaptation of Allium 

acuminatum in the Great Basin. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, 2009 February 

10; Albuquerque, NM. Abstract.

Johnson, Richard C.; Hellier, Barbara and Cashman, Mike. Seed zones for Tapertip Onion and 

Indian Ricegrass. GBNPSIP Annual Meeting, March 31, 2009; Boise, ID.

St.Clair, J.B.; Johnson, R.C.; Shaw, N.L. 2009. Genetic diversity and genecology of bluebunch 

wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

Annual Meeting, 2009, March 31; Boise, ID.

Johnson, Richard C. 2009. Adaptation of key native species for the Intermountain West. Native 

Plant Summit, 2009 March 24; Boise, ID. 

Johnson, Richard C. 2009. Session panel member and speaker: Plant materials available for 

Great Basin ecoregions. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program Workshop, 2009 April 1;

Ontario OR.

Johnson, Richard C. 2009. Plant conservation, gene banking and geneology with climate change. 

Ecological Society of America : Restoring and Sustaining Western Landscapes: Interaction with 

Climate Change Workshop, 2009 August 2; Albuquerque, NM. 
56

Project Title: Genetic Diversity and Genecology of Bluebunch 

Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata)

Project Location: USDA-ARS Western Regional Plant Introduction Station 

(WRPIS), Pullman, Washington; USDA Forest Service Rocky 

Mountain Research Station, Boise, Idaho; USDA Forest Service 

Pacific Northwest Research Station, Corvallis, Oregon

Principal Investigators and Contact Information: 

Brad St. Clair, Research Geneticist

USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station

3200 SW Jefferson Way

Corvallis, OR 97331-4401

541.750.7294, fax: 541.750.7329

bstclair@fs.fed.us

R.C. Johnson, Research Agronomist

USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station

Box 646402, Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164 

509.335.3771, fax: 509.335.6654

rcjohnson@wsu.edu

Nancy L. Shaw, Research Botanist

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

322 E. Front Street, Suite 401

Boise, ID 83702

208.373.4360, fax: 208.373.4391

nshaw@fs.fed.us

Project Description:

Bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) Á. Löve] is a cool-season, long-lived, 

self-incompatible, perennial bunchgrass of semi-arid regions of western North America. It is 

found in a wide variety of habitats, and is a dominant species of many grasslands of the inland 

Northwest. The wide distribution across a diverse range of climates suggests that bluebunch 

wheatgrass is genetically variable, and much of that variation may be adaptive. Nevertheless, 

many restoration projects using bluebunch wheatgrass rely upon a few cultivars that have proven 

to be useful over a wide area (although with less experience in the Great Basin). Few studies 

have been done, however, to evaluate genetic variation in relation to climatic factors across the 

Great Basin or the greater range of the species in a large set of diverse populations, and to 

compare the mean and variation of cultivars with that of the species as a whole. Determining the 

extent to which adaptive genetic variation is related to climatic variation is needed to ensure that 

the proper germplasm is chosen for revegetation and restoration. Furthermore, comparisons of 

cultivars with the natural range of variation will address questions of the suitability of cultivars 

over larger areas.
57

Objectives

1. Using common gardens, determine the magnitude and patterns of genetic variation 

among bluebunch wheatgrass populations from a wide range of source environments in 

the Great Basin, Columbia Basin and adjacent areas.

2. Relate genetic variation to environmental variation at collection locations.

3. Compare common cultivars of bluebunch wheatgrass to native sources.

4. Develop seed transfer guidelines.

Progress

In 2005, seed was collected from eight western states including many locations in the Great 

Basin. In fall 2006, 127 diverse populations, each represented by two families, along with five 

cultivars, were established in common gardens at Pullman and Central Ferry, WA, and at the 

USFS Lucky Peak Nursery near Boise, ID. Data was collected on each of 17 traits of growth, 

phenology and morphology at each of the three contrasting test sites during years 2007 and 2008. 

Seed was collected from the common gardens in 2008 and germination tests were conducted in 

2009 to evaluate population variation in germination rates. Preliminary analyses have been done 

to evaluate differences among test sites, years, populations and families within populations, as 

well as their interactions, and to look at the relationship between population variation and 

climatic variation at source locations. Preliminary maps of genetic variation across the landscape 

have been produced.

Preliminary Results

Differences among test sites and between years for traits of growth and phenology were 

generally large (Tables 1 and 2). Plants grown at the warmest and driest site, Central Ferry, were 

largest, whereas plants grown at the coolest, wettest site, Pullman, were smallest. Reproductive 

phenology was delayed at the coolest site, Pullman, as indicated by later dates of heading, 

anthesis and seed maturation. Plants were larger in 2007 compared to 2008, indicating that 

plants were better established during the second year. Reproductive phenology was later in 

2008. Despite large differences among test sites and between years, correlations of population 

means between test sites were generally large (r>0.70) for the same traits measured at differe nt 

sites. Correlations of population means between years were also generally large (r>0.60) for 

many traits. Thus, population performance was generally consistent between sites and between 

years.

Considerable variation was found between populations evaluated at each test site (Table 3). 

Most traits showed greater than 30% of the variation of individual plants could be attributed to 

differences among populations. Variation among families within populations was small. 

Correlations of populations means with climates at the seed sources were moderate to relatively 

strong with many correlations greater than 0.30 (Table 4). Larger plants were generally from 

areas with greater precipitation and warmer winters but cooler summers, plants with later 

heading dates were from areas with later spring frosts and earlier fall frosts, plants with an 

upright form were from areas with less precipitation, plants with narrow leaves were from hotter 

and drier areas, and plants with longer awns were from cooler areas. These relationships make 

sense from an adaptation perspective. Large population differences consistently correlated with 

environmental variables in ways that make sense suggests adaptively significant genetic 
58

variation that should be considered when moving populations in restoration projects. 

Regressions between traits, including multivariate principle components, and climatic and 

geographic variables were done and the resulting models were used in GIS to produce maps of 

genetic variation in adaptive traits. The relationships and preliminary maps suggest that seed 

zones should be delineated mostly along gradients of temperature and aridity. 

Table 1. Trait means for bluebunch wheatgrass measured at three test sites averaged over two years.

Trait

Test Site

Central Ferry Lucky Peak Pullman

Dry wt (g) 100 85 41

Crown width (cm) 9.5 7.5 8.4

Inflorescence no. 100 121 42

Heading date (Julian days) 133 136 143

Anthesis date (Julian days) 146 150 162

Maturity date (Julian days) 184 190 199

Germination rate (days to 50%) 5.0 6.1 4.8

Plant form (1-9 prostrate to upright) 6.1 6.3 6.5

Leaf form (height:width ratio) 41 39 33

Leaf pubescence (1-9 none to much) 3.9 4.5 4.0

Leaf color (1-9 yellow to dark green) 3.3 3.0 2.9

Awn length (1-9 none to long) 4.6 4.6 4.7

Table 2. Trait means in 2007 and 2008 averaged over all three test sites.

Trait 2007 2008

Dry wt (g) 42 109

Crown width (cm) 5.5 11.4

Inflorescence no. 28 148

Heading date (Julian days) 133 141

Anthesis date (Julian days) 148 157

Maturity date (Julian days) 189 192

Plant form (1-9 prostrate to upright) 6.3 6.3

Leaf form (height:width ratio) 38 38

Leaf pubescence (1-9 none to much) 4.8 3.5

Leaf color (1-9 yellow to dark green) 3.2 2.9

Awn length (1-9 none to long) 4.6 4.7
59

Table 3. Percent of total variation (populations, families within population, and residual) attributed to 

variation among populations for traits measured at each test site.

Trait

(2007 data)

% Population Variation

Central Ferry Lucky Peak Pullman

Dry wt 48 21 37

Crown width 33 23 32

Inflorescence no. 46 36 34

Heading date (Julian days) 37 30 19

Anthesis date (Julian days) 22 44 27

Maturity date (Julian days) 17 18 10

Germination rate (days to 50%) 19 11 7

Plant form (1-9 prostrate to upright) 17 30 7

Leaf form (height:width ratio) 34 39 19

Leaf pubescence (1-9 none to much) 37 28 42

Leaf color (1-9 yellow to dark green) 33 35 12

Awn length 45 58 49

Table 4. Correlations between population means for individual plant traits and 30-yr climate normals of 

the seed sources (averaged across years and test sites).

Trait Annual 

Precip

Aug 

Precip

Annual 

Temp

Aug 

Max 

Temp

Dec 

Min 

Temp

Frost 

Free 

Period

Latitude Elevation

PC1 0.38 0.40 -0.06 -0.21 0.26 -0.05 0.35 -0.18

PC2 0.28 0.21 -0.38 -0.25 -0.36 -0.44 -0.41 0.49

PC3 -0.31 -0.34 0.39 0.50 0.18 0.22 0.08 -0.32

PC4 -0.07 -0.20 0.07 0.09 0.08 -0.22 -0.33 0.10

PC5 -0.16 -0.10 -0.05 -0.10 0.00 -0.06 0.07 0.12

Dry wt 0.35 0.33 0.04 -0.12 0.32 0.03 0.37 -0.26

Inflorescence no. 0.19 0.22 0.10 -0.05 0.34 0.10 0.43 -0.32

Plant form -0.32 -0.31 0.05 0.17 -0.17 0.00 -0.31 0.14

Leaf color 0.27 0.22 -0.14 -0.24 0.11 -0.11 0.14 0.04

Heading date 0.10 0.07 -0.28 -0.19 -0.23 -0.36 -0.29 0.36

Leaf form -0.44 -0.47 0.47 0.51 0.27 0.27 0.09 -0.37

Awn length 0.26 0.22 -0.23 -0.29 -0.02 -0.31 -0.19 0.21

Leaf pubescence -0.33 -0.31 0.16 0.14 0.08 0.12 0.01 -0.01

Future Plans

In the next year we will look more closely at the relationship between climate and trait variation 

by considering additional climatic variables and the relationship among climatic variables. The 

maps will be refined and alternative seed zones will be evaluated by considering the amount of 

trait variation explained by different classifications. Performance of the commonly-used 

cultivars will be compared with the results from the range-wide analysis. Recommendations for 

seed transfer, seed zones and genetic conservation will be made. Results will be reported at 

meetings and in a peer-reviewed journal.
60

Management Applications: 

Results from this study will be used to develop seed transfer guidelines and appropriate source 

material for revegetation and restoration in the Great Basin and adjacent areas. Results will also 

provide information on responses of bluebunch wheatgrass to climate change and appropriate 

management responses.

Products: 

This study will provide seed zones and seed transfer guidelines for developing adapted plant 

materials for revegetation and restoration in the Great Basin and adjacent areas, and provide 

guidelines for conservation of germplasm within the National Plant Germplasm System. Results 

will be reported in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through symposia, field 

tours, training sessions or workshops. 

Presentations: 

St.Clair, J.B.; Johnson, R.C.; Shaw, N.L. 2009. Genetic diversity and genecology of bluebunch 

wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

Annual Meeting, 2009, March 31; Boise, ID.

St.Clair, J.B. 2009. Genecology, restoration and adapting to climate change. Workshop on 

Restoring and Sustaining Western Landscapes: Interaction with Climate Change, 2009 

Ecological Society of America Meeting, Albuquerque, NM.

St.Clair, J.B. 2009. Seed zone studies for native plants in the Pacific Northwest. Region 6 Native 

Plant, Invasive Plant and TES Plant Program Managers Meeting, USDA Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Region, Hood River, OR.
61

Project Title: Phylogeographic Characterization of Genetic Diversity in 

Basalt Milkvetch

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

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Shaun Bushman, Geneticist (Plants)

USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-6300

435.797.2901, fax: 435.797.3075

shaun.bushman@ars.usda.gov 

Doug Johnson, Plant Physiologist

USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-6300

435.797.3067, fax: 435.797.3075

doug.johnson@ars.usda.gov

Kishor Bhattarai, Ph.D. Student

Department of Plants, Soils and Climatology

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-4820

435.764.0649

kishorbhattarai9@yahoo.com

Project Description: 

This project is being conducted to ensure that the best selection and release strategies will be 

used to most effectively represent existing genetic variation within the widespread North 

American legume, Astragalus filipes (basalt milkvetch). Common garden experiments, rhizobial 

inoculation experiments and toxic plant metabolite evaluations were done previously and 

presented in previous GBNPSIP reports. Exploratory molecular marker-based diversity and 

population structure were also reported previously from 81 collected accessions of basalt 

milkvetch. Seeds from these accessions were germinated in a greenhouse in Logan, UT. DNA 

was extracted from 10 plants of each accession, and the AFLP procedure was used for molecular

marker development. 

The exploratory analysis of the molecular data from these 81 accessions was conducted using 

Analysis of MOlecular VAriance (AMOVA), which indicated 73% of variation was apportioned 

within collections while 27% was apportioned among collections. This is important because it 

shows that this species has sufficient variation within any given population for selection or 

adaptation. Significant population structure was detected and two groups of populations were 

prominent in their distinction, one group from southern British Columbia and another group from 

central Nevada (Figure 1). Bayesian analysis conducted with the program STRUCTURE v2.1 
62

was used to test population structure in the accessions. Groupings of 2 - 9 were tested, and the 

grouping where the log likelihood value-improvement tapered off was determined as the 

appropriate number of structured groups. A general increase in fit was found as the numbers of 

structures increased up to five (Figure 2), and increasing admixture among some populations was 

detected as the number of structures increased. Two distinct populations separated from the 

others early in structure testing, and remained separate and homogeneous thereafter. The first 

comprised six collections from British Columbia, and the second six collections from central 

Nevada. The remaining collections were roughly sorted geographically, with one group 

comprising collections from Idaho, northern and eastern Nevada, and Utah. However, the three 

latter groups all had many populations with admixed coancestry, suggesting that strong geneflow barriers do not exist among these populations. 

Estimates of within-population genetic diversity indicated that the highest genetic diversity 

among the A. filipes collections was found within the state of Oregon. Conversely, yet in line 

with population structure estimates, the lowest genetic diversity was found in British Columbia 

and central Nevada collections (Figure 3). Genetic diversity values were tested for significance 

by state boundary and by Level III ecoregion. Both tests were significant, but significance was 

greater for state boundaries (F=30.04 and P<0.0001) than for ecoregions (F=15.75 and 

P<0.0001). Thus, our data indicates a central meta-population in Oregon, with newer colonies 

spread out from there. This is consistent with the fact that the two strongly supported genetically 

differentiated groups (British Columbia and central Nevada) were on the extreme periphery of 

the known species distribution (Figure 4). A manuscript describing the population structure and 

genetic diversity has been submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Kishor Bhattarai (a Ph.D. student at Utah State University supported from funds on this project) 

conducted a series of greenhouse and field experiments with basalt milkvetch. These data were 

reported previously, and Kishor used these data for his Master‟s thesis, which he successfully 

defended in spring 2007. Manuscripts summarizing the study results were published in 

Rangeland Ecology and Management (Bhattarai and others 2008). Additionally Kishor extended 

his research to two other legumes: Dalea ornata and Dalea searlsiae, which were part of his 

Ph.D. dissertation. He will defend that in April 2010. Preliminary maps of the genetically 

differentiated groups for these two species are shown in Figures 5 and 6.

In consultation with those administering the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase 

Project, it was determined that a pooling of basalt milkvetch accessions from across the Northern 

Basin and Range Ecoregion (Number 80) would be most useful for restoration, reclamation, and 

rehabilitation efforts in the northern Great Basin. Basalt milkvetch accessions from the Northern 

Basin and Range Ecoregion with the highest seed yields were identified. In addition, two 

accessions from these collections were excluded from NBR-1 Germplasm because they had 

detectable levels of selenium, nitrotoxin or swainsonine. The remaining 12 selected accessions 

were not statistically different from each other for seed yield and were used to constitute NBR-1 

Germplasm. The 12 constituent accessions of NBR-1 come from sites in Oregon, Idaho, 

Nevada, Utah and California that ranged in elevation from about 1,315 to 1,874 m (4,300 to 

6,200 feet). The NBR-1 germplasm did not contain seed from accessions in central Nevada that 

were distinct in exploratory molecular analysis. Seed collected from the respective wildland 
63

collection sites for these 12 selected accessions was bulked in equal amounts to form the G0 

generation of NBR-1 Germplasm. 

NBR-1 Germplasm was placed in the manipulated track for release because not all original 

collections from the Northern Basin and Range Ecoregion were included as constituent 

accessions of NBR-1 Germplasm. No further selection or manipulation was conducted for any 

traits besides the above-mentioned selection for seed yield, and selection against selenium, 

nitrotoxin and swainsonine content. NBR-1 Germplasm was approved for release by the Utah 

Crop Improvement Association and USDA-ARS. An article describing the release of NBR-1 

Germplasm was published in Native Plants Journal. Efforts are underway to increase seed 

quantities of NBR-1 for commercial seed production. 

Management Applications:

The molecular information generated from this project is being used to genetically characterize 

collections of basalt milkvetch across six states of the western U.S. and British Columbia, 

Canada. These molecular data will allow identification of optimal germplasm releases to most 

effectively represent existing genetic variation in basalt milkvetch. These data are critical in 

determining if collections of basalt milkvetch can be treated as one unstructured population, or if 

significant differences in genetic diversity and population structure exist so that populations need 

to be grouped into several distinct populations for release.

Products:

NBR-1 Germplasm of basalt milkvetch was released for use in the northern Great Basin. When 

used in seed mixtures with adapted grasses and shrubs, basalt milkvetch will be of value in 

stabilizing degraded rangelands, revegetating disturbed areas and beautifying roadsides. This 

native legume will be of use where introduced species are not desired. The attractive foliage and 

flowers of basalt milkvetch make it an excellent choice for use in wildflower seed mixtures.
64

Figure 1. Neighbor-joining dendrogram of 81 basalt milkvetch accessions using analysis of molecular 

variance estimates of differences. 
65

 

Figure 2. The difference in log likelihood estimates of testing 2 to 9 population structures using 

Bayesian clustering in the program STRUCTURE 2.2. The lower plateau of differences between 

structure tests suggest that no appreciable fit to the model is obtained by increasing the structures 

tested past six. 

Figure 3. Average within-collection similarity values sorted by decreasing value within 

state/province boundary.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Average Ln 
66

Figure 4. Collection-site map of Astragalus filipes with two strongly supported genetically 

differentiated groups. 

Figure 5. Collection-site map of Dalea ornata, with five collections in the Deschutes River 

Watershed (9, 14, 23, 16, 25) in central Oregon separating out as a genetically differentiated

group.
67

Figure 6. Collection-site map of Dalea searlsiae, with three genetically differentiated groups 

identified from preliminary analysis.

Publications:

Bushman B.S.; Bhattarai, K.; Johnson, D.A. 2009. Population structure of Astragalus filipes

collections from the western U.S.A. and Canada. Botany (submitted).

Presentations:

Bushman, Shaun; Johnson, D.A. Astragalus filipes meta-populations and release of NBR-1 

Germplasm. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Annual Meeting, 2009 Marc h 31, 

2009; Boise, ID.

Johnson, D.A. Collection and utilization of plant genetic resources for use on rangelands, 

pastures, and urban interfaces in the western U.S. Utah State University Department of Wildland 

Resources, Logan, UT. 

Bushman, B. Shaun; Johnson, Douglas A.; Bhattarai, Kishor. Astragalus filipes Population 

Structure and Diversity. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; 

Ontario, OR. Poster.
68

Bhattarai, Kishor; Bushman, Shaun; Johnson, Douglas; Carman, John. Estimation of Genetic 

Diversity in Wildland Collections Dalea searlsiae and Dalea ornata from the U.S. Intermountain 

West. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Johnson, Douglas. Plant materials available for Great Basin ecoregions. Developing a Successful 

Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Panel discussion.
69

Project Title: Ecological Genetics of Big Sagebrush (Artemisia 

tridentata): Genetic Structure and Climate Based Seed 

Zone Mapping

Project Location: Shrub Sciences Laboratory, Provo Utah

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Bryce Richardson, Research Geneticist

USDA Forest Service, RMRS, Shrub Sciences Laboratory

735 N 500 E

Provo, UT 84606

801.356.5112

brichardson02@fs.fed.us

Nancy Shaw, Research Botanist

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

322 E. Front Street, Suite 401

Boise, ID 83702 

208.373.4360, fax: 208.373.4391 

nshaw@fs.fed.us

Project Description:

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) is one of the most ecologically important and landscape 

dominant plant species in western North America. This species is a major focus for ecosystem 

restoration after disturbances because of its importance in wildlife forage, invasive weed 

exclusion (e.g., cheatgrass), snow catchment and nutrient cycling. Big sagebrush is divided into 

three major subspecies: tridentata, vaseyana and wyomingenesis which typically occupy distinct 

ecological niches. However, subspecies are known to form hybrid zones in some areas (Freeman 

and others 1991, McArthur and others 1998). Maladaptation is a serious problem in restoration 

and becomes more complex with climate change. Planting big sagebrush seed sources outside its 

adaptive breadth will lead to further ecosystem degradation and encroachment of invasive 

species. Successful restoration of big sagebrush requires understanding the climatic factors 

involved in defining subspecies and populations. 

Objectives:

1) Establish common gardens from collected seed sources across the range of big sagebrush

2) Develop molecular markers from transcriptome data of subspecies vaseyana and 

tridentata

3) Elucidate genetic structure using molecular markers and adaptive traits

4) Determine climatic factors important to adaptation within and among big sagebrush 

ecological races

5) Develop climate-based seed zone maps across the range of big sagebrush
70

Project Status

Common garden study

Collection of seed and plant tissue began in autumn of 2009. A total of 93 seed sources were 

collected, largely by collaborators, in 11 western states (Fig. 1). In January 2010, seeds were 

planted in greenhouse containers. Ten families from each of 57 seed sources are being grown. 

The families will be replicated in each of the common gardens. Outplanting of seedlings will 

occur in late spring at three common garden sites (Table 1). 

 Table 1. Location information of three sagebrush common garden sites.

Site Name Latitude Longitude Elevation (m)

Orchard, Idaho 43.328 -116.003 976

Ephraim, Utah 39.369 -111.580 1686

Ephraim Canyon, Utah 39.337 -111.521 2088

Fig. 1. The location of seed collection sites for Artemisia tridentata. 

The symbols identify subspecies wyomingenesis, tridentata and vaseyana.

Molecular genetics

In September of 2009 leaf and bud tissue was collected from two big sagebrush specimens 

(subspecies tridentata and vaseyana) growing in Provo, Utah. Total RNA was extracted and the 

transcriptomes were sequenced for both subspecies using a Roche 454 FLX Genome Sequencer. 

The sequencing data is currently being compiled and annotated. This data includes 
71

approximately 300 million nucleotide bases of sequence for each of the subspecies and will be a 

data resource for downstream projects such as the development of molecular markers for 

population genetic and phylogenetics studies.

Future Plans

Common gardens

Beginning in 2011, after a year of establishment in the common gardens, the plants will be 

measured for growth and phenology traits. Monthly weather data will be collected at each 

common garden. Such data can be used in the development of genecological models for 

delineation of seed zones.

Molecular genetics

Molecular marker development from transcriptome sequencing will lead to a range-wide 

population genetic and phylogenetic assessment of big sagebrush. We also plan to sequence the 

transcriptome of subspecies wyomingensis for DNA sequence comparison. The final goal of this 

project is to discover associations between variation in transcriptome data collected from the 

common gardens with variation in adaptive traits. 

Literature Cited

Freeman, D.C.; Turner, W.A.; McArthur, E.D.; Graham, J.H. 1991. Characterization of a narrow 

hybrid zone between two subspecies of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata: Asteraceae). 

American Journal of Botany. 78: 805-815.

McArthur, E.D.; Freeman, D.C.; Graham, J.H.; Wang, H.; Sanderson, S.C.; Monaco, T.A.;

Smith, B.N. 1998. Narrow hybrid zone between two subspecies of big sagebrush (Artemisia 

tridentata: Asteraceae). VI. Respiration and water potential. Canadian Journal of Botany 76: 

567-574.
72

Project Title: Stock Seed Production of Native Plants for the Great 

 Basin

Project Location: Utah Crop Improvement Association, Utah State University, 

Logan, UT

Principle Investigators and Contact Information: 

Stanford Young, Secretary-Manager

Utah Crop Improvement Association

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-4855

435.797.2082, fax: 435.797.0642 

sayoung@mendel.usu.edu

 Michael Bouck, Field Supervisor, Northern Utah

Utah Crop Improvement Association

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-4855

435.797.2101, fax: 435.797.0642 

michaelb@mendel.usu.edu

Project Description:

This project was initially titled “Establishment and Maintenance of the Buy-Back Program for 

Certified Seed”. It was funded through a Memorandum of Understanding between the USFSRMRS in Boise and the Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA), initiated in the fall of 

2003 and renewed with additional funds in the fall of 2004 and fall of 2007. A new joint venture 

agreement titled “Stock Seed Production of Native Plants for the Great Basin” was completed on 

17 August 2009. Seed has been distributed during this time period using the Buy-back option, a 

mechanism for returning a portion of the seed increased by private growers back to the UCIA for 

redistribution to the original and additional seed growers for further seed increase.

Project Status: 

A synopsis of the Stock Seed Buy-Back Program follows, applicable to the period Jan. 1, 2009-

Dec. 31, 2009. Table 1 lists new (2009) seed distributions and their field status. Table 1 also lists 

forb and grass seed acquisitions, distributions, inventory, field status and whether seed has been 

harvested for specific germplasms included in the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program from 

2002-2008. This list includes the previous AOSCA program which is now being administered 

by the UCIA. It is expected that in 2010 several additional forbs and grasses will be included in 

the program. Table 2 lists the Standardized Market Price for contract negotiations for each 

species included in the program, updated at the beginning of 2010. However, some of the 

species planted in the fall of 2008 and during 2009 do not have a market record, and more 

investigation and negotiation is underway to complete monetary details of buy-back contracts. 
73

Table 1. 2009 Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

Stock Seed Buyback Program. Forb and grass seed acquisition, distribution and field planting status for species 

germplasms planted in 2008 and 2009. Also listed are 2002-2007 plantings with activity in 2009.

Kind & Variety / 

Germplasm Source Lot / Origin

Seed 

acquisition and 

production 

status

Generat ion

lb Added 

to 

Inventory

date

lb 

distributed 

from 

Inventory

date

State 

distributed

to

Field Status

bulk bulk

2009

Eriogonum umbellatum Poo led ID, O R ERUM2 009 *1*2 G1 10.4 Fall 09 10.4 Fall 09 WA

Ant icipat e seed ing sp ring 

2010

Eriogonum umbellatum Poo led ID, O R ERUM2 009 *1*2 G1 10.4 Fall 09 10.4 Fall 09 OR Ant icipat e seed ing sp ring 

2010

Penstemon acuminatus Poo led ID, O R PEAC SR P 2 009 *1*2 G0 12.3 Fall 09 12.3 Fall 09 NV

Seeded Fall 09; failed, 

plo wed ou t

Penstemon acuminatus Poo led ID, O R, N V PEAC N BR *1*2 G0 4.13 Fall 09 4.13 Fall 09 NV

Seeded Fall 08, adde d 0.7 5 

acres Fa ll 09

Poa secunda 

Mountain Home Germ.

Poa Sec

01-BSE-06

Lot# NBS-RR8MTH-1 G1 300 Summer 09 300 Fall 09 WA Most ly seed ed Fa ll 09

Elymus elymoides Little Sahara site Lot# CU-907, 

GBRI 29

G0 200 Summer 09 200 8/28 /09 WA Seeded Fall 09

Linum lewisii Maple Gr ove 

Germpla sm F-757, MGLF-1-08 G3 33 Spring 09 33 4/6/ 09 OR Ant icipat e seed ing sp ring 2010

2008

Elymus elymoides Little Sahara site WC-628, 81, GBRI 18 *1*2 G0 2.5 10/10 /08 2.5 10/10 /08 ID Plo wed ou t

Eriogonum heracleoides Poo led* ERHE2 *1*2 G0 52.5 12/5 /08 52.5 12/5 /08 WA 2

nd year see ding

Leymus cinereus Poo led* LECI *1*2 G1 10.00 9/9/ 08 10.00 9/9/ 08 WA 2

nd year se dding

Eriogonum umbellatum Poo led* ERUM *1*2 G0 34.09 9/17 /08 34.09 9/17 /08 OR Frost heave ru ine d stand

Penstemon deustus Poo led* PEDE *1*2 G0/G1? 14.8 9/8/ 08 14.8 9/8/ 08 OR Nothing came up

Dalea ornate Poo led* DAOR *1*2 G0 1.14 9/10 /08 1.14 9/10 /08 WA Failed, w ill ret ry

Astragalus filipes Brot hers ASFI *1*2 G1 8 9/28 /08 8 9/28 /08 WA

Good sta nd, 2ndyear 

seed ing

Lomatium triternatum Poo led* LOTR *1*2 G0/G1? 9.05 9/24 /08 9.05 9/24 /08 ID 2

nd year see ding

Agoseris heterophylla Pioche AGHE2 *1*2 G1 1.5 11/12 /08 1.5 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Balsamorhiza hookeri Elko BAHO *1*2 G0 0.33 11/12 /08 0.33 11/12 /08 UT 2

nd year see ding

Crepis acuminata Warm Springs CR AC *1*2 G0 1.38 11/12 /08 1.38 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Crepis intermedia Pequ op S ummit CRIN4 *1*2 G0 5.74 11/12 /08 5.74 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Heliomeris multiflora var. 

nevadensis

Pioche HEMUN *1*2 G1 0.11 11/12 /08 0.11 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Lupinus prunophilus Eureka LUPR2 *1*2 G0 0.94 11/12 /08 0.94 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Penstemon pachyphyllus Warm Springs PEPA6 *1*2 G0 1.17 11/12 /08 1.17 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Sphaeralcea coccinea Poo led* SPCO *1*2 G0 4.4 11/12 /08 4.4 11/12 /08 UT Fair stan d th ickene d Fa ll 09

Lomatium nudicaule Pequ op S ummit LONU2 *1*2 G0 0.96 11/12 /08 0.96 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Achnatherum 

thurberianum

Jordan Valley ACTH7

*1*2

G0 1.133 11/12 /08 1.133 11/12 /08 UT Add ed m ore ro ws Fall 0 9

Penstemon cyaneus Richfield PECY3 *1*2 G0 0.51 11/12 /08 0.51 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Penstemon deustus Huntington, OR PEDE35 *1*2 G1 0.504 11/12 /08 0.504 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Eriogonum heracleoides Adam s ID ERHE11 *1*2 G0 0.299 11/12 /08 0.299 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Achillea millefolium Eagle ID AC MI 01 *1*2 G0 0.125 11/12 /08 0.125 11/12 /08 UT

Poor sta nd, co ntinue 

estab lishme nt next year

Lomatium dissectum Godd ing ID LODI 70 p ooled *1*2 G0 7.51 11/12 /08 7.51 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Penstemon acuminatus SR P lain PEAC p oo led *1*2 G0 2.55 11/12 /08 2.55 11/12 /08 UT Failed – plowe d out

Lupinus prunophilus Eureka LUPR2 *1*2 G0 0.94 11/6 /08 0.94 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

Agoseris heterophylla Orovada AGHE2 *1*2 G2 6.61 11/6 /08 6.61 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

Lomatium nudicaule Pequ op S ummit LONU2 *1*2 G0 0.68 11/6 /08 0.68 11/6 /08 NV Replante d 1.5 acres 09

Heliomeris multiflora var. 

nevadensis

Pioche HEMUN *1*2 G1 0.22 11/6 /08 0.22 11/6 /08 NV Add ed 3-4 acre s Fa ll 09

Frasera albomarginata Newcast le FRAL5 *1*2 G0 0.124 11/6 /08 0.124 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

Sphaeralcea coccinea Poo led* SPCO *1*2 G0 1.57 11/6 /08 1.57 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

Crepis intermedia Pequ op S ummit CRIN4 *1*2 G0 1.79 11/6 /08 1.79 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

Eriogonum umbellatum Poo led* ERUM *1*2 G0 0.61 11/6 /08 0.61 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

Lomatium dissectum Good ing ID LODI 70 20 05 *1*2 G0 6.04 11/6 /08 6.04 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

Penstemon acuminatus SR P lain PEAC p oo led *1*2 G0 4.62 11/6 /08 4.62 11/6 /08 NV Failed – plowe d out

2002-2007

Achillea millefolium Eagle ID Wild co llected 

USFS

- OR,WA,WY Wide u se in seed in du stry

Balsamorhiza hookeri Wild Collected USFS BAHO B 1-02 *1*2 G0 - Fall 02 0.31 Fall 02 CO

Small amou nts of see d 

harvest ed

Balsamorhiza sagittata Wild Collected USFS BAS A U 32-02 *1*2 G0 1.62 4/15 /04 1.19 4/16 /04 UT 5

th year imm ature st and

Linum lewisii Maple Gr ove 

Germpla sm SG3-03-3 ( AP MC) *1 G3 0.5 4/15 /05 0.5 4/15 /05 UT Estab lished

Lomatium dissectum NBR Wild Collected 

USFS

Poo led *1*2 G0 2 10/31 /06 2 11/22 /06 UT 3

rd year imm ature stand

Penstemon acuminatus Wild Collected USFS PEAC2 B4-02 *1*2 G0 0.22 Fall 02 0.22 Fall 02 ID Estab lished

Penstemon cyaneus PECY2 B6- 02-CO 2006.041 3 *1*3 G1 5 12/5 /06 5 3/1/ 07 WY, ID Seeded 200 7

Penstemon deustus Wild Collected USFS PEDE B 11-02 *1*2 G0 0.33 Fall 02 0.33 Fall 02 ID Estab lished, taken out 20 09

Penstemon pachyphyllus PEPA2 U6- 99-O R A5-4-P 1 *3 G1 38.03 6/7/ 05 7.3 Fall 05 ID 3

rd year imm ature stand

Penstemon palmerii ‘Cedar’ Wild Collected UCIA CPP KL-05-1, GBRI 16 F 133 10/24 /05 46.54 2006-09 CO,ID,WY

Small scale u se in see d 

ind ustry

Penstemon speciosus Wild Collected USFS PENSPE1- BSE-03 *1*2 G0 - 4/15 /04 - 4/16 /04 UT

Plo wed ou t, see d harvested 

05-06

Sphaeralcea parvifolia Wild Collected USFS SPPA U14-0 2 *1*2 G0 0.33 Fall 02 0.33 Fall 02 CO Taken o ut a nd ree stab lishe d

Poa secunda 

Mountain Home Germ.

Rain ier Seed WA 557-215- 31 A *3 G2 0.7 11/4 /03 50.0 9/15 /03 ID,UT,WA,

WY

Wide u se in seed in du stry

Poa secunda 

Mountain Home Germ.

Wild Collected USFS Poa Sec01- BSE-06 *1 G0 6.5 9/10 /06 6.5 9/11 /06 WA Seeded 4 acre s 2006

subtotal 942.9 724.9
74

Table 2. Standardized Market Price for Contract Negotiation, Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase 

Project-Utah Crop Improvement Association Buy-back Program. Based on end user marketprice and suggested 

PMC stock seed prices for applicable growers

Scientific Name Common Name 5 Year average

Achillea millefolium Western yarrow $10.00

Agoseris heterophylla Annual agoseris

Astragalus filipes Basalt milkvetch

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker’s balsamroot $26.00

Balsamorhiza sagittata Arrowleaf balsamroot $25.00

Chrysothamnus spp. Rabbitbrush $40.00

Cleome serrulata Beeplant $12.00

Crepis acuminate Tapertip hawksbeard $140.00

Crepis intermedia Hawksbeard

Dalea ornate Blue Mountain Prairieclover

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfurflower buckwheat $37.00

Heliomeris mutliflora var. nevadensis Nevada goldeneye

Linum lewisii Lewis flax $12.00

Lomatium dissectum Giant Lomatium (parsley or biscuitroot) $65.00

Lomatium nudicaule Barestem biscuitroot

Lomatium triternatum Nineleaf lomatium $80.00

Lupinus spp. Lupine $55.00

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon $60.00

Penstemon cyananthus Wasatch penstemon $52.00

Penstemon cyaneus Blue penstemon $60.00

Penstemon deustus Hot-rock penstemon $40.00

Penstemon eatonii Firecracker penstemon $50.00

Penstemon pachyphyllus Thickleaf penstemon $62.00

Penstemon palmeri Palmer penstemon $20.00

Sphaeraclea coccinea Scarlet globemallow $65.00

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia Gooseberry-leaved globemallow $57.00

Sphaeralcea munroana Munro’s globemallow $57.00

Grasses

Achnatherum hymenoides Indian ricegrass $11.00

Achnatherum thurberianum Thurber’s needlegrass $56.00

Elymus elymoides Bottlebrush squirreltail $20.00

Elymus wawawaiensis Snake River Wheatgrass $10.50

Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue $8.50

Leymus cinereus Basin Wildrye $9.00

Poa fendleriana Muttongrass $75.00

Poa secunda Sandberg bluegrass $12.00

Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch wheatgrass $10.50
75

Project Synopsis: Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project (GBNPSIP) and 

Utah Crop Improvement Association (UCIA) Stock Seed Buy-back Program. This program 

encourages and allows seed growers to benefit economically in a timely manner as an incentive 

to participate in the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program. The program helps accelerate the 

increase in stock seed supplies and ultimately increase seed supplies on the open market for 

commercial revegetation use.

The objectives of the UCIA Stock Seed Buy-back Program, funded through the GBNPSIP, is to: 

a) facilitate development of a seed market for specific germplasm accessions, pooled accessions, 

and/or formal germplasm releases developed through GBNPSIP; b) reward initial seed growers 

financially for the risks they have assumed to participate in the program; c) document germplasm 

identity through the seed increase process by utilizing seed certification protocols; and d) 

increase stock seed available for potential secondary seed growers. This program is administered 

through the Utah Crop Improvement Association.

The mechanisms for purchasing stock seed from growers and redistributing it for further increase 

are as follows:

1. UCIA offers for free or for sale (depending on seed generation and availability) stock 

seed to seed growers. A UCIA Stock Seed Contract (Appendix III) is completed at this 

time that formalizes the seed production agreement (number of pounds, price per pound, 

any special arrangements for reimbursement for establishment costs, etc.). 

2. After harvest of the first seed production year, the grower is required to return to the 

UCIA (for inventory reserve) the amount of stock seed specified in the contract. More 

may be returned if mutually negotiated. The grower will be compensated 125% of the 

standardized market price (SMP, see Table 2) for all seed returned to UCIA. SMP will 

be updated yearly and/or adjusted as needed. 

3. UCIA may negotiate to buy all or part of the seed from any subsequent years of seed 

production back from seed grower at 125% SMP. 

4. UCIA offers the grower the option to immediately buy back the seed sold to the UCIA 

(except for the inventory reserve) at 100% SMP. The grower thus realizes an immediate 

25% premium incentive to expand plantings and remain in the program. This seed must 

be planted for seed production and entered into the local seed certification program either 

by original seed grower or another seed grower recruited by the original seed grower. If 

this seed is instead sold commercially, the UCIA reserves the right to rec over the 25% 

premium paid for the seed, and the grower may be ineligible for further GBNPSIP seed 

distribution.

5. All seed offered to the UCIA, bought, or sold shall be certified or certified eligible. 

6. UCIA agrees to pay for shipping and seed analysis costs. Seed purchasing, shipping and 

seed analysis costs are to be reimbursed to the UCIA through GBNPSIP program funds. 

7. If seed is unconditioned when purchased by the UCIA, the seed grower may be charged 

for conditioning costs, or in certain circumstances these costs may be paid by the UCIA 

and reimbursed by GBNPSIP. 
76

Notes:

1. Seed quantity and quality (lbs PLS) of original stock seed provided to the seed grower 

will be determined on a case by case basis in order to determine the amount of seed that 

must be returned to the UCIA from the first harvestable crop by the seed grower.

2. When the original seed grower sells to the UCIA and/or buys back seed (as in points 3 

and 4 above) the amount of seed (lbs PLS) will typically be verified through the 

applicable state seed certification agency. Some instances may require special 

negotiation.

Management Applications:

For most of the species being studied by GBNPSIP cooperators, wildland seed collection is 

insufficient to provide for reclamation planting needs. Thus, accessions consisting of limited 

quantities of seed obtained from defined wildland stands, or pooled from defined geographic 

areas, must be increased in commercial fields or nurseries in order to be available in the 

marketplace in sufficient quantities to supply reclamation projects of the scope called for in the 

Great Basin. The UCIA Buy-Back project provides a bridge between a) small-quantity initial 

accessions and b) commercial marketplace production, by working with specialized growers who 

are willing to provide land, time and expertise to produce increased amounts of stock seed from 

the former, and with UCIA facilitation, makes it available for the latter. This process has been 

more successful for some species than others, but in general, great progress has been made in 

defining seed accession groupings, knowledge of agronomic seed production techniques and 

understanding the reality of the commercial seed marketplace. 

Publication:

Young, S.A. Seed Provenance: Here to There and Back Again. Abstracts of the Conference of 

the Society for Ecological Restoration International, Perth, Western Australia, p. 202.

Presentations:

Young, S.A. AOSCA Pre-Variety Germplasm Program: Tamed or Untamed? Intermountain 

Native Plant Summit V, Boise, ID.

Youtie, Berta; Young, Stanford; Bouck, Michael. Seed Increase and the buy-back program. 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, 

ID.

Young, S.A. Native Seed Certification and Wildland Seed Collection Permits. Workshop: 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. 

Young, S.A. Verification of germplasm source and status by seed certifying agencies as native 

plants are collected and cultivated. Workshop: Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. 

April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.
77

Project Title: Coordination of GBNPSIP Plant Materials Development, 

Seed Increase and Use

Project Location: Prineville, OR

Principal Investigator and Contact Information:

Berta Youtie

Eastern Oregon Stewardship Services (EOSS)

P.O. Box 606

Prineville, OR 97754

541.447.8166, fax: 541.447.6228 

byoutie@crestviewcable.com, berta.youtie@oregonstate.edu 

Project Description:

Objectives

Collaborate with the GBNPSIP, BLM field offices and native seed growers to increase 

native plant materials from the Great Basin for research and commercial production. 

Facilitate private seed grower capacity to produce seed of native forbs and grasses of the 

Great Basin.

Augment seed collections of needed GBNPSIP research materials and new plant 

materials for BLM field offices within the Great Basin.

Methods

Native seed farms growing forbs for the GBNPSIP in the Columbia Basin and Treasure Valley 

were visited and fields were monitored. A few growers decided to take on another species or 

two for the 2010 season. Where seed stocks from the Great Basin were not immediately 

available, we spent the 2009 field season collecting seed to transfer to growers. We also 

collected seed for the GBNPSIP, ARS, USDA-FS and USDI BLM Seeds of Success programs. 

Results

Five native seed growers from Oregon, Washington and Idaho were contracted to grow eight 

forb species (Table 1). Thirty seed lots from 11 species were collected by EOSS (Table 2) for 

GBNPSIP growers. Twenty-nine research collections from three species were made for ARS 

and USDA-FS scientists. Seed lot weights varied from less than a pound to over 20 pounds. A 

workshop, “Developing a Successful Native Plant Program” was held April 1 and 2, 2009 in 

Ontario, OR. Over 150 participants came from eight western states. Most were employed by 

agencies but a few were from private industry. The workshop highlighted partnerships and 

collaboration, available native plant materia ls, and success stories from Utah, Nevada, Idaho, 

Oregon and Washington. The workshop included a field demonstration on selecting and 

calibrating drills for seeding native seed mixes and a field tour of forb seed production research 

plots at the Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station.

Management Applications:

Increased communications and collaboration has led to better seed distribution to growers for 

seed development of new forb species that may be used in BLM seed buys and restoration 
78

projects in the future. The workshop will assist BLM and USFS Districts employees to increase 

efficiency in developing native seed selection and increase programs.

Products:

Table 1. Forb species for seed production buy-back in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Species for Buy-Back Code

Eriogonum heracleiodes ERHE

Eriogonum umbellatum ERUM

Dalea ornata DAOR

Astragalus filipes ASFI

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia SPGR

Chaenactis douglasii CHDO

Machaeranthera canescens MACA

Lomatium triternatum LOTR

Table 2. Seed lots collected in the 2009 field season by Eastern Oregon Stewardship Services.

Species and Site No. Site Details Collection Date No. Plants

DAOR1BY09 Hoodoo Ridge 6/16/09 1000

DAOR2BY08 Harper 6/25-26/09 1000s

DAOR3BY08 Twin Springs 6/30/09;7/1/09 1000s

ACTH1BY09 Hoodoo Ridge 6/16/09 60

ACTH2BY09 Negro Rock Rd 6/16/09 50

ACTH3BY09 Succor Creek 6/16/09 50

ACTH4BY09 Jordon Valley mp40 6/18/09 100

ACTH5BY09 Rome 6/18/09 50

ACTH6BY09 Frenchglen 6/18/09 50

ACTH7BY09 Right's Point 6/19/09 50

ACTH8BY09 Stinking Water 6/19/09 50

ACTH9BY09 Bonita Rd N of Harper 6/26/09 50

ACTH10BY09 Unity 6/20/09 60

ACTH11BY09 Picture Gorge 6/20/09 50

ACTH12BY09 Prineville 6/23/09 100

ACTH13BY09 JDFBNM Clarno 6/25/09 100

ACTH14BY09 Murderer's Creek 6/27/09 65

ACTH15BY09 Juniper Hills Post 6/27/09 75

ACTH16BY09 Lower Bridge Rd 7/02/09 60
79

Species and Site No. Site Details Collection Date No. Plants

ACTH17BY09 Cove Palisades 7/02/09 200

ACTH18BY09 East of Burns 7/01/09 50

CHDO3BY08 Twin Springs 7/22/09 100

CHDO1BY09 N Castle Rock 7/24/09 1000

CHDO2BY08 Silver City Rd 7/28/09 300

ERUM1BY08 Pine Creek 8/8-9/09 1000

ERUM2BY08 Brothers 8/3-8/09 6000+

ERHE17BY08 PineCreek & StinkingWater 7/30/09 500

ERHE18BY08 Castle Rock 7/30-31/09 500

ERHE16BY08 Cow Creek 7/28-29/09 1000

LOTR4BY08 Castle Rock 7/31/09 100

LOTR59; LOTR3BY08 Frenchglen 7/8/09 50

LOTR1BY09 S Steens Rd 7/8/09 50

LOTR2BY08 Jordon Craters 6/17/09 60

LECI2BY09 Hoodoo Ridge 7/11/09 50

LECI1BY09 Harper 7/11/09 50

LECI3BY09 Hwy 95 Leslie Gulch 7/29/09 50

MACA03; MACA1BY08 Hwy 27 8/23-24/09 300

MACA1BBY09 Twin Springs 8/28; 10/2/09 100

MACA2BY09 Oxbow Rd Nyssa 10/2/09 75

MACA1ABY09 Rights Point 8/15-9/20/09 300

OECA1BY09 Harper 7/11/09 15

PEAC19 Denio Dunes 7/7/09 20

PEAC11 Keeney Pass 7/9-10/09 300

PEAC12 Twin Springs 7/10/09 200

PEDE 48; PEDE4BY08 Stinking Water Pass 8/9/09 500

PEDE1BY08 Frenchglen 7/8/09 20

PESP? Leslie Gulch 7/29/09 85

PESP? Frenchglen 7/8/09 20

PESP1BY08 Rock Creek 7/27/09 500

SPMU1BY09 Harper 7/11/09 25

SPMU2BY09 Rd to Hoodoo Ridge 7/11; 7/22/09 50

ARTR1BY09 Crooked River 11/19/09 15
80

Species and Site No. Site Details Collection Date No. Plants

ARTR2BY09 Crooked River 2 upland 11/19/09 15

ARTR3BY09 Steens Mt Loop Rd 11/19/09 15

ARTR4BY09 Page Spring Campground 11/19/09 15

ARTR5BY09 N of Burns 11/20/09 15

ARTR6BY09 Glass Buttes 11/20/09 15

ARTR7BY09 Pilot Butte Bend 11/24/09 15

ARTR8BY09 Tumalo State Park 11/24/09 15

Presentations:

Youtie, Berta; Young, Stanford; Bouck, Michael. Seed Increase and the buy-back program. 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, 

ID.

Youtie, Berta. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. 

Moderator.

Youtie, Berta. Partnerships for developing regional native seed sources for use in restoration in 

central Oregon, USA. a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.
81

Project Title: Pollinator and Seed Predator Studies

Project Location: USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab, Logan, Utah

Principal Investigator and Contact Information:

James H. Cane, Research Entomologist

USDA-ARS Bee Biology and Systematics Lab

Utah State University

Logan, UT 84322-5310

435.797.3879; fax: 435.797.0461

Jim.Cane@ars.usda.gov 

Project Description:

Native bees and/or honey bees are needed to pollinate most all of the wildflower species thus far 

studied for Great Basin plant community rehabilitation. The pollinator faunas of many of these 

candidate plant genera include one or more bee genera with potentially manageable species, 

especially species of Osmia. A minority of the later-blooming species attracts and is pollinated 

by honey bees or managed alfalfa leaf-cutting bees.

Pollinator needs are being 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 are 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. 

Captive populations of several species of cavity-nesting Osmia bees with pollination promise are 

being multiplied either with a private grower or at our lab, for eventual distribution to growers 

needing them for pollination. Currently managed bee species (alfalfa leaf-cutting bees, blue 

orchard bees, honey bees) are being evaluated for their pollination prowess with each of the 

target plant species as well using our lab‟s common gardens. Practical management protocols 

and materials are being developed to sustainably manage pollinators on-farm. Pollination 

information is being disseminated to collaborators and growers.

We have also been studying the tiny weevils and their relatives that infest these forb seeds, 

especially the legumes. This year we initiated collaboration with a nematologist, Dr. Edwin 

Lewis at UC Davis, to explore if some of the predatory nematodes can be used to control these 

seed predators during their resting stages in the soil. If so, this biocontrol will be a far more beesafe means of weevil control for growers than the use of systemic insecticides. It is also cost 

competitive and can be delivered through irrigation.

Anticipating that seed from some of these perennial forb species will be used for post-fire 

restoration, we are evaluating susceptibilities and fates of wild bee communities to wildfire in the 

sage-steppe and juniper woodlands. Inasmuch as bees are necessary for pollination of most of 

these forbs, bee communities must persist in or recolonize burns if seeded forbs are to reproduce. 
82

Nesting habits will likely predict a bee species‟ risk with fire, which will be evaluated through 

lab experiments and sampling of faunas in natural burns throughout the Intermountain West.

Status Report 

Many ground-nesting wild bees are present and populous in the years after wildfires where the 

pre-existing flora was in good shape. The wet winter of 2009, plus a new and capable student, 

allowed me to redouble sampling for bee communities (actually floral guilds) in pairs of burned 

and neighboring unburned plots across a 15-year chronosequence of wildfires in sagebrush 

steppe and juniper woodlands in 5 states of the northern Great Basin and Columbia Plateau. We

now have efficient and effective protocols for: 1) net sampling bees at target flowering forbs that 

allows us to compare sites on a bees/plant basis for taxonomic diversity, nesting habits and 

abundance, 2) standardized pan sampling of bees while we are net collecting, useful in harsh 

burns where nothing may be flowering, 3) characterizing densities of shrubs and prevalent 

wildflowers using measured distances to third nearest neighbors along the pan-trap transect and 

calculating densities using Morisita‟s ordered distance method, and 4) simple binomial diversity 

measures for genera in flower at each site. 

To date, we have now sampled bees and flora in 27 site pairs in a chronosequence representing a 

span of 1-15 years since the last large fire (>1000 acres). We have focused on three species of 

Balsamorhiza, but also some Lomatium, globemallows, A. filipes, and Penstemon. In all, we 

have collected, curated and are in the final throes of identifying 1267 native bees from netcollecting, and perhaps 600 more from our pan traps. At just three species of Balsamorhiza, we 

have 908 individuals representing 54 species of native bees. Most all are ground-nesters and 

non-social. We are preparing maps for fires and samples in ArcGIS. Our impression is that forb 

communities are more plentiful and slightly more diverse in most of the fires than the control 

sites, but this awaits analytical confirmation.

Some of these bee species, esp. at Lomatium and Sphaeralcea, are near impossible to identify to 

species, even with our lab‟s expertise and reference collection of 1⁄2 million bees. We have 

therefore taken advantage of an offer from the “The Barcode of Life Data Systems” (BOLD), an 

online workbench that aids collection, management, analysis and use of DNA barcodes, 

processed through the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding at the University of Guelph. Of the 

150 bee specimens sent, DNA sequences of the COI gene for 103 (of 155) bees have been 

successfully amplified, sequenced and taxonomically associated. It turns out that the prevalent 

bees at wild L. dissectum appear to be a single species, not two sibling species as suggested by 

the monograph of the subgenus. Our identifications of difficult but prevalent species of bees at 

globemallows have been confirmed as well.

What are the fates of bee faunas in crested wheatgrass? We have also begun collaborating with 

Tom Monaco at Logan to study the fates of bee communities fifty years after a one-time 

conversion of sage-steppe plant communities to monocultures of exotic crested wheatgrass. We 

have sampled by pan-trapping in and out of 12 of the 30 potential paired sites whose plant 

communities have been carefully quantified by Dr. Monaco, using our protocols developed for 

sampling post-fire bee communities. The sites are far from pristine, but the native bee faunas are 

no more depauperate in than outside of the crested wheatgrass plantings, mostly we think 

because the controls are in themselves in sorry vegetative condition with very sparse bloom. 
83

Management Applications:

Growers of native forbs for seed who do not plan for pollination will have little seed production 

for most of the species chosen for the Intermountain West. A subset of species (e.g. Dalea 

ornata) can be handily pollinated with any one of several currently managed pollinators (honey 

bees, alfalfa leafcutting bees). More than half can be pollinated with cavity-nesting native Osmia

bee species, several of which are being multiplied at this lab for distribution to growers in the 

near future. It should be noted that the host specificity of these bees does not preclude them 

from hybridizing their hosts, so some standard isolation distance (e.g. 160‟) will be needed 

between fields of Balsamorhiza if hybrid seed is unwelcome.

Likewise, growers that do not scout for seed beetles risk losing a well-pollinated crop (or risk 

losing their pollinators if sprayed during bloom). We discovered and reported a massive outbreak 

of seed weevils in the genus Apion at one commercial seed field of Dalea ornata, with densities 

of 10 or more adult weevils per raceme. That grower has now hired scouting expertise to prevent 

such outbreaks in the future. Our preliminary lab experiments with entomopathogenic 

nematodes show that these biocontrol agents accept growers‟ field soils and can successfully 

attack several of the seed weevil species in the lab, but we need more individuals for proper 

quantitative assays.

Products:

Species of three Osmia bee species and one Hoplitis that effectively pollinate Hedysarum and 

Astragalus continue to be increased at the Logan labs for eventual distribution to seed growers. 

With our guidance, one of these, O. sanrafaelae, continues to be successfully increased at Wind 

River Farm in Wyoming for pollination of sweetvetch (now 2600 overwintering individuals). 

With one more successful field season, we expect to have enough bees, rearing experience etc. to 

offer this bee to several growers of Hedysarum in Utah and western Colorado (where this bee is 

native).

Publications:

Cane, James H. In press. Spec ialist Osmia bees forage indiscriminately among hybridizing 

Balsamorhiza floral hosts. Oecologia.

Presentations:

Cane, James H.; Miller, Stephanie; Weber, Melissa. Contrasting self-fertilities of a biscuitroot 

and three globemallows, and prospects for the ir pollination. Great Basin Native Plant Selection 

and Increase Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31, 2009; Boise, ID. 

Hammon, Bob; Cane, James H. Plant materials pest update. Great Basin Native Plant Selection 

and Increase Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31, 2009; Boise, ID.

Cane, James H. 2009. Do specialist bees better discriminate among their hybridizing 

Balsamorhiza floral hosts? Botany and Mycology Meeting, 2009 July 25-29; Snowbird, Utah

Watrous, Kristal M.; Cane, James H. 2009. Breeding biology and pollinator assessment of 

threadstem milkvetch, Astragalus filipes. Botany and Mycology Meeting, 2009 July 25-29; 

Snowbird, Utah. Poster.
84

Cane, James H. 2009. Pollinators and climate change. Ecological Society of America Annual 

Meeting: Restoring and Sustaining Western Landscapes: Interaction with Climate Change, 2009 

August 2-7; Albuquerque, NM. 

Cane, James H. 2009. Pollinators for restoration seed production. 10th Biennial Conference on 

Research on the Colorado Plateau, 2009 October 5-8; Flagstaff, AZ. 

“Pollination, pollinators, and promise for forb seed farming and sustainable rehabilitation”

Love, Byron; Cane, James H. 2009. Response of bee pollinators to wildfire in sagebrush steppe. 

Restoring the West Conference, 2009 October 27-28; Utah State University, Logan, UT. Poster.
85

Project Title: Insect Pests of Native Plant Seed Production

Project Location: Colorado State University Extension, Grand Junction, CO

Principal Investigator and Contact Information:

Bob Hammon

Tri River Area Extension

P.O. Box 20,000-5028

Grand Junction, CO 81502-5028

970.244.1838, fax: 970.244.1700

bob.hammon@mesacounty.us

Project Description:

The objective of this project is to identify insects that are potential or actual pests of production 

fields and collection sites for seed associated with the GBNPSIP. Insects are collected at 

production or collection sites and transported to the diagnostic lab at the Tri River Area 

Extension Office in Grand Junction, CO for identification. 

Several previously unreported insects were found impacting GBNPSIP plants in 2009. Complete 

reports for each insect, with identification and management information are posted at 

http://wci.colostate.edu/seed_production.shtml.

Mountain Brome, Bromus marginatus

The aphid Diuraphis mexicana is a perennial pest of mountain brome seed production fields at 

the Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center (UCEPC) near Meeker, CO. This insect requires 

annual applications of insecticide to prevent impact to seed production. The Meeker, CO site 

hosts the only known population of this aphid, although it has been previously reported from 

Washington, New Mexico and Mexico. It appears to have distinct preferences for some D. 

marginatus genetic lines over others. The current infestations are in „Garnet‟, but not a Teton 

National Park source identified accession. Research on Diuraphis spp. aphids is being conducted 

in cooperation with Dr. Gary Puterka, USDA/ARS, Stillwater, OK.

A holocyclic (sexual) population of Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia, was 

identified in a seed production block of „Routt National Forest‟ mountain brome near Hotchkiss, 

CO in the spring of 2009. D. noxia is known as an occasional pest of many species of cool 

season grasses grown for seed, especially during field establishment. Identification of a sexual 

generation for RWA is significant because it is only the second time this has been observed in 

the 20+ years the species has been established in the United States. This discovery, coupled with 

the initial find of a holocyclic RWA population in Montezuma County, CO in 2008 in 

wheatgrasses, gives an explanation for the appearance of genetic diversity in the species in the 

mid 2000s. Biotype development in RWA allowed it to overcome resistance bred into wheat 

varieties planted on millions of acres of farmland in the Western United States.
86

Blue Wildrye, Elymus glaucus

A recently described flea beetle, Chaetocnema subconvexa White, was found doing extensive 

damage to a seed production block at UCEPC. Damage was from larval feeding and was 

extensive enough to justify removal of the block and replanting in a different field. This flea 

beetle is widespread in wheat in northwestern Colorado and can be expected to attack several 

wheatgrasses and/or wildryes in northern seed production areas. 

Diuraphis frequens is another leaf-rolling aphid that is now known to be present in native stands 

of E. glaucus from many sites in the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau. It has 

the potential to attack seed production monocultures of blue wildrye and possibly other Elymus

species, although it has not been found in seed production fields yet.

Blue Grama, Bouteloua gracilis, and Galleta, Hilaria jamesii

Adults of the checkered melon leaf beetle, Paranapiacaba tricincta, were found in abundance in 

Montezuma County, CO seed production fields of blue grama and galleta in late August. 

According to the printed literature, adults are typically found feeding on leaves of many species 

of broadleaf plants, especially cucurbits, but we observed them feeding on blue grama and 

galleta pollen. The biology of the larval stage of this insect is unknown, but we suspect it will be 

found feeding on the roots of these species because adults were present at a density of more than 

five per sweep with a 15 inch sweep net. 

Grain itch mites, Acari:Pyemotidae:Pyemotes spp., were identified as the causal agent in a 

dermatitis that occurs after handling of „Alma‟ blue grama seed produced in Montezuma County, 

CO. The dermatitis occurs after handling seed in the springtime, after winter storage, but not in 

the field or during harvest or cleaning. The mites appear to be confined to „Alma‟ and not in 

„Hachita‟ or „Lovington‟ blue gramas grown on the same farm. We are currently working on 

identification of this mite to species, and investigation of its field biology and management.

Buckwheats, Eriogonum spp.

Larvae of several species of lycaenid butterflies in the genera Euphilotes and Plebejus, are well 

known as foliar feeders on several species of Eriogonum. Euphilotes is currently going through 

taxonomic revisions, with one new species from western Colorado, E. stanfordorum, and a new 

subspecies described in 2009. These butterflies have not been seen in damaging numbers in seed 

production or collection sites, but there is potential for damage when seed production 

monocultures are established. Given that many Euphilotes species and subspecies are rare and/or 

of limited distribution, their presence is a consideration when choosing Eriogonum as a 

reclamation species in a seed mix. Eriogonum species that are recorded host plants for rare 

Euphilotes are E. umbellatum, E. ovalifolium, E. racemosum and E. corymbosum. Research on 

Euphilotes is being conducted in association with Dr. Paul Opler, Colorado State University.

Several species of aphids in the genus Braggia were collected from E. racemosum and E. 

corymbosum in Colorado during the past five years. Two new species were described in 2009 

from Washington, and several other species are of limited distribution. Braggia has not been 

seen impacting seed production or collection sites, but an occasional heavily infected Eriogonum 

plant in natural settings indicates that the aphid has potential to become an issue in seed 

production monocultures.
87

Penstemon

We received two samples of an ebony bug, Hemiptera:Corimelaenidae:Corimelaena spp., in 

2009. One was from Colorado and the other from Texas. We had received a sample from a 

GBNPSIP collection of P. deustus near Idaho City, ID in 2008. These bugs pierce the plant 

epidermis and suck fluids from flowers, leaves, stems and seed pods. The Texas specimens, 

possibly C. pulicaria Gemar, were collected from mature open seed pods where they were 

apparently overwintering. The impact of these true bugs on Penstemon seed production is 

unknown, but they are widely distributed and present in many native stands and seed production 

blocks of many Penstemon species.

Fourwing Salt Bush, Atriplex canescens

A little known ortheziid mealybug, Orthezia annae Cockrell, was collected from fourwing 

saltbush in a native setting near Grand Junction, CO. The infestation was significant enough to 

kill many of the infested plants. The literature on this insect is very limited (one citation from 

1926), but does state that it is known from Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and California. It 

should be watched for wherever A. canescens is grown for seed since it has potential to kill 

established plants.

The Irregular Wax Scale, Ceroplastes irregularis Cockerell, has been observed on several 

occasions in western Colorado attacking fourwing salt bush. Heavy infestations can kill mature 

plants. The scale is covered entirely with a thick cream-colored wax and usually masses in 

colonies on branches and crowns of several species of Atriplex. It is reported from the desert 

areas of southern California, Arizona and New Mexico in the literature. It may be present in the 

Great Basin and seed growers and collectors should watch for it.

Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus montanus

A leaf galling psylid, Cacopsylla maculata Crawford, was observed doing significant damage in 

a mountain mahogany seed production block near Hotchkiss, CO. The curled leaves were very 

evident although the impact on seed yield is unknown. In conducting literature research on this 

insect, we discovered that there are several other little known psyllids recorded from 

Cercocarpus in the western US. Any of them could become a pest of seed production in some 

situations.

Management Applications and Seed Production Guidelines:

The database of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides labeled for seed production uses was 

updated in 2009. It is posted at http://wci.colostate.edu/shtml/SeedProductionPesticides.shtml.

Publications:

Pike, K.S.; Graf, G.; Foottit, R.G.; Maw, H.E.L.; Starý, P.; Hammon, Robert; Miller, D.G. 2009.

New species of Braggia (Hemiptera:Aphididae) on buckwheat in western North America. 

Canadian Entomologist. 141: 561–581.

Western Colorado Insects Native Plant Seed Production [Homepage of Colorado State 

University Extension], [Online]. Available: http://wci.colostate.edu/seed_production.shtml

[2010, February 8, 2010]. 
88

Presentations:

Hammon, Bob; Cane, James H. Plant materials pest update. Great Basin Native Plant Selection 

and Increase Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31, 2009; Boise, ID.

Hammon, Robert. 2009. Managing some unique pests of mountain brome and blue wild rye. 10th

Biennial Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau. 2009 October 7; Flagstaff, AZ. 

Abstract: http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/cprs/news_info/meetings/biennial/2009/index.asp

Puterka, G.J; Burd J.; Hammon, Robert W.; Peairs, F.B.; Randolph, T.; Cooper, W.R. 2009. 

Sexual reproduction in the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) and its role in creating 

biotypes. Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, 2009, December 16; Indianapolis 

IN. Poster.
89

Project Title: Allium acuminatum Seed Production: First Look at 

Cultural Parameters

Project Location: Plant Germplasm Introduction and Research, USDA-ARS Western 

Regional Plant Introduction Station (WRPIS), Pullman, WA

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Barbara Hellier, Horticulture Crops Curator

USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station

Box 646402, Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164

509.335.3763, FAX: 509.335.6654

bhellier@wsu.edu

R.C. Johnson, Research Agronomist

USDA-ARS, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station

Box 646402, Washington State University

Pullman, WA 99164 

509.335.3771, fax: 509.335.6654

rcjohnson@wsu.edu

Project Description:

As a component of greater sage-grouse and Southern Idaho ground squirrel habitat, Allium 

acuminatum Hook. (Taper-tip onion) has been targeted for use in restoration projects. In the 

related project titled “Genetic Diversity Patterns of Allium acuminatum in the Great Basin” 

locally adapted seed sources and seed transfer zones were identified for this species. The next 

step needed before A. acuminatum can be used for restoration projects is to understand how to 

make quantities of propagules available. Either dormant bulbs or true seed may be viable 

options for taper-tip onion stand establishment. For use of either type of propagule, quantities of 

true seed will be needed. Minimal information is available on the cultural needs of this species 

for seed production in an agricultural setting. The objective of this project is to look at 

production parameters needed to grow A. acuminatum for a seed crop. 

Methods

It takes 3-4 years for A. acuminatum plants grown from seed to flower. The average bulb 

diameter of plants that age is 4-5 mm (Dave Skinner, personal communication). For this trial, 

dormant mature bulbs with a diameter of 7-15 mm were used. The trial was planted in October 

2008 in Pullman, WA in randomized complete blocks with four replications. The treatments 

were 1) mechanical planting with 1 inch between bulb spacing, 2) mechanical planting with 2 

inches between bulb spacing, 3) hand planting with 1 inch between bulb spacing, and 4) hand 

planting with 2 inches between bulb spacing. Each plot had 60 bulbs planted at a depth of 1 

inch. The plots were rototilled prior to planting but no pre-plant herbicide or fertilizer was 

applied. A single-row Hage belt cone planter was used for the mechanically planted plots. No 

irrigation was applied to the trial during the growing season. Emergence was taken April 16, 

2009. Flowers/umbel counts were taken for 25 randomly selected plants per plot on June 11, 
90

2009. When half or more of the capsules were open on individual umbels and all plants in a plot 

had mature seed, whole umbels from 25 individual plants were harvested by hand for each plot. 

Harvest dates were July 14 and 15, 2009. In August 2009 the bulbs from all plots were dug and 

stored in the Western Regional Plant Introduction drying shed until September 2009 when they 

were moved to a temperature and humidity-controlled chamber. Bulbs were stored at 14°C and 

40% RH until early October 2009 when they were cleaned, counted, sized and repackaged for 

planting. During repackaging, bulbs were discarded if they 1) showed signs of disease or 

herbivory, 2) were soft and rubbery, or if they were 3) hard and desiccated. Seed from each 

plant was cleaned, counted and weighed separately. Only fully filled seed was included in the 

counts. Light or partially filled seed was discarded.

Results and Discussion

Tables 1 and 2 summarize emergence, flower production, seed harvested per plant, seed weights

and bulb production for the trial. There were no statistical differences found among any of the 

treatments for the production of flowers/umbel, seed harvested/plant or seed weights. Thus, 

mechanical planting was successful as an efficient planting technique. Also, when using mature 

bulbs for seed production, bulbs can be spaced as close as 1 inch without compromising yield. 

Seed production per plant was lower than expected. During harvest shattered seed was observed 

on the ground. A. acuminatum seed in lower flowers ripens before those in the upper flowers 

and is easily dislodged from open capsules during harvest. In many harvested umbels there were 

some green capsules. Even though the seed in these capsules looked fully filled, they did not dry 

down to produce high quality seed. Because of these factors, timing seed collection to maximize 

harvest will be critical for A. acuminatum production.

There were no statistical differences found among treatments for total bulb production, bulbs < 7 

mm in diameter and the number of discarded bulbs. There were statistical differences between 

spacing treatments for the number of 7-15 mm diameter bulbs produced. The number of 7-15 

mm diameter bulbs was highest for the mechanically planted, 1 inch spacing treatment, and 

lowest for the hand planted, 1 inch treatment with the mechanical 2 inch and hand 2 inch 

treatments intermediate (Table 2). We had difficulty getting a consistent 1 inch spacing using 

the Hage belt cone planter. The bulbs tended to bunch in the cone making bulb spacing greater 

than 1 inch in some cases. This potentially wider average spacing could have caused the 

increased number of bulbs produced in the mechanically planted 1 inch bulb spacing treatment. 

The results show that mechanically planting mature bulbs of Taper-tip onion is an efficient 

planting method for seed and bulb production. Bulbs can be spaced 1 inch apart for maximum 

seed production but a wider between bulb spacing is needed for maximum larger (7-15mm) 

diameter bulb production. Bulb survival and propagule production was achieved in an 

agricultural setting for this wild species. To maximize seed production, seed shattering will need 

to be addressed.
91

Table 1. Summary of emergence, flowers/umbel, seed harvest/plant and 100 seed weight data collected 

from Allium acuminatum seed production trial planted in Pullman, WA. (There were no treatment 

differences observed at P<0.05)

Planting 

method

Between bulb 

spacing

Percent 

emergence

Avg. 

flowers/umbel

Avg. 

seed/plant

Avg. 100 

seed wt. (g)

Hand 1 inch 91.6 30.8 31.1 0.19

Hand 2 inch 95.0 28.9 37.2 0.21

Mechanical 1 inch 93.3 29.4 39.0 0.19

Mechanical 2 inch 94.2 30.8 34.4 0.20

Table 2. Summary of bulb production from the Allium acuminatum seed production trial 2009.

Planting 

method

Between bulb 

spacing

Total no. 

bulbs 

produced

No. bulbs 7 

to 15 mm 

diameter

No. bulbs <7 

mm diameter 

No. 

discarded 

bulbs

Hand 1 inch 94.0a* 64b 4.2a 25.8a

Hand 2 inch 103.5a 79ab 1.2a 23.8a

Mechanical 1 inch 104.2a 81a 1.2a 21.8a

Mechanical 2 inch 104.2a 72ab 1.0a 31.0a

*Means sharing letters are not different using the LSD at P<0.05.

Future Plans

The trial was replanted in October 2009 using the same number of bulbs/plot, experimental 

design and planter. Flowers/umbel, seed harvest/plant, seed weights and bulb production/plot 

data will be collected in 2010. Data from the two years will be compiled and reported. 

Production protocols will be developed from the compiled data.

Presentation:

Hellier, Barbara; Johnson, R.C. Mechanically planting Allium acuminatum bulbs for seed 

production. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting, 2009 

March 31, Boise, ID. 

Johnson, Richard C.; Hellier, Barbara and Cashman, Mike. Seed zones for Tapertip Onion and 

Indian Ricegrass. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting, 2009 

March 31, Boise, ID.
92

Project Title: Emergence of Native Plant Seeds in Response to Seed 

Pelleting, Planting Depth, Scarification and Soil 

Anti-crusting Treatment

Project Location: Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Clinton C. Shock

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

clinton.shock@oregonstate.edu

Erik Feibert

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

Lamont Saunders

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

Nancy Shaw

U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

322 E. Front Street, Suite 401

Boise, ID 83702

208.373.4360, fax: 208.373.4391 

Project Description:

Seed of native plants is needed to restore rangelands of the Intermountain West. Reliable 

commercial seed production is desirable to provide the quantity of seed needed for restoration 

efforts. Establishment of native seed crops has been difficult because fall planted seed is 

susceptible to bird damage, soil crusting and soil erosion. Fall planting is important for many 

species, because seed of many species requires a period of cold to break dormancy 

(vernalization). Planting of native seed has resulted in poor stands in some years at the Malheur 

Experiment Station. This trial tested seed pelleting, planting depth and soil conditioner treatment 

for emergence of five important species that are native to Malheur county and surrounding areas.

Materials and Methods

Seed of the five native species was either pelleted or used raw. Pelleting was done by Seed 

Dynamics Inc. (Salinas, CA). The pelleted and raw seed of each species (including the scarified 
93

and non-scarified Lupinus argenteus) was planted in single rows on 30-inch beds in a field of 

Owyhee silt loam on November 19, 2008. Each plot consisted of one row 5 feet long with 100 

counted seeds planted in each plot. The pelleted and raw seed was planted at three depths: on the 

soil surface, 1⁄8 inch depth, and 1⁄4 inch depth. The pelleted and raw seed planted at each depth 

was further submitted to three soil anti-crusting treatments: untreated check, WaterMaxx II 

(Aquatrols, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT) at 2 quarts per acre, and Soil Binder (Simplot Soil Builders, 

Boise, ID) at 2 quarts per acre. The anti-crusting treatments were applied to the soil surface after 

planting using a backpack sprayer with 8004 nozzles at 30 PSI and applying 30 gallons of water 

per acre in a band 4 inches wide directly over the seed. One half of the Lupinus argenteus seed 

was scarified by immersion in concentrated sulfuric acid for six minutes and the other half was 

left without scarification. Both L. argenteus lots were subjected to all of the pelleting, planting 

depth and anti-crusting treatments. Emerged seeds in each plot were counted four times: March 

31, April 7, May 1, and May 10, 2009.

Results and Discussion

Seed emergence was poor. The fall planting suffered from heavy soil crusting. Bird damage 

might also have reduced emergence and could be a factor in why emergence was poor for the 

seed planted on the surface. Penstemon deustus (hotrock or scabland penstemon) did not emerge 

so it was not considered in the statistical analyses.

Seed pelleting

Seed pelleting did not result in a statistically significant improvement in the emergence of any of 

the species planted, but did decrease Lupinus argenteus establishment (Table 1).

Planting depth

Planting the seed on the soil surface was detrimental to establishment (Tables 1 and 2).

Lupinus argenteus (silvery lupine)

Seed scarification resulted in a decrease in emergence compared to the non-scarified seed (Table 

1). For the non-scarified seed, the highest emergence was obtained with the non-pelleted seed 

planted at either the 1⁄8 inch depth and treated with Soil Binder, or planted at the 1⁄4 inch depth 

with no soil treatment. Seed pelleting reduced emergence.

Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber's needlegrass)

The highest emergence was obtained with the combination of seed planted at 1⁄4 inch depth and 

the soil treated with Soil Binder (Figure 1, Table 2). Seed pelleting did not affect emergence.

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (gooseberryleaf globemallow)

Emergence was poor and there were no statistically significant differences between treatments.

Penstemon acuminatus (sharpleaf or sandhill penstemon)

The 1⁄8 inch or the 1⁄4 inch depth with or without soil treatment were among the treatments with 

the highest emergence (Table 2). Seed pelleting did not affect emergence.
94

Table 1. Seed emergence of Lupinus argenteus (silvery lupine) by May 10, 2009 in response to seed 

scarification, seed pelleting, planting depth, and soil treatment. Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR.

Seed 

pelleting

Planting 

depth Soil treatment Scarified Non-scarified

Average

inches -------- % emergence --------

none 0 none 0.00 2.33 1.17

WaterMaxx 1.00 1.33 1.17

Soil Binder 0.00 0.00 0.00

average 0.33 1.22 0.78

1⁄8 none 1.67 3.00 2.34

WaterMaxx 3.00 5.00 4.00

Soil Binder 3.00 15.33 9.17

average 2.56 7.78 5.17

1⁄4 none 1.67 13.00 7.34

WaterMaxx 4.33 11.67 8.00

Soil Binder 9.33 2.00 5.67

average 5.11 8.89 7.00

average 6.26 7.52 6.89

pelleted 0 none 0.00 0.00 0.00

WaterMaxx 0.00 0.00 0.00

Soil Binder 0.00 0.33 0.17

average 0.00 0.11 0.06

1⁄8 none 0.00 1.67 0.84

WaterMaxx 0.33 2.67 1.50

Soil Binder 0.33 2.67 1.50

average 0.22 2.34 1.28

1⁄4 none 0.67 1.33 1.00

WaterMaxx 2.00 2.67 2.34

Soil Binder 0.00 2.33 1.17

average 0.89 2.11 1.50

average 0.37 1.52 0.94

none 0.67 3.56 2.11

WaterMaxx 1.78 3.89 2.83

Soil Binder 2.11 3.78 2.94

average 1.52 3.74 2.63

average 0 0.17 0.67 0.42

1⁄8 1.39 5.06 3.22

1⁄4 3.00 5.50 4.25

average 1.52 3.74 2.63

LSD (0.05)

Planting depth 2.47

Seed scarification 0.94

Scar. X depth NS

Scar. X anti-crusting soil trt. NS

Scar. X pelleting 1.09

Scar. X depth X anti-crusting 2.31

Scar. X depth X anti-crusting X pelleting 3.26
95

Table 2. Seedling emergence by May 10, 2009 for 4 native plant species in response to seed pelleting, planting 

depth, and anti-crusting soil treatment. Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR.

Seed 

pelleting

Planting 

depth Soil treatment

Lupinus 

argenteus 

nonscarifiedAchnatherum 

thurberianum

Sphaeralcea 

grossulariifolia

Penstemon 

acuminatus Avg.

inches ------------------------------% emergence -----------------------------

none 0 none 2.33 0.00 0.00 1.67 1.00

WaterMaxx 1.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.33

Soil Binder 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

average 1.22 0.00 0.00 0.56 0.44

1⁄8 none 3.00 3.00 0.00 3.67 2.42

WaterMaxx 5.00 7.00 0.00 5.67 4.42

Soil Binder 15.33 6.67 0.00 8.33 7.58

average 7.78 5.56 0.00 5.89 4.81

1⁄4 none 13.00 1.00 0.00 3.67 4.42

WaterMaxx 11.67 0.00 2.33 8.00 5.50

Soil Binder 2.00 12.33 0.00 0.33 3.67

average 8.89 4.44 0.78 4.00 4.53

average 5.96 3.33 0.26 3.48

pelleted 0 none 0.00 0.33 0.00 0.67 0.25

WaterMaxx 0.00 0.00 0.33 1.00 0.33

Soil Binder 0.33 5.33 0.00 0.67 1.58

average 0.11 1.89 0.11 0.78 0.72

1⁄8 none 1.67 3.33 0.33 8.00 3.33

WaterMaxx 2.67 4.67 0.00 6.33 3.42

Soil Binder 2.67 6.67 0.33 4.33 3.50

average 2.34 4.89 0.22 6.22 3.42

1⁄4 none 1.33 0.67 2.00 4.00 2.00

WaterMaxx 2.67 0.00 0.00 8.33 2.75

Soil Binder 2.33 9.33 0.00 8.00 4.92

average 2.11 3.33 0.67 6.78 3.22

average 1.52 3.37 0.33 4.59 2.45

none 3.56 1.39 0.39 3.61 2.24

WaterMaxx 3.89 1.94 0.44 4.89 2.79

Soil Binder 3.78 6.72 0.06 3.61 3.54

average 3.74 3.35 0.30 4.04 2.86

average 0 0.67 0.94 0.06 0.67 0.58

1⁄8 5.06 5.22 0.11 6.06 4.11

1⁄4 5.50 3.89 0.72 5.39 3.88

average 3.74 3.35 0.30 4.04 2.86

LSD (0.05)

Depth NS

Species 1.20

Species X depth 2.08

Species X soil treatment 2.08

Species X pelleting 1.70

Species X depth X soil treatment 3.61

Species X depth X soil treat. X pellet 5.10
96

Figure 1. Emergence of Achnatherum thurberianum in response to planting depth and treatment 

with Soil Binder as an anti crusting for non-pelleted and pelleted seed. Malheur Experiment 

Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR.
97

Presentations:

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Saunders, Lamont; Shaw, Nancy. Do these plants need 

water? Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting. March 

31, 2009; Boise, ID. 

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Saunders, Lamont; Shaw, Nancy. Where did all the weeds go? 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, 

ID. 

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Ishida, Joey. Native forb research: Irrigation and weed control. 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Field 

demonstrations.

Shock, Clinton C.; Shock, Cedric A.; Plummer, Sam. Mid-Snake River watershed vegetation 

database. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Desert Parsley (Lomatium spp.) seed production challenges. 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Irrigation and mechanization for seed production of Sulfur-flower 

Buckwheat, a native forb. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; 

Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Sharpleaf and Sagebrush Penstemon seed yield response to 

irrigation. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.
98

Project Title: Identification of Herbicides for use in Native Forb Seed 

Production

Project Location: Utah State University, Logan, Utah

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Corey Ransom

Utah State University

Department of Plants, Soils and Climate

4820 Old Main Hill

Logan, Utah 84322-4820

435.797.2242, fax: 435.797.3376

corey.ransom@usu.edu

Kim Edvarchuk

Utah State University

Department of Plants, Soils and Climate

4820 Old Main Hill

Logan, Utah 84322-4820

435.797.2256, fax: 435.797.3376

kim.edvarchuk@aggiemail.usu.edu

Project Description:

Native forb seed is needed to restore the rangelands of the Intermountain West. Weed control is 

essential for the commercial production of native forb seed. Weeds compete with crop plants 

reducing establishment, vigor and seed production. In addition, some weed seeds can 

contaminate the seed crop, reducing its value or introducing weeds to reclamation areas. 

Removal of weeds by hand or with cultivation is economically restrictive.

The overall objective of this research project is to identify herbicides that can be used to control 

weeds in forb seed production with limited injury to the forbs. The forbs evaluated in this 

project include: basalt milkvetch (Astragalus filipes), Western prairie clover (Dalea ornata) and 

Searls‟ prairie clover (Dalea searlsiae).

Materials and Methods

Continued difficulty working with seedlings in the greenhouse resulted in trials focusing on 

herbicide tolerance of established plants in field trials. Plantings of Astragalus filipes, Dalea 

ornata and Dalea searlsiae were established by Doug Johnson of the USDA-FRRL in 2005 by 

transplanting growing plants from cone-tainers into the field with 0.5 meter between plants. 

Both fields were mixtures of different collections that had been evaluated for various traits. 

Because there were not enough plants to have borders between plots, treatments were applied 

with a shielded sprayer to prevent any contamination of adjacent plots during treatment 

application. Treatments were applied at 20 gpa and 30 psi. 
99

Astragalus filipes

Because Astragalus filipes plants had been utilized in 2008 to evaluate herbicide tolerance, 

treatments in 2009 were applied perpendicular to the previous treatments and arranged in a way 

that would decrease plot variability. Herbicide plots were two plant rows wide and 21 plants long 

(1 by 11 m, 42 plants per plot). Treatments were applied on May 15. Injury was evaluated on 

May 26 and June 25. The number of flowering plants was also recorded on May 26. Plant 

biomass was harvested July 23.

Dalea ornata and Dalea searlsiae 

Dalea plots were treated on May 21, 2009. Dalea ornata and searlsiae were not treated with 

herbicides previously. Herbicide plots were two plant rows wide and 11 plants long (1 by 6 m, 

22 plants per plot). To account for herbicide influence on plant growth, plant height and width 

were measured prior to treatment on May 19 and again on June 18 and 22 for Dalaea searlsiae

and Dalea ornata, respectively. Height and width were also used to calculate plant volume. 

Plants not emerged at the time of herbicide application were removed from the analysis.

Results

Astragalus filipes

Postemergence herbicide treatments caused varying levels of damage to Astragalus filipes (Table 

1). Transline was most injurious at both evaluation dates. Injury with Buctril and Raptor was 

initially high but declined by the last evaluation date. Injury from 2,4-DB was minimal. 

Average plant weight was reduced by Buctril and Transline compared to the untreated plots and 

all other herbicide treatments. However, Transline and Paramount reduced the number of 

flowering plants per plot compared to the untreated plot and all herbicide treatments reduced 

flowering plant numbers compared to 2,4-DB. It appears that 2,4-DB may hold promise for use 

in controlling weeds in Astragalus filipes. However, seed yield and viability were not evaluated 

and must be tested to certify that candidate herbicides do not have a negative impact on seed 

production.

Table 1. Effect of herbicide treatments on plant injury and average plant height, and average plant width 

of established Astragalus filipes.

Plant response*

Injury

Herbicide†Rate May 26 June 25 Flowering Ave. weight

lb ae/A _______%

______ plants/plot ___g/plant__

Untreated -- - - 5.8 ab 15.2 a

Buctril 0.25 41 b 28 b 2.8 bc 9.6 b

2,4-DB 0.25 13 d 6 c 10.0 a 19.1 a

Transline 0.124 59 a 64 a 0.0 d 8.8 b

Paramount + MSO 0.248 23 cd 21 bc 1.3 cd 17.8 a

Raptor + MSO 0.078 39 bc 20 bc 2.5 bc 16.9 a

*Injury was measured by visual evaluations. Flowering was measured May 26 and biomass was 

harvested on July 23. Flowering data was log transformed for analysis but raw data means are shown. 

Data within columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P=0.05. 

†

Buctril and Raptor rates are in lb ai/A. MSO is methylated seed oil applied at 1.0% v/v. All treatments 

were applied in 20 gpa spray volume.
100

Dalea ornata

In 2008 Dalea ornata exhibited little injury from postemergence herbicide applications. 

However, the applications were made before there was significant plant growth. In 2009, when 

treatments were applied to actively growing plants, several herbicides caused significant injury 

to Dalea ornata (Table 2). Goal and Chateau caused severe tissue burn 5 days after treatment 

(DAT) but recovered considerably by 35 DAT. Injury from Transline was high initially and 

remained high, while injury from Milestone was moderately high 5 DAT and increased 

significantly by 35 DAT. Only Milestone significantly reduced vegetative biomass compared to 

the untreated plot. However, Buctril, Transline and Milestone caused significant declines in 

seedhead biomass compared to the untreated plot. Seedheads were virtually eliminated by 

treatment with Milestone. Increases in plant height and/or width and plant volume were 

decreased by Goal, Chateau, Transline, Raptor and Milestone and plant width was reduced by 

Paramount compared to the untreated control. Increases in plant height, width and volume were 

similar to the control plots for plants treated with Prowl H2O, Outlook, Sencor, Buctril and 2,4-

DB. This data suggests that Prowl H2O, Outlook, Sencor and 2,4-DB may have potential for 

postemergence use in Dalea ornata. The other herbicides tested may have potential if applied 

prior to Dalea ornata breaking dormancy as was observed in 2008. Further testing will be 

required to determine herbicide effects on seed production and viability. 

Table 2. Effect of herbicide treatments applied May 21 on plant injury, biomass and average changes in 

plant height, width and volume of established Dalea ornata.*

Injury Biomass Change in growth

Herbicide†Rate 5 DAT 35 DAT Veg. Seedhead Height Width Volume

lb ai/A ________%

_______ ____g/plot____ cm cm cm2

Untreated -- - - 520 243 a 27 44 2043

Prowl H2O 0.71 10 1 545 203 ab 27 45 2099

Outlook 0.84 6 4 616 189 ab 27 43 2071

Goal 0.25 64 26 513 218 a 178 28 1039

Chateau + NIS 0.064 56 18 479 203 ab 21 35 1434

Sencor + NIS 0.5 21 5 572 140 ab 30 47 2313

Buctril 0.25 13 14 337 126 b 26 37 1692

2,4-DB 0.25 23 10 393 150 ab 27 43 2038

Transline 0.124 41 44 416 32 c 22 33 1503

Paramount + MSO 0.248 25 10 704 191 ab 25 36 1711

Raptor + MSO 0.078 38 18 446 185 ab 16 24 936

Milestone 0.047 35 63 258 2 d 18 28 1091

LSD (0.05) - 13 12 212 - 5 8 481

*Injury was measured by visual evaluations. Plant height, width, and volume are the increase of 

individual plants between May 19 and June 22, 2009. For seedhead biomass mean separations are 

based on log transformed data with raw data shown. Means within a column followed by the same 

letter are not significantly different at P=0.05.

†

2,4-DB, Transline, Paramount and Milestone rates are in lb ae/A. NIS is non-ionic surfactant applied at 

0.25% v/v. MSO is methylated seed oil applied at 1.0% v/v. All treatments were applied in 20 gpa spray 

volume.
101

Dalea searlsiae

Trends in the injury to Dalea searlsiae (Table 3) were similar to those observed on Dalea ornata 

(Table 2). Injury was severe with Goal and Chateau early, but declined with time. Transline 

injury was severe and persistent, while injury from Paramount and Raptor were moderately high 

initially and also declined with time. Prowl H2O, Buctril and 2,4-DB caused little injury. Even 

though injury trends were similar to those observed in Dalea ornata, resulting vegetative and 

seedhead biomass were not significantly different among treatments. Despite the variability in 

the data there is a nearly significant (P=0.06) reduction in seedhead biomass caused by Transline. 

Goal, Chateau and Raptor all reduced the average increases in plant height, diameter and volume 

compared to the untreated plots. Plots treated with 2,4-DB had among the highest plant growth 

and were significantly greater than plots treated with Sencor and Transline in addition to Goal, 

Chateau and Raptor. Part of the increases in growth in plots treated with 2,4-DB may be 

attributed to minimal herbicide injury to the Dalea and slight suppression of field bindweed regrowth between cultivations. Several herbicides including 2,4-DB may have potential for use in 

Dalea searlsiae seed production and additional trials should further document treatment effects 

on seed production and viability.

Table 3. Effect of herbicide treatments applied May 21 on plant injury, biomass and average changes in 

plant height, width and volume of established Dalea searlsiae.*

Injury Biomass Change in growth

Herbicide†Rate 5 DAT 35 DAT Veg. Seedhead Height Width Volume

lb ai/A ________%

_______ ____g/plot____ cm cm cm2

Untreated -- - - 423 99 23 35 1394

Prowl H2O 0.71 9 8 401 102 23 34 1425

Goal 0.25 65 16 489 146 17 22 805

Chateau + NIS 0.064 58 21 403 97 17 25 848

Sencor + NIS 0.5 28 19 404 102 22 33 1330

Buctril 0.25 13 6 508 110 23 37 1583

2,4-DB 0.25 16 5 518 110 27 41 1734

Transline 0.124 33 44 410 32 19 28 1190

Paramount + MSO 0.248 25 16 472 80 24 34 1442

Raptor + MSO 0.078 36 15 547 89 14 24 791

LSD (0.05) - 16 22 NS NS 4.6 7.4 366

*Injury was measured by visual evaluations. Plant height, width and volume are the increase of 

individual plants between May 19 and June 18, 2009.

†

2,4-DB, Transline and Paramount rates are in lb ae/A. NIS is non-ionic surfactant applied at 0.25% v/v. 

MSO is methylated seed oil applied at 1.0% v/v. All treatments were applied in 20 gpa spray volume.

Direction for 2010

Efforts in 2010 will focus on expanding experiments on forb tolerance to herbicides. Utilizing 

established plants, if available, and also seeking to work with seedlings if germination can be 

improved. 

Management Applications:

The data from this year of research continue to identify herbicides that could potentially be used 

for weed management in forb seed production. Information is still lacking on herbicides that 

could be used to establish forb seed fields. This is critical as weed competition is often most 
102

detrimental during crop establishment. Additional data is needed to confirm this year‟s findings 

and document herbicide impacts on seed production and viability.

Presentations:

Ransom, Corey; Edvarchuk, Kim. Identification of herbicides for use in native forb seed 

production. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual meeting. March 31, 

2009; Boise, ID.
103

Project Title: Tolerance of Native Perennial Forbs Grown for Seed 

Production to Rates and Mixtures of Postemergence 

Herbicides

Project Location: Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Clinton C. Shock

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

clinton.shock@oregonstate.edu

Erik Feibert

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

Nancy Shaw

U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

322 E. Front Street, Suite 401

Boise, ID 83702

208.373.4360, fax: 208.373.4391 

Project Description:

The plant species planted in this trial are native to Malheur County and surrounding areas. These 

species are judged by the BLM and US Forest Service to be important rangeland restoration 

species for wildlife and other beneficial characteristics. Native forb seed is needed to restore 

rangelands of the Intermountain West. Commercial seed production is necessary to provide the 

quantity of seed needed for restoration efforts. A major limitation to economically viable 

commercial production of native forb seed is weed competition. Weeds are adapted to growing 

in disturbed soil, and native forbs are not competitive with these weeds. There is a considerable 

body of knowledge about the relative efficacy of different herbicides to control target weeds, but 

few trials have tested the tolerance of native forbs to commercial herbicides. The results 

reported here deal with postemergence herbicide rates and mixtures.

This work seeks to discover product rates and mixtures that could eventually be registered for 

use for native forb seed production. The information in this report is for the purpose of informing 

cooperators and colleagues in other agencies, universities and industry of the research results. 

Reference to products and companies in this publication is for the specific information only and 

does not endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be 

suitable. Nor should any information and interpretation thereof be considered as a 

recommendation for the application of any of these herbicides. Pesticide labels should always be 
104

consulted before any pesticide use. Considerable efforts may be required to register these 

herbicides for use for native forb seed production.

Materials and Methods

In the fall of 2006 Eriogonum umbellatum, Penstemon acuminatus, P. deustus and P. speciosus 

were each planted in areas 10 ft wide and 220 ft long (Table 1). The seeds were planted in four

rows, 30 inches apart. The field previously had been disked, ground hogged and marked in rows 

30 inches apart. Planting depths were similar to those used in the irrigation trial (Shock et al. 

2007) and appropriate to each species. Prior to planting, one drip tape was inserted every 5 feet 

equidistant between where pairs of rows were to be planted at a 12-inch depth as previously 

described (Shock et al. 2007). The drip tape was supplied with irrigation water using filtration 

and other common drip-irrigation practices (Shock 2006). Drip irrigations were applied every 

two weeks starting on April 10 and ending on May 29 (total of four irrigations). Each irrigation 

applied 1 inch of water. 

On March 12, 2008 and on March 20, 2009, 13 herbicide treatments (Table 2) were applied to 

plots four rows wide and 5 ft long. The postemergence treatments consisted of different rates 

and combinations of the soil-active herbicides Prowl®and Outlook® and postemergence 

applications of Select®(Shock et al. 2009). The treatments were arranged within each species in 

randomized complete block designs with four replicates. Treatments were applied at 30 psi in 20 

gal/acre using 8002 nozzles with six nozzles spaced 20 inches apart with ambient air speed at 

2.63 mph. 

Seed of each species was harvested at maturity. Seed was harvested from the middle two rows in 

each plot of Eriogonum umbellatum, Penstemon acuminatus and P. speciosus in 2008. Prior to 

herbicide applications the plant populations of P. deustus were not adequate for the collection of 

meaningful seed yield results. For P. deustus, only observations on herbicide damage were 

made. In 2009, only seed of E. umbellatum was harvested. Penstemon acuminatus and P. 

speciosus stands were severely reduced in 2009 due to root rot. 

General Considerations

The focus of the evaluations was forb tolerance to the herbicides, not weed control. Therefore, 

weeds were counted and removed as needed.

The effects of herbicides for each species on plant stand and injury were evaluated independently 

from the effects on other species. Treatment differences were compared using ANOVA and 

protected least significant differences at the 95 percent confidence LSD (0.05) using NCSS 

Number Cruncher software (NCSS, Kaysville, UT).

Table 1. Forb species planted at the Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR 

and their origins.

Species Common name Origin Year

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur-flower buckwheat Shoofly Road, Owyhee Co., ID 2004

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf or sand-dune penstemon Bliss Dam, Elmore Co., ID 2004

Penstemon deustus Scabland or hot-rock penstemon Blacks Cr. Rd., Elmore Co., ID 2003

Penstemon speciosus Royal or sagebrush penstemon Leslie Gulch, Malheur Co., OR 2003
105

Results and Discussion

All observations made on the herbicides tested are strictly preliminary observations. The 

herbicides were relatively safe for the forbs in these trials but they might be harmful if used at 

higher rates or in a different environment. Nothing in this report should be construed as a 

recommendation.

Symptoms of herbicide injury were not observed in any of the plants in 2008 or 2009. Foliar 

injury would not be expected since all herbicides tested (except Select®) were soil active and 

were applied early. There were no significant differences in seed yield between the herbicide 

treatments and the untreated check for Eriogonum umbellatum, Penstemon acuminatus and P. 

speciosus in 2008 (Shock et al. 2009). In 2009 the seed yields of Eriogonum umbellatum were 

higher than those in 2008 and seed production continued to be unaffected by herbicide rate or 

mixture (Table 2).

Table 2. Yield of Eriogonum umbellatum in response to postemergence 

herbicides applied on March 12, 2008 and March 20, 2009, Malheur 

Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR. All herbicides 

except Select are soil active.

Treatment Rate 2008 2009

(lbs ai/acre) lb/acre

Weed free, untreated 

control 276.5 430.0

Select 2.0 ECa0.094 149.1 475.2

Prowl 0.95 387.2 440.8

Prowl 1.19 533.1 596.6

Prowl 1.43 250.6 596.4

Outlook 0.84 319.8 474.5

Outlook 0.98 143.5 501.4

Prowl + Outlook 0.95 + 0.66 300.9 555.5

Prowl + Outlook 0.95 + 0.84 440.0 763.8

Prowl + Outlook 0.95 + 0.98 330.9 569.1

Prowl + Outlook 1.19 + 0.66 244.0 699.8

Prowl + Outlook 1.19 + 0.84 336.7 556.0

Prowl + Outlook 1.19 + 0.98 285.6 506.2

LSD (0.05) NS NS

a

applied with Herbimax adjuvant at 1 percent v/v.

Summary

Based on the absence of foliar symptoms, all four species tested were tolerant to Prowl and 

Outlook applied as postemergence treatments at the rate, timing and soils used in these trials. 

Prowl and Outlook are broad-spectrum, soil-active herbicides that will prevent weed emergence 

during the season. Select is a foliar-contact, grass herbicide. The use of these three herbicides 

may provide the basis for an effective weed control program for seed production of these five 

species. Further tests are warranted to describe the range of safety for these herbicides and 

whether or not they have any undesirable interactions.
106

Acknowledgements

This project was partially funded by the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

and expenditures by Oregon State University.

Literature Cited

Shock, Clinton C. 2006. Drip irrigation: an introduction. Sustainable Agriculture Techniques, 

Oregon State University Extension Service. EM8782-E, revised October 2006.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy; DeBolt, Ann. 2007. 

Seed production of native forbs shows little response to irrigation in a wet year. Oregon State 

University Agricultural Experiment Station Special Report. 1075: 21-32.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert Erik B.G.; Shaw, Nancy. 2009. Native perennial forb tolerance to 

rates and mixtures of postemergence herbicides. Oregon State University Agricultural 

Experiment Station, Special Report. 1094: 177-179.

Presentations:

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Saunders, Lamont; Shaw, Nancy. Do these plants need water? 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, 

ID. 

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Saunders, Lamont; Shaw, Nancy. Where did all the weeds go? 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, 

ID. 

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Ishida, Joey. Native forb research: Irrigation and weed control. 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Field 

demonstrations.

Shock, Clinton C.; Shock, Cedric A.; Plummer, Sam. Mid-Snake River watershed vegetation 

database. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Desert Parsley (Lomatium spp.) seed production challenges. 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Irrigation and mechanization for seed production of Sulfur-flower 

Buckwheat, a native forb. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; 

Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Sharpleaf and Sagebrush Penstemon seed yield response to 

irrigation. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.
107

Project Title: Native Perennial Forb Tolerance to Four Years of 

Repeated Annual Applications of Postemergence 

Herbicides

Project Location: Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Clinton C. Shock

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

clinton.shock@oregonstate.edu

Joey Ishida

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

Erik Feibert

Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station

595 Onion Ave.

Ontario, OR 97914

541.889.2174, fax: 541.889.7831

Nancy Shaw

U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

322 E. Front Street, Suite 401

Boise, ID 83702

208.373.4360, fax: 208.373.4391 

Project Description:

The plant species planted in this trial are native to Malheur County and surrounding areas. These 

species are judged by the BLM and US Forest Service to be important rangeland restoration 

species for wildlife and other beneficial characteristics. Seed of native forbs is needed to restore 

rangelands of the Intermountain West. Commercial seed production is necessary to provide the 

quantity of seed needed for restoration efforts. A major limitation to economically viable 

commercial production of native forb seed is weed competition. Weeds are adapted to growing 

in disturbed soil, and native forbs are often not competitive with these weeds in a seed 

production setting. There is a considerable body of knowledge about the relative efficacy of 

different herbicides to control target weeds, but few trials have tested the tolerance of native 

forbs to commercial herbicides. 
108

The field trials reported here tested the tolerance of seven native forb species to conventional 

postemergence herbicides over four successive years. During the last two years (2008 and 2009) 

the application dates were earlier than the first two years.

This work seeks to discover products that could eventually be registered for use in native forb 

seed production. The information in this report is for the purpose of informing cooperators and 

colleagues in other agencies, universities and industry of the research results. Reference to 

products and companies in this publication is for the specific information only and does not 

endorse or recommend that product or company to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. 

Nor should any information and interpretation thereof be considered as a recommendation for the 

application of any of these herbicides. Pesticide labels should always be consulted before any 

pesticide use. Considerable efforts may be required to register these herbicides for use for native 

forb seed production.

Materials and Methods

Plant Establishment

Seed of seven Great Basin forb species (Table 1) received in October 2005 was planted 

November 1, 2005. The field had been disked, ground hogged and marked in rows 30 inches 

apart. The seven forb species were planted in individual rows 435 ft long and 30 inches apart. 

Planting depths were similar to those used in the irrigation trial (Shock et al. 2007a) and varied 

by species. The crop preceding forbs was wheat. Prior to planting, one drip tape was inserted 12 

inches deep every 5 feet, equidistant between where pairs of rows were planted. The drip tape 

was supplied with irrigation water using filtration and other common drip-irrigation practices 

(Shock 2006).

Table 1. Forb species planted at the Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR 

and their origins.

Species Common Name Origin Year

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur-flower buckwheat Shoofly Road, Owyhee Co., ID 2004

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf or sand-dune penstemon Bliss Dam, Elmore Co., ID 2004

Penstemon deustus Scabland or hot-rock penstemon Blacks Cr. Rd., Elmore Co., ID 2003

Penstemon speciosus Royal or sagebrush penstemon Leslie Gulch, Malheur Co., OR 2003

Lomatium dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot Mann Creek, Washington Co., ID 2003

Lomatium triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot or 

nineleaf desert parsley

Hwy 395, Lake Co., OR 2004

Lomatium grayi Gray’s biscuitroot or 

Gray’s lomatium

Weiser R. Rd., Washington Co., ID 2004

2006 Postemergence Treatments

The lower 200 ft of the field was staked out to make 5-ft-wide plots perpendicular to the forb 

rows, crossing all seven species. Eight treatments including the untreated check were replicated 

four times in a randomized complete block design (Table 2). Treatments were applied May 24, 

2006 at 30 psi, 2.63 mph, in 20 ga l/acre using 8002 nozzles with three nozzles spaced 20 inches 

apart. Plant injury in 2006 was rated visually on May 31, June 15 and June 30 with significant 

plant injury (Shock et al. 2007b).

In 2006 the trial was irrigated very little because of ample rainfall. Very few plants flowered and 

seed was not harvested in 2006.
109

Spring of 2007

By March 30, 2007, it was difficult if not impossible to distinguish any effects of the 2006 

postemergence herbicide applications on any of the seven forb species. These observations 

suggest that some degree of phytotoxic damage may be acceptable in establishing native forb 

seed fields if effective weed control is achieved.

Table 2. Yield of two native forbs in response to postemergence herbicides applied on 

March 20, 2009, Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR. 

This was the third consecutive year these forbs received the same herbicide treatments.

Mode of action Lomatium dissectum

Lomatium 

Treatment Rate grayi

lb ai/acre ---- lb/acre ----

Untreated -- 83.4 32.6

Buctril 2.0 EC 0.125 foliar 83.3 20.8

Goal 2XC 0.125 foliar 88.0 28.2

Select 2.0 ECa0.094 foliar 78.1 38.2

Prowl H2O 3.8 C 1 soil 85.6 28.6

Caparol FL 4.0 0.8 foliar 66.1 27.8

Outlook 6.0 EC 0.656 soil 80.9 26.6

Lorox 50 DF 0.5 soil 104.5 31.2

LSD (0.05) NS NS

 a

applied with Herbimax adjuvant at 1 percent v/v.

2007 Postemergence Treatments

The same treatments as in 2006 were applied again to the same plots on April 24, 2007. The 

application specifications of 2006 were used in 2007. Plant injury was rated visually on May 1, 

May 11, May 25 and June 12 (Shock et al. 2008). 

Drip irrigations were applied every two weeks starting on April 10 and ending on May 29 (total 

of four irrigations). Each irrigation applied 1 inch of water. 

Seed of Eriogonum umbellatum, Penstemon acuminatus, P. deustus and P. speciosus was 

harvested by hand as the seed reached maturity. The seed was cleaned and weighed. Lomatium 

dissectum, L. triternatum and L. grayi did not flower in 2007.

2008 Postemergence Treatments

The same treatments as in 2006 were applied again to the same plots on March 13, 2008 (Shock 

et al. 2009). The same application specifications as in 2006 were used again in 2008, but the 

application date was 72 and 42 days earlier than 2006 and 2007, respectively. 

Drip irrigations were applied every two weeks starting on April 5 and ending on June 24 (total of 

four irrigations). Each irrigation applied 1 inch of water. 

Seed of Eriogonum umbellatum, Penstemon acuminatus, P. deustus, P. speciosus and Lomatium 

triternatum was harvested by hand as the seed reached maturity from the 5 ft of row across the 

plot width. The seed was cleaned and weighed. Lomatium dissectum and L. grayi had only a 
110

few flowers in 2008.

2009 Postemergence Treatments

The same treatments as in 2006 were applied again to the same plots on March 20, 2009. The 

same application specifications as in 2006 were used again in 2009. 

General Considerations

The focus of the evaluations was forb tolerance to the herbicides, not weed control. Therefore, 

weeds were removed as needed in each year. In 2008 and 2009 the weeds of each species were 

counted in each plot (data not shown).

For each species the effects of herbicides on plant stand and injury were evaluated independently 

from the effects on other species. Treatment differences were compared using ANOVA and 

protected least significant differences at the 95 percent confidence level (LSD (0.05)) using 

NCSS Number Cruncher software (NCSS, Kaysville, UT).

Results and Discussion

All observations made on the herbicides tested are strictly preliminary observations. Herbicides 

that were observed to be damaging to the forbs as reported here might be helpful if used at a 

lower rate or in a different environment. The herbicides were relatively safe for the forbs in 

these trials but they might be harmful if used at higher rates or in a different soil or environment. 

Nothing in this report should be construed as a recommendation.

2008 Postemergence Treatments

Symptoms of herbicide injury were not observed on any of the plants in 2008 (Shock et al. 

2009). All treatments were applied earlier in 2008 (March 12) than in 2006 (May 24) or 2007 

(April 24) (Shock et al. 2007b and 2008). The earlier application in 2008 occurred before many 

of the forb species broke dormancy, with the exception of the Lomatiums. The Lomatiums were 

observed breaking dormancy around February 29. In 2007, the treatments were applied when all 

the forbs were actively growing and herbicide damage was associated with the foliar-active 

herbicides. The timing of future applications should be based on the mode of action of each 

herbicide: early applications for the soil-active herbicides (before weeds emerge) and later 

applications for the foliar-active herbicides (after weeds emerge). Later applications of the 

foliar-active herbicides might have resulted in foliar damage to the forbs as was observed in 

2007. 

Although the seed yields were based on very small harvest areas, seed yields were substantial for 

the five species with prolific flowering in 2008. There was no significant difference in seed 

yield between the reapplied herbicide treatments and the check for Eriogonum umbellatum, 

Penstemon acuminatus, P. deustus and P. speciosus in 2008. For Lomatium triternatum, seed 

yield was reduced for the Buctril®treatment, despite the early application timing. The Lomatium

spp. break dormancy early in the growing season, and L. triternatum could have been susceptible 

at the March 13 application date. Buctril that had been applied later in 2007 also reduced seed 

yield of L. triternatum that year. 
111

2009 Postemergence Treatments

Following the March 20 application, no symptoms of herbicide injury were observed in 2009. 

Root rot caused severe damage to plant stands of Penstemon acuminatus and Penstemon 

speciosus. Penstemon deustus, Lomatium triternatum and Eriogonum umbellatum produced very 

little seed in 2009. Lomatium dissectum and Lomatium grayi produced seed in 2009 and there 

were no significant difference in forb seed yield between any of the applied herbicide treatments 

and the check (Table 2). 

Summary 

All the herbicides tested showed promise for seed production of most of the native species tested 

in these trials. Phytotoxic symptoms were observed in 2006 and 2007, but symptoms were not 

observed in 2008 and 2009 with earlier applications. 

All seven species tested were tolerant to Prowl®and Outlook®applied as postemergence

treatments at the rate, timing and soils used in these trials. All species were also tolerant to 

postemergence applications of Select®at the rate, timing and soils used in these trials. Prowl and 

Outlook are broad-spectrum, soil-active herbicides that will prevent weed emergence during the 

season. Select is a foliar-contact, grass herbicide. The use of these three herbicides may provide 

the basis for an effective weed control program for seed production of these native species. 

Further tests are warranted to describe the range of safety for these herbicides and whether or not 

they have any undesirable interactions.

Literature Cited

Shock, Clinton C. 2006. Drip irrigation: an introduction. Sustainable Agriculture Techniques, 

Oregon State University Extension Service. EM8782-E, revised October 2006.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy; DeBolt, Ann. 2007a. 

Seed production of native forbs shows little response to irrigation in a wet year. Oregon State 

University Agricultural Experiment Station Special Report. 1075: 13-20.

Shock, Clinton C.; Ishida, Joey; Ransom, Corey. 2007b. Tolerance of seven native forbs to 

preemergence and postemergence herbicides. Oregon State University Agricultural 

Experiment Station, Special Report. 1075: 21-32. 

Shock, Clinton C.; Ishida, Joey; Feibert, Erik B.G. 2008. Native wildflowers grown for seed 

production show tolerance to conventional postemergence herbicides. Oregon State 

University Agricultural Experiment Station, Special Report. 1087: 197-203.

Shock, Clinton C.; Ishida, Joey; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Shaw, Nancy. 2009. Native perennial forb 

tolerance to repeated annual applications of postemergence herbicides. Oregon State 

University Agricultural Experiment Station, Special Report. 1094: 180-184.

Presentations:

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Saunders, Lamont; Shaw, Nancy. Do these plants need water? 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, 

ID. 
112

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Saunders, Lamont; Shaw, Nancy. Where did all the weeds go? 

Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, 

ID. 

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik; Ishida, Joey. Native forb research: Irrigation and weed control. 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Field 

demonstrations.

Shock, Clinton C.; Shock, Cedric A.; Plummer, Sam. Mid-Snake River watershed vegetation 

database. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Desert Parsley (Lomatium spp.) seed production challenges. 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Irrigation and mechanization for seed production of Sulfur-flower 

Buckwheat, a native forb. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; 

Ontario, OR. Poster.

Shock, Clinton C.; Feibert, Erik B.G.; Saunders, Lamont D.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Mohan, S. 

Krishna; Sampangi, Ram K. Sharpleaf and Sagebrush Penstemon seed yield response to 

irrigation. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program. April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.
113

Project Title: Characterization of Seed Germination Requirements for 

Improved Direct-seeding Success in a Changing Climate

Project Location: University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho

Principal Investigator and Contact Information:

Anthony S. Davis

University of Idaho 

PO Box 441133, University of Idaho

Moscow, ID 83844

208.885.7211, fax: 208.885.6226

asdavis@uidaho.edu

Project Description:

The objectives of this study are to increase our understanding of the germination requirements of 

two common native plants found in the Great Basin. Once germination is better understood, that 

information will be used to a) assess the early competitive ability of those species and b) identify 

potential management outcomes (such as pelletizing seed for field application) which would 

improve restoration success. Funding was received in March 2009. A graduate student, Emily 

Overton, was recruited to conduct this work, starting in August 2009. She has been working on a 

literature review and will be beginning controlled-environment studies with Artemisia tridentata

in spring 2010. Olga Kildisheva, a Master‟s student, will be working with the Sphaeralcea 

munroana component of this project.

Products:

We are currently working on optimizing a seed treatment protocol and container seedling 

production protocol for Sphaeralcea munroana.

Funding from the Idaho Transportation Department is covering a graduate student stipend to 

conduct half of the research described in the scope of this project; the University of Idaho also 

awarded an additional $12,000 towards the research focused on Sphaeralcea munroana.

Presentations:

Davis, Anthony S.; Herriman, Kayla R.; Dumroese, R. Kasten. Container production of 

Wyoming big sagebrush for Great Basin restoration: greenhouse and field effects. Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, ID.

Publications:

Herriman, KR. 2009. Wyoming big sagebrush: efforts towards development of target plants for 

restoration. Moscow, ID: University of Idaho. 70 p. Thesis. 

http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33481
114

Project Title: Development of Germination Protocols, Seed Weight, 

Purity and Seed Conditioning/Cleaning Protocols for 

Great Basin Grasses and Forbs

Project Location: USDA Forest Service National Tree Seed Laboratory, 

Dry Branch, GA

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

Robert Karrfalt, Director

USDA-FS National Tree Seed Laboratory 

5675 Riggins Mill Road

Dry Branch, GA 31020

478.751.3551, fax: 478.751.4135

rkarrfalt@fs.fed.us

Victor Vankus, Botanist

USDA-FS National Tree Seed Laboratory

5675 Riggins Mill Road

Dry Branch, GA 31020

478.751.3551, fax: 478.751.4135

vvankus@fs.fed.us

Project Description:

The National Tree Seed Laboratory is developing seed cleaning, testing and storage protocols for 

the species selected for the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project. The NSL 

has a complete range of seed cleaning equipment so that manipulations of raw seed of almost any 

species can be performed in order to produce clean seed of high viability. Germination is tested 

over a range of temperatures and the data analyzed by response surface analysis to find the 

optimum combination of light and temperatures for optimum germination. Seed storage studies 

are done using the new technology of equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) to assess seed 

moisture conditions. Training and information is also offered in workshops and conference 

presentations. 

Management Applications: How can land managers, seed producers or others use the results? 

Products:

Seed Moisture

The relative humidity that a seed equilibrates with can be measured and used to determine if the 

seed‟s moisture condition is good for preserving seed viability in storage. Traditionally this was 

done by oven drying methods and, when possible, electronic meters that were calibrated with 

oven moisture content measurements on clean seeds. Both methods presented a number of 

challenges and could be expensive. The relative humidity method can be done on any seed in 

any state of preparation, from raw seed just off the plant to highly cleaned seed. A relatively 

inexpensive electronic hygrometer was adapted to do this moisture test. Seed workers will be 
115

easily and accurately able to assess seed moisture in any stage of handling the seed in order to 

preserve its viability. 

Prechill Requirements were explored for Achnatherum hymenoides, Penstemon acuminatus, P. 

deustus and P. speciosus. Chilling for up to 60 days produced little or no germination. 

Therefore, dormancy is clearly very deep in all these species and likely variable among seeds 

within a single seed lot. In the coming year, longer chilling periods will be tried, and in 

conjunction with scarification, artific ial aging and repeated cycles of warn and cold 

temperatures. Use of these species for restoration might be limited until workable dormancy 

breaking procedures are determined.

Seed storage

Wyoming big sagebrush seed lots stored in sealed 6mil poly bags or foil laminated bags were 

tested for germination after 29 months of storage. These bags are moisture proof and will 

maintain the initial ERH for the seeds. The results are summarized in Figure 1. The highest 

viabilities were maintained using -20oC, 30% ERH and foil laminate bags. Little loss of viability 

was observed when storing seeds under these conditions. Cleaning the seeds to high purity also 

appears to be beneficial to preserving viability in sealed moisture proof bags. Only at the driest 

and coldest treatment was a useful amount of germination preserved in low purity seed lots. 

Wyoming big sagebrush seed usually dies after a few years when using conventional warehouse 

storage methods, but this study appears to be indicating that the seed of this species, after drying 

to an ERH of 30%, might store long term in moisture proof containers at -20oC. As this species 

is being reduced in range and abundance by wildfires of the recent decades, long term seed 

storage could be a solution for preserving seeds for post fire restoration and genetic preservation. 

Many seed sources could be stored in a relatively small freezer space if cleaned to high purities.
116

 

Figure 1. Average germination for five lots of Wyoming big sagebrush seed after 29 months of storage at 

17 ERH (equilibrium relative humidity)-temperature combinations in 6mil poly bags or foil laminate 

bags.

Presentations: 

A report on Wyoming big sagebrush seed storage 15 month data was given at the Western Forest 

and Conservation Nursery Association meeting in Moscow ID July 14 – 16, 2009.

Karrfalt, Bob. Developing Seed Technologies. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase 

Project Annual Meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, ID. 

Karrfalt, Bob. Using Equilibrium Relative Humidity (ERH) as a Guide in Storing Native Plant 

Seeds. Developing a Successful Native Plant Program Workshop, April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. 

Poster.

Karrfalt, Bob; Shaw, Nancy. Long term storage for Wyoming big sagebrush. Developing a 

Successful Native Plant Program Workshop, April 1-2, 2009; Ontario, OR. Poster.

70

40

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

-20 foil -20 -8 2 20

ERH

G

e

r

m

i

n

a

t

i

o

n

Storage temperature

Wyoming Big Sagebrush Germination

70

50

40

30
117

Project Title: Development of Procedures to Break Dormancy in 

Lomatium dissectum Seeds

Project Location: Department of Biology, Boise State University, Boise, ID

Principal Investigator and Contact Information:

Marcelo D. Serpe, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Department of Biology

Boise State University

Boise, ID 83725-1515

208.426.3687, fax: 208.426.4267

mserpe@boisestate.edu

Project Description:

One of the objectives of the proposal was to investigate the effect of plant growth regulators on 

embryo growth and germination of L. dissectum seeds. The hormone treatments tested did not 

replace the requirement for cold stratification nor did they promote embryo growth under c old 

conditions. On the contrary, application of gibberellic acid at 3 mM reduced embryo growth 

under cold conditions and increased the cold period required for germination (Scholten and 

others 2009).

A second major goal of the grant was to compare the stratification requirements of different seed 

populations. We studied eight different populations, four populations of L. dissectum var.

dissectum and four populations of L. dissectum var. multifidum. Seeds of var. dissectum were 

collected from moist sites in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, while those of var. multifidum were 

from semiarid environments in eastern Oregon and southwest Idaho. Overall, L. dissectum var. 

dissectum seeds had longer cold stratification requirements than those of L. dissectum var. 

multifidum (Scholten and others 2009). At present, it is not clear whether these differences reflect 

genetic differences between the populations and/or differences in environmental conditions 

during seed development. Independent of the factors involved, the shorter stratification 

requirements for seeds from the drier sites may provide an ecological advantage. Seeds of 

variety multifidum were from sites where the growing season is relatively short due to the dry 

summer conditions. For these seeds, the shorter stratification results in early germination, which 

extends the growth period allowing the seedlings to photosynthesize and accumulate reserves 

until the dry summer. 

In addition, to investigate the cold stratification requirements of different seeds populations, we 

have analyzed possible variations in stratification requirements between seeds collected at one 

location in different years. This analysis was conducted with var. multifidum seeds collected in 

2005 and 2007 at Harper, OR. In both the greenhouse and field experiments, the 2005 seeds 

required more hours of stratification than the 2007 seeds (Fig. 1). Seeds were collected from the 

same population; consequently, it is unlikely that the differences were attributed to genetic 

variability among the seeds. Also from the time of harvest to the initiation of the experiments, 

the seeds were in storage for approximately the same period, suggesting that differences in the 

degree of dormancy cannot be attributed to disparity in the age of the seeds. The difference in 
118

stratification requirements may reflect differences in environmental conditions during seed 

development, which can alter the degree of seed dormancy. Precipitation data from weather 

stations within a 50 km distance from the collection site (Vale-OR 43o 59‟ N, 117o 15 W; West

Fall-OR 43o 59‟ N, 117o 47‟ W and Owyhee Dam-OR 43o 39‟ N, 117o 15‟ W) indicates that at 

the time of seed development, May and June, the precipitation was higher in 2005 than in 2007, 

78.2 ± 25 and 27.2 ± 10 mm, respectively (Oregon Climate Service). In species from various 

families, water deficits during seed development result in less dormant seeds. Perhaps, this 

phenomenon also occurs in L. dissectum. Under this scenario, the seeds that developed during 

the spring of 2007 would require less stratification than those that developed during the moister 

spring of 2005, which would account for the results observed.

Figure 1. Relationship between stratification hours and germination under field and growth chamber 

conditions. (○) Field conditions 05-06; (●) growth chamber 05 seeds; (□) field conditions 07-08; (■) 

growth chamber 07 seeds. The stratification hours under field conditions were estimated from hourly 

measurements of soil temperature assuming that stratification occurred at temperatures between 0 and 10 

C. Mean s.e. of ten replications with 50 to 60 seeds per replication.

In addition to the experiments described above, we are currently conducting two related studies. 

One is aimed at characterizing changes in the physiology of the embryo during cold stratification 

and the second is intended to analyze the degree of genetic differences among and within the 

eight populations studied. For the first project, we have investigated the desiccation tolerance of 

embryos after various lengths of cold stratification. Our results indicate that at late stages of 

embryo growth within the seeds the embryos lose their desiccation tolerance (Fig. 2). We are 

presently investigating the extent to which the surviving seeds enter secondary dormancy. For 

the second project, we have placed in stratification seeds from 30 different plants from each of 

the eight populations. The seedlings will be used to study genetic diversity by allozyme 

electrophoresis as described in the proposal.
119

Time at 3 oC prior to dehyration (weeks)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Viability after rehydration (%)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Figure 2. Effect of dehydration on seeds exposed to cold stratification at 3 C for various times. After 

cold stratification for the indicated periods, seeds were dehydrated to 8% water content and kept at room 

temperature for eight weeks. The seeds were then rewatered and viability determined by the tetrazolium 

test. Values represent mean s.d. of five replications with ten seeds per replication. 

Publication:

Scholten, Melissa; Donahue, J.; Shaw, Nancy L.; Serpe, Marcelo D. 2009 Environmental 

regulation of dormancy loss in Lomatium dissectum (Apiaceae) seeds. Annals of Botany. 103: 

1091-1101.

Presentation:

Serpe, Marcelo D. 2009. Factors affecting Lomatium dissectum seed germination and seedling 

establishment. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting, 2009, 

March 31; Boise, ID.
120

Project Title: Modeling Seedling Root Growth of Great Basin Species 

Project Location: Brigham Young University, Provo, UT

Principal Investigators and Contact Information: 

Bruce A. Roundy

Plant and Wildlife Science Department

275 WIDB Brigham Young University

Provo, UT 84602

801.422.8137, fax: 801.422.0008

bruce_roundy@byu.edu

Kert Young

Plant and Wildlife Science Department

275 WIDB Brigham Young University

Provo, UT 84602

801.422.4133

youngke1@msn.com

Project Description: 

This work is designed to model seedling root growth of revegetation species using thermal 

accumulation. Plant scientists have sought to select plant materials for revegetation of 

rangelands based on physiological and morphological characteristics which allow establishment 

under conditions of limiting temperatures and available water for plant growth. Thermal and 

hydrothermal models have been used to predict germination under the environmental conditions 

of rangelands (Rawlins 2009, Meyer and Allen 2009). However, low seedling survival limits 

revegetation success on rangelands, even if seeds germinate. Using a thermal accumulation 

model to predict seedling root growth would allow us to assess the potential for seedlings to 

survive under a range of field conditions and possibly suggest opportunities for plant 

improvement.

Objectives

1. Develop thermal accumulation models for seedling root penetration for forbs, grasses, 

and cheatgrass.

2. Test the ability of thermal models to predict root depth under diurnal temperatures in 

the growth chamber and in the field.

3. Using thermal models and soil water and temperature data from stations in the Great 

Basin, predict seedling root growth and survival for dry to wet years.

Growth Chamber Study

We are measuring seedling root depths over time for six forbs, five perennial grasses and two

cheatgrass collections (Table 1) in relation to constant temperatures in a walk-in growth 

chamber. The experiment is organized in a randomized block design of four blocks and two soils 

in a walk-in growth chamber. Black plexiglass holders have been constructed to hold 65 (5 

replicates x 13 collections) clear plastic root tubes 2.9-cm diameter by 20-cm long. Each block 
121

contains two plexiglass holders, one with tubes filled with sand a nd the other with tubes filled 

with Borvant gravelly loam soil passed through a 0.6 cm screen. The holders keep the tubes 

slanted at at a 45° angle and exclude light from roots. For each of six constant temperature runs 

(5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30° C), three seeds of a collection are sown 0.5 cm below the soil surface 

against the lower side of a planting tube. Prior to sowing, Astragalus utahensis seeds were 

scarified in sulfuric acid for 15 minutes followed by stratification at 1.5° C for two weeks with 

Elymus elymoides seeds. Tubes are checked six days per week and the depth of the deepest root 

is recorded. Time to germination is recorded in petri dishes filled with 25 seeds of each 

collection and placed on racks below the root experiment in the incubation chamber. Soil 

temperatures are measured by thermocouples placed in one root tube per soil per block and 

attached to a Campbell Scientific, Inc. CR10X micrologger. Temperatures are read each minute 

with average hourly temperatures recorded. At the end of each temperature run, one tube of each 

collection per block is harvested and dry weight of root biomass recorded. The entire experiment 

will also be conducted at three diurnal temperatures based on cold, cool and warm soil 

temperatures recorded in the field. We will compare actual with root depths predicted from 

thermal accumulation models.

Table 1. Plant materials tested in root study.

Scientific name Common 

name

Cultivar Source Collection date

Forbs Achillea millefolium Eagle 

yarrow

Eagle Eastern WA 2003

Achillea millefolium White 

yarrow

White-VNS Granite Seed 2003

Agoseris heterophylla Annual 

agoseris USFS Shrub lab 2007

Astragalus utahensis Utah 

milkvetch USFS Shrub lab 2002

Linum perenne Blue flax Appar UDWR 2003

Lupinus arbustus Longspur 

lupine

Wells, NV; 

UDWR

2004

Perennial 

grasses

Agropyron cristatum 

x A. desertorum

Crested 

wheatgrass Hycrest UDWR 2003

Agropyron 

desertorum

Crested 

wheatgrass Nordan Granite Seed 2003

Elymus elymoides Squirreltail Sanpete UDWR 2003

Elymus wawaiensis Snake River 

wheatgrass

WA; Granite 

Seed 2003

Pseudoroegneria 

spicata ssp. spicata

Bluebunch 

wheatgrass Anatone Granite Seed 2003

Weedy grasses Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass Rush Valley, UT 2005

Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass Skull Valley, UT 2005/2006

Field Experiment

The same experiment as described above is being c onducted at two locations in Utah 1) on the 

Brigham Young University campus, and 2) on the east side of the Onaqui Mountains in a Utah 
122

juniper/Wyoming big sagebrush plant community where the juniper trees have been shredded. 

In the field experiment, tubes are watered after initial sowing in the fall and then are not watered 

thereafter. Emergence and root depth are recorded 1-3 times per week at the BYU campus and 

monthly at the Onaqui site. Thermocouples and gypsum blocks are placed in each block in the 

field outside root tubes, but inside soil or sand surrounding tubes. These sensors are read every 

minute and hourly averages are recorded with Campbell Scientific, Inc. CR10X microloggers.

Modeling

We will model time to root depth as a function of degree days for each temperature, as we have 

done for time to a germination percentage (Roundy et al. 2007, Rawlins 2009). We will then 

compare predicted and actual time to a root depth based on soil temperatures from our diurnallyfluctuating growth chamber and field experiments. We will also input soil temperatures and soil 

water potentials from a number of SageSTEP and other field sites to predict root growth and 

seedling survival under a range of field conditions.

Project Status:

Growth Chamber Experiment

We have conducted 5 of the 6 constant temperature runs and are currently running the remaining 

constant temperature, 10 ° C. That temperature is an important one because we have found that 

time to a root depth decreases most between 5 and 15 ° C, with much less variation in heat 

accumulation for different temperatures > 15 ° C (Figures 1 and 2). Although roots grew slowly 

at 5 ° C, most grass collections did not require more degree days at that temperature to reach 15 

cm depth than higher temperatures (Figures 1 and 2). Forb roots grew best at 15-20 ° C, while 

grass roots grew well at 15 to 30 ° C (Figures 1 and 2). Forb roots were sensitive to increasing 

temperatures and required more degree days at temperatures above 20 ° C to reach 15-cm root 

depth. Grass roots were generally less sensitive to temperature and had generally similar degree 

day requirements to reach 15-cm root depth at all temperatures. This suggests that the forbs are 

most likely to establish during early spring, while grasses are able to establish under early spring 

or late spring temperatures, as long as soil moisture is available.

Grasses were more robust and less variable in growth and survival than the forbs. Because many 

of the forbs grew slowly or died, we show data for the ones that did grow well in Figures 1 and 

2. Figure 3 shows the number of root tubes out of 20 with actively-growing plants and indicates 

that the forbs did not grow well at warmer temperatures, while most of the grasses did. That 

forbs in some tubes grew much better than others indicates potential for plant selection programs 

to develop more robust seedlings of these forbs.

As expected, cheatgrass roots grew the fastest at cool temperatures. However, the crested 

wheatgrasses and Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass definitely grew well enough to compete with 

cheatgrass (Figures 1 and 2). The importance of faster root growth to establishment is suggested 

by comparing the heat accumulation requirement of the forbs and that of the grasses. Forbs are 

known to not establish as well as grasses in rangeland revegetation projects. Blue flax, one of 

the most successfully-seeded forbs requires about 400-900 degree days to reach 15 cm root 

depth, while Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass requires 250-400 (Figure 2). SageSTEP data from

four Great Basin pinyon-juniper locations for two years were used to calculate wet degree days 

in spring 2008 and 2009. Degree day accumulations when the soil is wet ranged from around 
123

300 in early spring (March and April) to around 700 in late spring (May and June). As long as 

soil moisture is available from March into June, robust plants of both forbs and grasses shou ld 

establish because they will have around 1000 wet degree hours for root growth. However, if soil 

moisture becomes unavailable by May in a dry year, even robust forbs might not establish 

because they may have insufficient wet degree hours to grow their roots and keep them below 

the soil drying front. The details of just how many wet degree hours are available under different 

field conditions in relation to how many are needed for successful establishment will become 

better understood with specific modeling exercises and field validation tests. 

What appears to be a major concern for successful establishment of forbs is the lack of robust 

plants (Figure 3). Occurrence of some vigorous forb plants indicates potential for plant 

improvement. Such plant improvement work could potentially increase forb establishment 

success.

Field Experiments

We have also conducted two field experiments but had some problems with frost-heaving of root 

tubes. We hope to have solved that problem and have installed the field experiments again in fall 

2009 for the two sites. We will record data from them in spring 2010. 
124

Figure 1. Days for seedling roots of forbs (above) and grasses (below) to reach 

15 cm depth for a constant temperature in the growth chamber.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

0 10 20 30 40

Days to 15 cm root depth

Growth chamber temperature (°C)

Eagle Yarrow

White Yarrow

Annual Agoseris

Utah Milkvetch

Blue Flax

Longspur Lupine

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

0 10 20 30 40

Days to 15 cm root depth

Growth chamber temperature (°C)

Hycrest Crested 

Wheatgrass

Nordan Crested 

Wheatgrass

Squirreltail

Snake River 

Wheatgrass

Anatone Bluebunch 

Wheatgrass

Rush Valley Cheatgrass

Skull Valley Cheatgrass
125

Figure 2. Degree days for seedling roots of forbs (above) and grasses (below) to 

reach 15 cm depth for a constant temperature in the growth chamber.

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

0 10 20 30 40

Degree days to 15 cm root depth

Growth chamber temperature (°C)

Eagle Yarrow

White Yarrow

Annual Agoseris

Utah Milkvetch

Blue Flax

Longspur Lupine

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

0 10 20 30 40

Degree days to 15 cm root depth

Growth chamber temperature (°C)

Hycrest Crested 

Wheatgrass

Nordan Crested 

Wheatgrass

Squirreltail

Snake River 

Wheatgrass

Anatone Bluebunch 

Wheatgrass

Rush Valley Cheatgrass

Skull Valley Cheatgrass
126

Figure 3. Number of root tubes out of 20 with actively-growing plants for forbs 

(above) and grasses (below) in relation to different growth chamber temperatures.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Eagle 

Yarrow

White 

Yarrow

Annual 

Agoseris

Utah 

Milkvetch

Blue Flax Longspur 

Lupine

Number of tubes out of 20 with actively-growing 

plants

5

15

20

25

30

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Number of tubes out of 20 with actively-growing 

plants

5

15

20

25

30
127

Future Work

We will finish the 10 ° C constant temperature experiment and conduct the three diurnal 

temperature experiments in the growth chamber. We will begin developing heat accumulation 

models for each collection and record data from the two field experiments. We will begin 

comparing predicted and actual root depths based on measured soil temperatures and water 

potentials at the field sites.

Literature Cited

Meyer, S. E.; Allen, P. S. 2009. Predicting seed dormancy loss and germination timing for 

Bromus tectorum in a semi-arid environment using hydrothermal time models. Seed Science 

Research. 19: 225-239.

Rawlins, J. K. 2009. Wet thermal accumulation modeling of germination of western U.S. 

rangeland species. MS Thesis, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT. 48 p.

Roundy, Bruce A.; Hardegree, Stuart P.; Chambers, J. C.; Whittaker A. 2007. Prediction of 

cheatgrass field germination using wet thermal accumulation. Rangeland Ecology and 

Management. 60: 613-623.

Management Applications:

We hope to eventually predict potential seedling survival of revegetation and weed species for 

the Great Basin using the thermal models we are developing. This will allow us to rate different 

plant materials for potential establishment on different soils, regions, and yearly weather 

conditions. An additional side benefit of this research is to indicate which species may warrant 

plant improvement work to improve establishment characteristics. 

Publications:

Hulet, A. 2009. Diversification of crested wheatgrass stands in Utah. Provo, UT: Brigham Young 

University. 43 p. Thesis. http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33480

Johnson, RL. 2008. Impacts of habitat alterations and predispersal seed predation on the 

reproductive success of Great Basin forbs. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. 114 p. 

Dissertation. http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33483

 

Rawlins, JK. 2009. Wet thermal accumulation modeling of germination of western U.S. 

rangeland species. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University. 61 p. Thesis. 

http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33478
128

Project Title: Investigations of Seed and Seedling Ecology and 

Competitive Ability of Native Annual Forbs of the 

Western Great Basin

Project Location: Exotic and Invasive Weeds Research Unit, Agricultural Research 

Service, USDA, Reno, NV

Principal Investigators and Contact Information: 

Tara Forbis, Research Ecologist

USDA-ARS, Exotic and Invasive Weeds Research Unit

920 Valley Rd.

Reno, NV 89512

775.784.6057 x 245, fax: 775.784.1712

tforbis@unr.edu

Elizabeth A. Leger, Assistant Professor of Plant Ecology

Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science

Mail Stop 370

Fleishmann Agriculture, Room 121

University of Nevada

Reno, NV 89557-0013

775.784.7582, fax: 775.784.4789

Erin Goergen, Postdoctoral Research Associate

Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Science

Mail Stop 370

Fleishmann Agriculture, Room 121

University of Nevada

Reno, NV 89557-0013

775.784.7582, fax: 775.784.4789

Susan E. Meyer, Research Ecologist

USDA Forest Service 

Rocky Mountain Research Station, Shrub Sciences Laboratory

735 North 500 East

Provo, UT 84606-1856

801.356.5100, fax: 801.375.6968

Project Description:

Investigation of (1) the potential for Great Basin native annual forbs to effectively compete with 

cheatgrass and (2) the relative establishment success of native perennial grasses in native annual 

forbs vs. in cheatgrass. The ultimate goal of this work is to determine whether it would be useful 

to include native annuals in postfire rehabilitation seed mixes.
129

Germination Phenology of Great Basin Native Annual Forbs

Species Selection and Objectives

Great Basin native annual species with the ability to germinate in the fall would be more likely to 

occupy a niche similar to that of cheatgrass. Species that germinate in the fall, with cheatgrass, 

are able to accumulate biomass and establish roots that might provide a competitive advantage 

relative to spring germinators. Thus for this study, native annual species that I observed to be 

part of the post-disturbance flora in Wyoming sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata

var.wyomingensis) plant communities in western Nevada and that produced seed in 2007 and/or 

2008 were selected. These species included Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia (Boraginaceae), 

Amsinckia tesselata (Boraginaceae), Blepharipappus scaber (Asteraceae), Descurainia pinnata 

(Brassicaceae), Eriastrum sparsiflorum (Polemoniaceae), Lappula occidentalis (Boraginaceae), 

Mentzelia veatchiana (Loasaceae), and Plagiobothrys tenellus (Boraginaceae) 

To my knowledge, none of these species have been formally assessed for germination 

requirements to date. With the goal of identifying species that may have a germination 

phenology similar to that of cheatgrass, I screened these eight species to determine whether they 

exhibit dormancy, and if so, whether it is broken by dry after-ripening, as would be expected for 

obligate and facultative winter annuals, or if it is broken by cold stratification, as would be 

expected for spring annuals. 

Methods

Ripe seeds were collected as shown in Table 1 and stored at room temperature until experiments 

commenced. All lots from an individual site were mixtures of seeds from at least 20, usually 

more, maternal plants. All seed lots were assessed for viability using a tetrazolium test. For 

each species, four samples of 50 seeds were soaked in deionized water overnight. Next, seeds 

were pierced and soaked overnight in a solution of 1% 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. 

Last, embryos were assessed for staining. 

Next, seeds were checked for dormancy and light responsiveness using a 4-week germination 

test in Petri dishes. For each species, four replicate dishes of 25 seeds each were placed in 

fluorescent light, and four in the dark (wrapped in aluminum foil) in a Percival growth chamber 

under a constant 20 oC. The seeds were placed on a moistened blue germination blotter. Tap 

water was added to the blotters as needed to maintain moisture during the experiment.

Germinated seeds were counted and removed from the dishes weekly. Seeds were considered 

germinated if the radicle was visible. Seeds in the dark treatment were checked under a green 

“safe” light (Baskin and Baskin 2001). 

Seeds were also tested for responsiveness to dry after-ripening and cold stratification. The dry 

after-ripening treatment consisted of subjecting four replicates of 25 seeds per species to storage 

in sealed glass jars in a 40oC incubator for four weeks. At the end of each week, six seeds per 

dish were checked for dormancy by placing them on wet filter paper in a 20oC incubator for one 

week. For the cold stratification treatment, four replicates of 25 seeds each were placed in Petri 

dishes with wet filter paper at 2oC for up to eight weeks and checked for germination weekly by 

moving six seeds to a new dish in the 20oC incubator for one week. Eight weeks was used as the 

stratification period because seeds from these low elevation sites in the western Great Basin do 
130

not experience long periods under snow, or months below freezing temperatures. Viability 

testing was done on these seed lots during March of 2009. Germination e xperiments were 

conducted from 20 July 2008 to 30 August 2008.

There is an exception to the above for M. veatchiana, two Amsinckia species and B. scaber, 

which were collected (Table 1) and tested for viability (December 2008) and germination (12 

March 2009 through 3 April 2009) at a later date than the other species. For these species, each 

dish contained 50 seeds, and 10 seeds were taken out of after-ripening and cold stratification 

treatments per dish each week. More seeds were used in this experiment because more were 

available from these seed lots than from the lots used in the earlier experiment. For the D. 

pinnata in the cold stratification treatment, the experiment was terminated after three weeks due 

to accidental loss of seed dishes.

At the end of the experiment, germination percentage was calculated using the number of viable 

seeds as follows:

germination percentage = (# germinated seeds/#viable seeds) * 100 Eq. 1

Percent of viable seeds germinating per dish was rank transformed and used as the response 

variable in a GLM analysis (PROC GLM, SAS 9.0). Species were analyzed separately and 

treatment was the predictor in each analysis. Treatments were compared by species using least 

square means with a Bonferroni adjustment. 

Germination rate data were calculated as the percent of germinants per dish per week, adjusted 

using viability numbers. Rather than looking at an index of rate (for example, calculated as time 

to 50% germination per dish, which does not take dishes with no germinants into account) I 

analyzed this data using germination curves.

Results

All germination percentages represent the percent of viable seed germinating based on the 

tetrazolium tests. Error estimates reported represent one standard deviation. 

Because the light and dark constant temperature treatments were intended to be a dormancy 

check as well as a test for light responsiveness, germination percentage under the light treatment 

is assumed to indicate the level of dormancy at the time of germination testing (i.e. either after 

some months of dry storage or under fresh conditions). The exception to this is when 

germination is significantly higher under the dark treatment, in which case germination in the 

dark is used as the baseline. Therefore, the results of the stratification and after-ripening 

treatments are compared to these baseline levels of dormancy. 

Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia

This species showed moderate levels of dormancy after nine months of dry storage. Percentage 

of viable seeds germinating in the light treatment was 40.0±11.2% (Fig. 1). There was a strong 

light response (light vs. dark Bonferroni P<0.05) – only 1.7±3.3% germinated in the dark. A. 

menziesii var. intermedia did not respond to stratification (light vs. stratification Bonferroni 
131

P>0.05) and after-ripening appeared to induce dormancy – germination percentage dropped to 

13.9±7.5% in this treatment (light vs. after-ripening Bonferroni P<0.05; Fig. 1). 

Only in the light treatment did germination continue to increase dramatically after the first week. 

Germination percentage in this treatment went from 8.3±8.0% after one week to 40.0±11.2% 

after 4 weeks (Fig. 2). 

Amsinckia tesselata

This species was also somewhat dormant after nine months of dry storage. Percent of seeds 

germinating in the light treatment was 40.9±15.3% (Fig. 1). As with A. menziesii var. intermedia, 

there was a strong light response (light vs. dark Bonferroni P<0.05) – only 1.6±1.1% of the seeds 

germinated in the dark. There was no significant response to stratification (light vs. stratification 

Bonferroni P>0.05); however the mean was higher -- 67.5±20.0% of viable seeds germinated 

after chilling. The after-ripening treatment had no significant effect (light vs. after-ripening 

Bonferroni P>0.05; Fig. 1). 

As with A. menziesii var. intermedia, it was only in the light treatment that germination 

continued to increase dramatically after the first week. Germination percentage in this treatment 

went from 9.4±5.1% after one week to 39.1±13.8% after four weeks (Fig. 2). 

Blepharipappus scaber

This species was highly dormant after nine months of dry storage – there was no germination in 

either light or dark treatments. Eight weeks of cold stratification broke dormancy for a small 

(20.1±4.4) but significant (light vs. stratification Bonferroni P<0.05) percent of the seeds. None 

of the treatments applied allowed for more than 20% of viable seeds to germinate (Fig. 1).

For this species, germination did not increase from week one through week four in any treatment 

(Fig. 2).

Descurainia pinnata

This species had very low dormancy levels after 12 months of dry storage. Surprisingly, 

germination was higher in the dark (98.2±3.7%) than the light treatment (62.5±24.0%; dark vs. 

light Bonferroni P<0.05; Fig. 1). Neither the stratification (dark vs. stratification Bonferroni 

P>0.05) nor after-ripening (dark vs. after-ripening Bonferroni P>0.05) had a significant effect on 

dormancy levels relative to the dark treatment (Fig. 1). 

Germination in week one was relatively high for two of the four treatments, the dark and 

stratification. In the other two treatments, germination increased substantially after the first 

week. For the light treatment, it went from 19.7±18.7% in week one to 62.5±24.1% in week four. 

In the after-ripening treatment, it went from 22.0±5.8% in week one to 94.9±8.0% in week four 

(Fig. 2).

Eriastrum sparsiflorum

This species was relatively dormant after 12 months of dry storage (23.1±2.5% germination in 

light; Fig. 1). It showed a strong response to the stratification treatment, with 100% of seeds 

germinating (light vs. stratification Bonferroni P<0.05). The after-ripening treatment did not 
132

have a significant effect relative to the light treatment (light vs. after-ripening Bonferroni 

P>0.05; Fig. 1). 

In this species, germination was below 25% in all treatments in week one, and only increased in 

the stratification treatment from 25±0% in week one to 100±0% in week four (Fig. 2). 

Lappula occidentalis

This species was nondormant under every treatment regime and germination did not differ 

among regimes (GLM F=3.08, P=0.0682) (Table 2). After 12 months of dry storage, germination 

in the light treatment was 98.2±2.8%. Stratification and after-ripening neither increased nor 

decreased dormancy levels (Fig. 1).

Although all treatments achieved high germination percentages by week four, only the light 

treatment had high germination in week one. In the other treatments, germination was low in 

week one, but increased to high levels in week four (for example, in the stratification treatment, 

germination in week one was 21.3±5.6%, in week four it had increased to 88.5±8.5% (Fig. 2).

Mentzelia veatchiana

This species had very high levels of dormancy after nine months of storage. Germination in light 

and dark treatments did not differ (Bonferroni P>0.05); germination in light was 0%, in dark, 

2.9±5.9%. After-ripening had no effect on dormancy, but stratification broke dormancy in a 

significant percent of the seeds (55.9±28.5%; light vs. stratification Bonferroni P<0.05).

Germination percentage in this species did not increase substantially over time in any treatment; 

the increase was greatest in the cold stratification treatment, where germination was 47.1±20.8% 

in week one and increased to 62.0±28.2% in week four (Fig. 2).

Plagiobothrys tenellus

Dormancy levels were relatively high after 12 months of dry storage. Germination percentage 

was 6.6±5.6% in the light treatment and did not differ significantly in the dark treatment 

(Bonferroni P>0.05). Both stratification and after-ripening increased germination percentage, 

with stratification resulting in 98.0±4.0% germination, significantly higher (Bonferroni P<0.0 5) 

than the 48.2±3.6% resulting from after-ripening (Fig. 1). 

In P. tenellus, germination did not increase substantially after week one in the light or dark 

treatments. In the cold stratification treatment, germination increased from 26.3±0% in week one 

to 100±6.6% in week four. A smaller increase was seen over the same period in the afterripening treatment (Fig. 2).

Conclusion

Winter annuals (facultative and obligate) would be expected to have no requirement for cold 

stratification (Baskin and Baskin, 2001). Species that clearly meet this criterion under the 

conditions of this lab study are D. pinnata and L. occidentalis. Species that had their highest 

germination after cold stratification would be expected to be spring germinators. This included

B. scaber, E. sparsiflorum, M. veatchiana and P. tenellus.
133

Both of the potential fall germinators, D. pinnata and L. occidentalis, germinated to high 

percentages after a single week under at least one treatment; D. pinnata germinated to 

75.2±9.5% in the dark and L. occidentalis germinated to 98.6±3.7% in the light. 

Germination requirements are obviously not the only consideration for selecting species for 

restoration potential or potential competition with cheatgrass. Both D. pinnata and L. 

occidentalis occur in disturbed sites but neither has been observed to occur at high densities w ith 

cheatgrass. Such a pattern is difficult to interpret, however, as stands of these species might be 

excluding cheatgrass, or these species might be experiencing seed limitation in cheatgrassdominated sites.

The species that do seem to co-occur with cheatgrass, A. menziesii var. intermedia, A. tesselata, 

and M. veatcheana, did not respond as winter annuals. However, seedlings of A. menziesii var. 

intermedia and A. tesselata have been observed in the fall, so either our after-ripening treatments 

did not meet the requirements of this species, or fall-germinating seeds were not dispersed in the 

current, but in the previous year. It is also not known whether these species can behave as winter 

annuals in some years and spring annuals in others, depending on the conditions of the year in 

which they were produced, or on other factors.

Other species that achieved high germination percentages by the fourth week appeared to be 

continuing to lose dormancy over time – this was most striking in the case of E. sparsiflorum in 

the cold stratification treatment, D. pinnata in the after-ripening treatment, L. occidentalis in all 

treatments except light and P. tenellus in the cold stratification treatment. The behavior of these 

species in the field would be expected to differ; our dry after-ripening treatment, intended to 

mimic warm summer temperatures, lasted only four weeks, a much shorter time than seeds 

would experience in the western Great Basin. Likewise, the cold stratification treatment, lasting 

eight weeks, is shorter than the winter that these species would experience. Therefore, comparing 

laboratory results to results from the field will be essential as field results can often be effectively 

predicted by lab experiments (e.g. Meyer and Kitchen 1992) but sometimes show marked 

differences (e.g. Hendrix 1984).

One species was not induced to germinate at greater than 50% by any of the treatments we 

applied -- B. scaber will require further study. One possible explanation is that this species, as 

well as the other species that did not achieve 100% germination of viable seeds under any 

treatment, may have a high fraction of seed populations that exhibit cue-nonresponsive 

dormancy in order to ensure high levels of seed carryover among years (e.g. Meyer and others 

2005; Jones 2009).
134

Table 1. Locality, date of collection, storage prior to start of experiments and viability for each species 

studied.

Species Locality Month Storage 

time

Viability

Amsinckia menziesii var.

intermedia

Keystone Canyon, Washoe 

County, NV

June 

2008

9 mo. 89.9±5.4

Amsinckia tesselata Keystone Canyon, Washoe 

County, NV

June 

2008

9 mo. 94.0±4.7

Blepharipappus scaber Keystone Canyon, Washoe 

County, NV

June 

2008

9 mo. 77.0±8.7

Descurainia pinnata White River Valley, White Pine 

County, NV

June 

2007

12 mo. 90.2±2.4

Eriastrum sparsiflorum White River Valley, White Pine 

County, NV

June 

2007

9 mo. 99.0±2.0

Lappula occidentalis White River Valley, White Pine 

County, NV

June 

2007

12 mo. 92.9±2.6

Mentzelia veatchiana Keystone Canyon, Washoe 

County, NV

June 

2008

9 mo. 50.5±11.7

Plagiobothrys tenellus Balls Canyon, Sierra County, CA June 

2007

9 mo. 95.2±3.5

Table 2. Results of GLM of treatment effects on germination percentage after 4 weeks. All results based 

on Type III SS. Bonferroni-adjusted differences among treatments appear in Figure 1 and in the Results 

section text.

Species Source MS F P

Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia Treatment 2539.77 37.88 <0.0001

Amsinckia tesselata Treatment 2910.31 21.17 <0.0001

Blepharipappus scaber Treatment 1463.06 147.85 <0.0001

Descurainia pinnata Treatment 747.56 4.95 <0.0183

Eriastrum sparsiflorum Treatment 4949.08 57.05 <0.0001

Lappula occidentalis Treatment 234.77 3.08 0.0682

Mentzelia veatchiana Treatment 4550.89 32.37 <0.0001

Plagiobothrys tenellus Treatment 5605.35 50.16 <0.0001
135

Figure 1. Percent germination, adjusted using viability data to represent percent of viable seed 

germinating under each of four treatments, light constant temperature, dark constant temperature, cold 

stratification, and hot, dry after-ripening. Error bars represent one standard deviation. Letters represent 

differences among LS means, using a Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons. All comparisons 

among treatments were done by species. AMME = Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia, AMTE = 

Amsinckia tesselata, BLSC = Blepharipappus scaber, DEPI = Descurainia pinnata, ERSP = Eriastrum 

sparsiflorum, LAOC = Lappula occidentalis, MEVE = Mentzelia veatchiana, PLTE = Plagiobothrys 

tenellus.

Figure 2. Germination rate curves, by species and treatment. Symbols represent mean cumulative 

germination percentages, error bars are 1 S.D. All values adjusted using viability data. Strat = 

stratification, ripen = dry after-ripening, light and dark are the original dormancy test conditions as 

explained in the methods.
136

Literature Cited

Baskin, C.C.; Baskin, J.M. 2001. Seeds: ecology, biogeography, and evolution of dormancy and 

germination. San Diego: Academic Press.

Hendrix, S.D. 1984. Variation in seed weight and its effects on germination in Pastinaca sativa

L. (Umbelliferae) American Journal of Botany. 71: 795-802. 

Jones, T.A. 2009. Dynamics of dormancy-status subpopulations of Indian Ricegrass seed held in 

dry storage. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 62: 284–289.

Meyer, S.E.; Kitchen, S.G. 1992. Cyclic seed dormancy in the short-lived perennial Penstemon 

palmeri. Journal of Ecology. 80: 115-122.

Meyer, S.E.; Quinney, D; Weaver, J. 2005. A life history study of the Snake River Plains 

endemic Lepidium papilliferum (Brassicaceae). Western North American Naturalist. 65: 11–

23.

Management Applications: 

Perennial species must be able to persist in Intermountain West rangelands in order for these 

ecosystems to remain productive and healthy, both as functioning range systems and as 

functioning native communities. This research focuses on the potential for using native annual 

forbs to increase establishment of early successional native perennial species in B. tectorum 

invaded rangelands. Identification of any species that negatively impact B. tectorum fulfills a 

management need by identifying potential tools for reducing B. tectorum dominance on 

disturbed rangelands. The results of this research will lead into future work focusing on the 

facilitative effects of early seral grass and forb species on the successful restoration of later 

successional species, such as shrubs and longer-lived perennial grasses and forbs, into disturbed 

communities. 

Products: 

Contributed to ongoing efforts to develop reseeding guidelines for annual grass infested rangeland. 

Contributed to the allocation of additional funds to EIWRU for research on the establishment of 

native plants in cheatgrass, red brome and medusahead-threatened sites.

Publication: 

Forbis, T.A. In Press. Germination phenology of some Great Basin native annua l forbs. Plant 

Species Biology.

Presentations: 

Forbis, Tara A. Germination phenology of some Great Basin native annual forbs. Botanical 

Society of America Annual Meeting, Snowbird, UT. Poster.

Forbis, Tara A.; Meyers, Susan E. 2010. Germination phenology of some Great Basin native 

annual forbs. Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Denver, CO. Poster.
137

Project Title: Evaluating Strategies for Increasing Plant Diversity in 

Crested Wheatgrass Seedings

Project Location: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Elko, NV

Principle Investigator and Contact Information:

Kent McAdoo

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension

701 Walnut Street

Elko, NV 89801

775.738.1251, fax: 775.753.7843

mcadook@unce.unr.edu

Project Description:

Objectives of this research include:

1. Determine the effect of crested wheatgrass (Aropyron desertorum) control methods on 

wheatgrass density and cover.

2. Determine the effect of crested wheatgrass control methods and revegetation on 

establishment of seeded species.

Study Site

The study site, approximately 15 miles southeast of Elko, NV, is located within the 8 – 10” p.z. 

in sandy loam soil (Orovada Puett association) and formerly dominated by Wyoming big 

sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis). The area was seeded to crested wheatgrass 

during the 1970s. Located within the boundaries area of South Fork State Park, the site has had 

the necessary cultural resources clearance from the Nevada State Historic Protection Office 

(SHPO) and is fenced to eliminate livestock grazing. 

Crested Wheatgrass Control and Revegetation Treatments

The following strategies are being tested in a randomized block, split-split plot design: (1) 

untreated crested wheatgrass; (2) partially controlled crested wheatgrass; and (3) completely 

controlled crested wheatgrass. The study site is comprised of five blocks. 

Within the main plots in each block, the following methods of control (mechanical and chemical) 

and revegetated vs. non-revegetated strategies are being compared:

1. Untreated crested wheatgrass plots receiving no chemical or mechanical treatment, but 

divided into unseeded and seeded sub-plots.

2. Partially controlled crested wheatgrass plots split into 3-way disked or herbicide-treated 

plots, divided into unseeded and seeded sub-plots. 

3. Completely controlled crested wheatgrass plots split into combined 3-way disked and 

herbicide-treated plots or combined spring and fall herbicide-treated plots, divided into 

unseeded and seeded sub-plots. 
138

Treatment Implementation

During November 2007, “disked only plots” were 3-way disked. In May 2008 “spring-applied 

herbicide plots” and “combined disked and herbicide plots” were sprayed with 66 oz. 

glyphosate/ac. In early October 2008, “combined spring- and fall-applied herbicide plots” were 

sprayed with 66 oz. glyphosate/ac. Sub-plots targeted for seeding were seeded at NRCSrecommended rates in late October 2008 by personnel from the NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials 

Center with a Truax Rough Rider rangeland drill. For small-seed species, seed tubes were pulled 

so that seed fell on the soil surface; drill disks were raised, no furrows made, and a brillion-type 

cultipacker was attached to the rear of the drill to press broadcasted seeds into the soil surface. 

The seed mixture used is identified in Table 1. 

2009 Preliminary Results

During summer 2009, we measured cover and density of crested wheatgrass, as well as nested 

frequency of crested wheatgrass seedlings. We also measured density of emerging seeded 

species. All parameters were measured for each sub-plot within ten 0.5 m2quadrats placed 

randomly on each of five transects and perpendicular to each transect. 

Complete (100%) control/mortality of crested wheatgrass was not obtained with any of the 

control treatments. However, as shown in Figure 1, spring-applied herbicide, combined springand fall-applied herbicide, and combined disked and herbicide treatments all significantly 

reduced crested wheatgrass cover (p<0.05) as compared to untreated areas, with no significant 

differences among these treatments themselves (p>0.05). Similarly, these same three treatments 

all significantly reduced crested density (p<0.05), again with no significant differences among 

these treatments (Figure 2). However, crested wheatgrass density was significantly greater on 

disked plots (p<0.05) than on the untreated plots and plots receiving the other treatments (Figure 

2), whereas cover was not significantly different (p>0.05) between disked and untreated plots

(Figure 1).

Data analysis for germination and establishment of seeded species is currently in progress, but 

preliminary observations show the following: (1) four of the six seeded native grass species 

established, including basin wildrye, bluebunch wheatgrass, bottlebrush squirreltail and Indian 

ricegrass; (2) each of the seeded forb species; western yarrow, Lewis flax and Munro 

globemallow, also established; and (3) of the two seeded shrub species, establishment of 

Wyoming big sagebrush was very spotty and spiny hopsage establishment was not documented.

Seeded native grasses germinated on plots both with and without crested wheatgrass control, but 

were much taller and more robust in plots where crested wheatgrass was suppressed. Spring 

growing conditions were nearly ideal, with an extremely wet June. Some grass and forb plants 

produced seed in this first growing season.
139

Table 1. Final seeding mix for South Fork study plots, Elko County, NV, in sandy loam soil (Orovada 

Puett association), approximately 8” precipitation zone.

Species Kind/Variety Seeding Rate 

(PLS lb/acre)

Total No. lb

(for 12.5 acres)

Indian ricegrass1

(Achnatherum hymenoides)

‘Nezpar’

2.0 25

Bottlebrush squirreltail1

(Elymus elymoides)

Toe Jam Creek

2.0 25

Needle-and-thread grass2

(Stipa comata) 2.0 25

Basin wildrye3

(Elymus cinereus)

‘Magnar’

2.0 25

Bluebunch wheatgrass3

(Psuedoroegneria spicata)

‘Secar’

1.0 12.5

Sandberg bluegrass4

(Poa secunda) 0.75 9.4

Munro globemallow4

(Sphaeralcea munroana) 0.50 6.25

Lewis flax3

(Linum lewisii)

‘Appar’

0.75 9.4

Western yarrow4

(Achillea millefolium) 0.20 2.5

Wyoming big sagebrush3

(Artemisia tridentata 

wyomingensis)

0.20 2.5

Spiny hopsage5

(Grayia spinosa) 0.50 6.25

Totals

11.9 148.8

1

 From Granite Seed Co.

2

 From BFI Native Seeds

3

 From Comstock Seed Co.

4

 From FS Collection

5

 From Native Seed Co.
140

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Untreated Disk Spring Glyphosate Spring & Fall Glyphosate Disk & Glyphosate

a

a

43.9 41.0

6.1 4.5 4.5

b b b

Figure 1. Effect of treatments on crested wheatgrass cover.*

% Cover

* Means with differing letters are significantly different (p<0.05)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Untreated Disk Spring Glyphosate Spring & Fall 

Glyphosate

Disk & Glyphosate

Plants/m2 Figure 2. Effects of treatments on crested wheatgrass density.*

4.7

6.1

2.9

2.5 2.8

b

c

c

c

* Means with differing letters are significantly different (p<0.05)

a
141

Future Plans

Sampling

Beginning in summer 2010, we will continue to collect cover and density data, as described 

above for seeded species. We will also establish additional plots in 2010 for comparisons 

between years.

Analysis

Data will be analyzed using mixed model analysis, with blocks and years considered random and 

other treatments considered fixed.

Management Applications: 

The relative success and/or failure of revegetation strategies and methodologies used in this 

research will be communicated in appropriate venues for the benefit of both public and private 

land managers and resource users. This research will add to the body of knowledge regarding 

the rehabilitation, functionality and restoration of Great Basin rangelands. 

Products:

We will conduct a field tour on August 17, 2010 to look at results of applying crested wheatgrass 

reduction methodologies and seeding native species.

Publications:

Interim results will be presented at scientific meetings and during field tours for scientists, 

agency resource specialists, agricultural producers, and other interest groups. Final results will 

be published in refereed journals.

Presentations: 

McAdoo, Kent. Nevada crested wheatgrass diversification study. Great Basin Native Plant 

Selection and Increase Project Annual meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, ID.
142

Project Title: Effect of Herbicide Application Timing on Crested 

Wheatgrass Control and Subsequent Native Plant 

Reestablishment Success

Project Location: USDA-ARS, Dubois, ID

Principal Investigator and Contact Information:

Corey Moffet

USDA-ARS, U. S. Sheep Experiment Station

19 Office Loop

Dubois, ID 83423

208.374.5678, fax: 208.374.5582

corey.moffet@ars.usda.gov

Project Description:

Crested wheatgrass stands in much of the western United States are stable in near monocultures 

that are resistant to native plant reestablishment. Attempts to modify these stands, to increase 

diversity, will require a reduction in crested wheatgrass so other seeded species can become 

established. Experiments were initiated in the spring 2008 to determine whether: (1) glyphosate 

efficacy differs among combinations of crested wheatgrass physiological state (timing of 

application) and disturbance, and (2) establishment of seeded native plants is improved when 

crested wheatgrass control treatments are more effective.

Methods

Effect of crested wheatgrass phenological stage on herbicide efficacy

Two experiments are being conducted at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) 

headquarters property near Dubois, Idaho to determine the relationships among total 

nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) trend, phenological stage and efficacy of glyphosate to control 

crested wheatgrass. The first experiment will characterize the TNC trend in relation to plant 

phenology. The experiment is a completely randomized design. A factorial combination of year 

(2 levels), and date (~10 levels), will be assigned completely at random to each plant (10 

replications). Plants were collected and dried in the laboratory. Growth stages were classified 

for each plant, and root crowns and stem bases were excised for TNC analysis.

The second experiment is a completely randomized design in a split-plot arrangement with 

repeated measures. A factorial combination of year (2 levels; 2008 or 2009) and date (~8 levels) 

was assigned to main plots (1 x 2 m) completely at random. Within each main plot a random 

half (1 x 1 m) was assigned to a clipping treatment. The clipped half was generally clipped two

weeks prior to the main plot spray date. In mid June (2009) it was clear that a two week delay 

between clipping and spraying didn‟t give the crested wheatgrass enough time to grow, so 

subsequent spray dates were delayed to 28 or 56 days after clipping. At the time these plots were 

selected, corners of the main plot were permanently marked with fiberglass rods. At clipping, 

herbicide application, two weeks after application, and in mid-June the year after herbicide 

application, digital photographs will be taken from 2m above ground. In mid-June, the year after 

herbicide application, crested wheatgrass biomass will be clipped and weighe d. The photographs 
143

will be analyzed for crested wheatgrass cover. Analysis of variance will be used to determine 

whether year, timing of herbicide application, or clipping prior to application had an effect on 

crested wheatgrass cover and biomass.

Large scale seeded plot experiment

The large scale plot experiment is being conducted within a 50-ha, well established crested 

wheatgrass seeding near Aberdeen, Idaho. The site is mapped to two soil map units, the Portino 

silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes (Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Xeric Haplocalcids) and 

the Portneuf silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes (Coarse-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Durinodic 

Xeric Haplocalcids). Both soil units are correlated with the Loamy 8-12 ARTRW8/PSSP

ecological site. The historical plant composition for this site included bluebunch wheatgrass, 

Thurber needlegrass, western wheatgrass, arrowleaf balsamroot, Wyoming big sagebrush, 

Sandberg bluegrass, green rabbitbrush and bottlebrush squirreltail.

The large scale plot experiment is a split-plot arrangement of a completely randomized design 

with repeated measures. A factorial combination of treatment year (2 levels; 2008 or 2009), 

spring disking (2 levels; yes or no), and glyphosate treatments (4 levels; none, vegetative stage, 

reproductive stage or autumn regrowth application) was assigned completely at random to 80 

main plots (61 x 43m). A random half of each main plot (30.5 x 21.5m, subplots) was seeded 

with a native mix. Between adjacent main plots there is a minimum 12m buffer in all directions. 

Sampling, within each subplot, is conducted on a central 24 x 37m core sampling area.

For all herbicide treatments, the recommended rate (3.2 L/ha) of glyphosate was applied with a 

tractor pulled sprayer. For the disking treatments a tractor pulled disk was used in the spring 

before the soils had dried.

The seeded subplots were seeded with a mix of native grasses, forbs and shrubs common to the 

sites historical plant community (Table 1). Seeding each year occurred in early November. A 

Truax Rough Rider rangeland drill was used for the seeding.

Table 1. Seed mix.

Species kg-PLS/ha

Broadcast

 Maple Grove Lewis flax 0.45

 Mtn. Home Sandberg bluegrass 0.22

 Blue penstemon 0.45

 Wyoming big sagebrush 0.06

 Rubber rabbitbrush 0.17

Drilled

 Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass 3.59

 Magnar basin wildrye 0.90

 Bannock thickspike wheatgrass 0.67

 Thurber’s needlegrass 0.67

Reseeding success is evaluated for two growing seasons after each treatment and seeding year. 

Data collection includes cover and density of seeded species, crested wheatgrass and invasive 
144

plants. Cover will be determined by line point intercept. Density will be determined by counting 

plants in sample quadrates or appropriately sized belt transects.

Results from 2009

Effect of crested wheatgrass phenological stage on herbicide efficacy

Crested wheatgrass plants have been collected and greenness and phenological stages have been 

classified for each sample date in 2008 and 2009 (Figure 1). When sampling began, in late May 

2008 (d 151), most of the crested wheatgrass tillers were green and in a vegetative stage. By mid

July 2008 (d 193), some tillers were beginning to senesce and the green tillers were mostly in a 

reproductive stage. By mid September 2008 (d 257), almost all tillers were senesced and the few 

remaining green tillers were in seed development and seed ripening stages. With little or no 

autumn green-up, no herbicide applications were made in 2008. Growth was initiated earlier in 

2009 than in 2008. This is likely due to the snow pack thawing at the site by April 4 (d 94), 

whereas in 2008 the snow pack rema ined until April 25 (d 116). By late May 2009 (d 149), 

tillers were predominately in an elongation stage, whereas in late May 2008 (d 151) tillers were 

predominately in a vegetative stage. In 2009, 98mm of June precipitation (218% of normal) 

helped to extend the time when most tillers were green beyond mid July (d 198). In 2008, plants 

were beginning to exhibit senescence by late May (d 148). 

Tillers were predominately vegetative or nonexistent in plants that were subjected to clipping 

two weeks prior to sampling (data not shown). In 2008, the only sample time when emerged 

tillers were abundant in clipped plants was mid June (d 165). By the late June sampling (d 179), 

few new tillers had emerged and all were in the early vegetative stage. By mid July (d 193) and 

throughout mid August (d 226), no tillers were emerging from clipped plants and no 

phenological stage ratings could be made. By late October (d 296), a few tillers were emerging 

from clipped plants and the emerged tillers were in early vegetative stages. In 2009, tillers had 

emerged from clipped plants from the time of the first clipped plant sampling May 1 (d 121) 

through the late June (d 177) sampling. In mid July (d 198), the clipped plants had few emerged 

tillers and they were all early vegetative stage. The clipped plants that were sampled in early 

November (d 310) were clipped in mid July (d 198) and many tillers had finally emerged, but 

development was slow and they were all in the early vegetative stage.

Timing of herbicide application in 2008 had a significant effect on glyphosate efficacy. Crested 

wheatgrass biomass was 231 g m-2in unsprayed plots. Crested wheatgrass biomass was <1 g m

-2

in plots sprayed June 6 (d 158) at 2X the recommended herbicide application rate. Crested 

wheatgrass biomass was less, compared with the unsprayed control plots, when plots were 

sprayed at the recommended herbicide application rate on June 20 (d 172, 46 g m-2), but not for 

plots sprayed on July 7 (d 189, 217 g m-2).

Large scale seeded plot experiment

Precipitation was less than normal in 2008 and above normal in 2009, owing to above normal 

June precipitation. Crested wheatgrass control treatments were begun earlier than 2008 in 2009, 

with the exception of the 2nd herbicide application and seeding which were completed on about 

the same date as in 2008.
145

Figure 1. Mean stage count and greenness for crested wheatgrass plants collected over 2 years. 

Mean stage count classes are for green tillers and follow the classification system described by

Moore et al. (1991). Greenness is plotted as the mean of the greenness class midpoint for ten 

sampled plants. Greenness classes for the plants were classified into 1 of 6 categories based on the 

percentage of green tillers (0, 1 to 20, 21 to 40, 41 to 60, 61 to 80, or 81 to 100 percent). Calendar 

days when herbicide was applied to adjacent small plots are also indicated for 2008 and 2009.

Mature crested wheatgrass density in 2009 was reduced by disking in late May 2008. Mature 

crested wheatgrass density was less in plots sprayed with the recommended herbicide application 

rate compared with unsprayed plots regardless of the date sprayed (1st date, June 9; 2nd date, June 

19, or 3rd date, October 24) if first disked but only in the first 2 spray dates if not disked. The 

seeding had no effect on mature crested wheatgrass density.

Mature Sandberg bluegrass density in 2009 was reduced by disking in late May 2008 and 

herbicide application resulted in no further reduction in density. In undisked plots, herbic ide did 

not reduce mature Sandberg bluegrass density except for the late October spraying which was as 

effective as spring disking. Fall seeding in 2008 had no effect on mature Sandberg bluegrass 

density in 2009.

Cheatgrass density was generally low in 2009 (6 plants m-2); however, herbicide application on 

June 9, 2008 and June 19, 2008, regardless of whether disked, reduced cheatgrass density in 

2009 (1 and 2 plants m-2, respectively). Disking in 2008 had no effect on cheatgrass density in 
146

2009; however, plots that were not disked in 2008 had significantly greater cheatgrass density in 

2009 if they were seeded in 2008.

Emergence and survival of seeded forbs and shrubs in 2009 was poor regardless of the crested 

wheatgrass control treatments that were applied in 2008. Total seeded forb seedling density was 

less than 1 plant m-2and total seeded shrub seedling density was less than 1 plant per 100 m2. 

The disking treatment tended to reduce the emergence and survival of seeded grasses. Total 

seeded grass density in 2009 was 33 plants m-2in the undisked plots compared with 25 plant m-2

in the disked plots. The reduction in seedling density due to disking was significant for 

needlegrass (2.1 vs 1.3 m-2), marginally non-significant for Sandberg bluegrass (4.8 vs 2.1 m-2), 

and non-significant for the wheatgrass/wildrye group.

Plans for 2010

Large plot cover and density will be measured for the second year in 2008 plots and for the first 

year in 2009 plots.

Literature Cited

Moore, K. J.; Moser, L. E.; Vogel, K. P.; Waller, S. S.; Johnson, B. E.; Pededsen, J. F. 1991. 

Describing and quantifying growth stages of perennial forage grasses. Agronomy Journal.

83: 1073-1077.

Management Applications: 

When this study is complete, land managers can use this information to choose efficacious 

crested wheatgrass control practices and increase the likelihood that subsequent native seeding 

efforts are successful.

Presentations:

Moffet, Corey. Eastern Idaho crested wheatgrass diversification study. Great Basin Native Plant 

Selection Increase Project Annual meeting. March 31, 2009; Boise, ID.
147

Project Title: Revegetation Equipment Catalog

Project Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Principal Investigator and Contact Information: 

Robert Cox

Department of Natural Resources Management

Texas Tech University

Box 42125

Lubbock, Texas 79409

806.742.2841; fax 806.742.2280

robert.cox@ttu.edu

Project Description:

The Revegetation Equipment Catalog is an online repository of descriptions, photos and 

company information for equipment that is used for revegetation efforts in the US. With pages 

on topics ranging from “All-terrain Vehicles” through “Fertilizing and Mulching” to “Transport 

Trailers”, the catalog is an important reference for information about revegetation equipment. 

2009 Activities and Results

Prior to 2009, the catalog was hosted on websites at the Texas A&M University. During 2009, 

the catalog was shifted to being mirrored at Texas Tech University. The TTU site is now up and 

running, and will shortly be indexed and listed on WWW search engines.

Future Plans

During 2010, the catalog will be updated and maintained, and the duplicate site at Texas A&M 

will be closed down, so that the TTU site is the primary hosting site for the catalog. When this is 

done, the TAMU site will host a “redirect” page that will send visitors on to the TTU -hosted site, 

should they try to access the site through TAMU. The ability to track website traffic and 

visitors‟ locations will also be added in 2010.

Presentations:

Shaw, Nancy; Cox, Robert; Ganguli, Amy; Newingham, Beth; St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan; 

Truax, Jim. Seeding strategies and equipment for re-establishing Wyoming big sagebrush 

communities. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Annua l meeting. March 31, 2009; 

Boise, ID.
148

Project Title: Calibration of Drills for Rehabilitation and Restoration 

Seedings on Western Wildlands

Project Location: USDA Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development 

Center (MTDC), Missoula, MT 

Principal Investigator and Contact Information: 

Lisa Outka-Perkins

USDA Forest Service

Missoula Technology and Development Center

Missoula, MT 59804

406.329.3849, fax: 406.329.4811

loutka-perkins@fs.fed.us

Project Description: 

Emphasis on reestablishment of diverse native communities for post-fire restoration, increasing 

resistance to weed invasion, roadway enhancement and other rangeland restoration projects 

necessitates use of equipment designed to properly plant species with seeds of diverse sizes and 

shapes at appropriate rates and depths and in compatible combinations. Once seed mixes are 

developed and seeds have been procured, it is necessary to calculate the appropriate seeding rates 

for each component of the mix and to calibrate the drill to distribute each mix at the desired rate. 

The standard rangeland drill and a number of newer drills are now in use. Operators must be 

familiar with this equipment if it is to be used properly to improve the potential for seeding 

success, reduce waste of costly seed and decrease costs. Project 2400 9E92E89: Drill calibration 

video training is being conducted to provide a video that will describe drill parts and mechanisms 

and demonstrate three common methods of drill calibration. It will also illustrate some of the 

differences among drills. The video will include a glossary of standard terms used in describing 

seed quality and drill operation. 

Collaborators on the project include the USDI Bureau of Land Management Vale Equipment 

Shop, Vale, OR; USDA NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID; Truax 

Company, Inc., New Hope, Minnesota; USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 

Boise, ID. 

Script for the video was developed in spring 2009. Filming was conducted at the USDI Bureau 

of Land Management Vale Equipment Shop, Vale, OR and at the Oregon State University 

Malheur Experiment Station, Ontario, OR in April. Editing of the film is being completed by 

MTDC in Missoula. Copies of the video will be made available to Forest Service District 

Offices. A shorter version of the video may be linked to the Revegetation Equipment Catalog. 
149

Project Title: Evaluation of Imazapic Rates and Forb Planting Times 

on Native Forb Establishment

Project Location: Utah State University, Logan, Utah

Principal Investigator and Contact Information:

Corey Ransom

Utah State University

Department of Plants, Soils and Climate

4820 Old Main Hill

Logan, Utah 84322-4820

435.797.2242, fax: 435.797.3376

corey.ransom@usu.edu

Project Description:

Successful establishment of native forb species is critical in order to re-establish structure and 

function to disturbed range sites. A large portion of the degraded rangeland in the Intermountain 

Region of the western U.S. is invaded by downy brome (Bromus tectorum). The most common 

herbicide currently available for downy brome control is imazapic (Plateau). Since restoration 

sites will likely be treated with imazapic for downy brome control prior to establishment of 

desirable species, a greater understanding of the tolerance of different forb species to imazapic is 

needed. This project aims to describe native forb and grass species tolerance to imazapic and 

other herbicides applied to suppress downy brome. This project will also examine the effect of 

herbicide application timing and planting dates on successful species germination and growth.

Materials and Methods

Trials were established at Cache Junction and Nephi, Utah. Herbicide treatments were applied to 

plots measuring 6 ft wide and 60 ft in length. Herbicides were applied with a CO2- pressurized 

backpack sprayer calibrated to deliver 20 gpa at 30 psi. Spring applications were made April 29 

and May 1 and fall applications November 30 and 23 at Nephi and Cache Junction, res pectively. 

Two applications of Roundup were used to suppress weed growth at Cache Junction, while one 

hand weeding was used to remove weeds at the Nephi site. Species were seeded perpendicular 

to the herbicide plots on November 23, 2009 at Cache Junction and November 25, 2009 at 

Nephi. At Nephi a modified cone seeder was used to plant two rows of each species spaced 2.5 

ft apart. At Cache Junction, species were seeded in strips 7 feet wide with plant rows 8 inches 

apart with a Tye no-till drill. A list of species seeded at each location is included in Table 1. 

Because field bindweed was prevalent at the Cache Junction location, only grass species were 

seeded at that location. Species germination and growth will be recorded during 2010.
150

Table 1. Species seeded in herbicide tolerance trials at Nephi and Cache Junction, Utah in 2009.

Nephi

Utah sweetvetch Astragalus filipies

Prairie clover Dalea ornata

Searle’s prairie clover Dalea searlsiae

Sulfur-flower buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum

Nevada goldeneye Heliomeris multiflorum var. nevadensis

Silky lupine Lupinus sericeus

Big blue penstemon Penstemon cyaneus

Globe mallow Spharalcea

Big bluegrass (‘Sherman”) Poa secunda

Bluebunch wheatgrass (‘Anatone’) Pseudoroegneria spicata

Cache Junction

Slender wheatgrass (‘First Strike’) Elymus trachycaulus

Basin wildrye (‘Magnar’) Leymus cinereus

Big bluegrass (‘Sherman’) Poa secunda

Bluebunch wheatgrass (‘Anatone’) Pseudoroegneria spicata

Results

There are no results to report at this time.

Direction for 2010

During the spring, species establishment and growth will be recorded for each species and 

herbicide. A second research site will be established in 2010 containing all of the treatments and 

species included in the trial established in 2009.

Soil samples will be taken from each plot in the Nephi field trial to a 6-inch depth. Soil samples 

will be taken as close to seedling germination as possible. Soil cores will be frozen until 

extractions can be performed. The level of imazapic remaining in the soil will be determined by 

running extracted samples through an HPLC. Petri-dish trials will also be initiated to evaluate 

seed germination in response to increasing herbicide rates.

Presentations:

Ransom, Corey; Edvarchuk, Kim. Identification of herbicides for use in native forb seed 

production. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Annual meeting. March 31, 

2009; Boise, ID.
151

Project Title: Native Plant Selection, Seed Biology and Seeding 

Equipment and Technology

Project Location: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Boise, 

ID 

Principal Investigators and Contact Information: 

Nancy Shaw

USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station

Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystem Research Program 

322 E. Front Street, Suite 401

Boise, ID 83702

208.373.4360, fax : 208.373.4391

nshaw@fs.fed.us

Matthew Fisk, Nicholas Williams and Erin Denney

USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station

Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystem Research Program 

322 E. Front Street, Suite 401

Boise, ID 83702

208.373.4376, fax: 208.373.4391

mfisk@fs.fed.us; ndwilliams@fs.fed.us; edenney@fs.fed.us

Project Description: 

1. Plant Materials

Development of plant materials of native forbs has been conducted at the USDA Forest Service,

Lucky Peak Nursery, Idaho Botanical Garden, Orchard Research Site and Wells Research Site. 

Project Status

Seed Collection 

Ninety collections were made in 2009, this included 37 collections of Artemisia tridentata

subspecies for genetics research being conducted by Bryce Richardson (see report this 

document). 

Buy-back Program

Seeds of pooled collections of Penstemon acuminatus (Northern Basin and Range), Eriogonum 

heracleoides (Northern Basin and Range, two growers) and Machaeranthera canescens (Snake 

River Plain/Northern Basin and Range, two growers) were distributed to private growers through 

the Buy-back program. 

Seed Distribution 

Collections were distributed to the USDA Agricultural Research Service Western Regional Plant 

Introduction Station/Seeds of Success Program for addition to the GRIN system (Table 1). 

Anatone bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata): G0 seed was provided to the USDA 

ARS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center for production of Stock Seed. 
152

Seventy-seven collections were distributed to cooperators and other users (Table 2). The bulk of 

these went to the USDA FS National Seed Laboratory for development of seed testing protocols. 

Table 1. Germplasm conservation samples contributed to the Seeds of Success Program/ARS Western 

Regional Plant Introduction Station.

Symbol Scientific Name Common Name Ecoregion Ecoregion Name County State

ALAC 1 Allium 

acuminatum Tapertip onion 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Owyhee ID

ASFI 1 Astragalus filipes Basalt milkvetch 80a Dissected High Lava 

Plateau Twin Falls ID

BASA 81 Balsamorhiza 

sagittata

Arrowleaf 

balsamroot 80b Semiarid Hill and Low Mountains Elko NV

CROC 15 Crepis 

occidentalis

Western 

hawksbeard 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Owyhee ID

ERHE 7 Eriogonum 

heracleoides Wyeth eriogonum 11n Deschutes River Valley Jefferson OR

EROV 65 Eriogonum 

ovalifolium Cushion buckwheat 12j Unwooded Alkaline foothills Owyhee ID

ERUM 61 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 80j Semiarid Uplands Elko NV

ERUM 62 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 12f Semiarid Foothills Adams ID

ERUM 12 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Malheur OR

ERUM 13 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Malheur OR

ERUM 17 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 11i Continental Zone Foothills Baker OR

ERUM 18 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 80j Semiarid Uplands Owyhee ID

ERUM 19 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 12f Semiarid Foothills Elmore ID

ERUM 36 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 12f Semiarid Foothills Elmore ID

ERUM 47 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Owyhee ID

ERUM 5 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Harney OR

ERUM 63 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 80d Pluvial Lake Basins Crook OR

ERUM 64 Eriogonum 

umbellatum

Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat 11n Deschutes River Valley Jefferson OR

LOGR 28 Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot 80j Semiarid Uplands Elko ID

LOGR 16 Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot 12f Semiarid Foothills Washington ID

LOGR 22 Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot 80f Owyhee Uplands and 

Canyons Owyhee ID

LOGR 30 Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot 11a John Day/ Clarno 

Uplands Wheeler OR

LOLE 4 Lomatium bicolor Wasatch biscuitroot 12f Semiarid Foothills Camas ID
153

LOMA 1 Lomatium 

macrocarpum

Bigseed biscuitroot 11n Deschutes River Valley Jefferson OR

LOTR 37 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 12h Mountain Home Uplands Elmore ID

LOTR 21 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Malheur ID

LOTR 30 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 12c Camas Prairie Camas ID

LOTR 31 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 12c Camas Prairie Camas ID

LOTR 41 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 9g Klamath/Goose Lake Warm Wet Basin Lake OR

LOTR 64 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 11n Deschutes River Valley Jefferson OR

LOTR 65 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 11n Deschutes River Valley Jefferson OR

LOTR 66 Lomatium 

triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 11n Deschutes River Valley Jefferson OR

LUAR 27 Lupine argenteus Silvery lupine 80b Semiarid hill and low 

mountains Elko NV

LUAR 35 Lupine argenteus Silvery lupine 80a Dissected high lava 

plateau Twin Falls ID

PEAC 11 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon 12j Unwooded Alkaline foothills Malheur OR

PEAC 13 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

80l Salt Shrub Valley Harney OR

PEAC 14 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

12h Mountain Home 

Uplands Elmore ID

PEAC 35 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

16k Southern Forested 

Mountains Owyhee ID

PEAC 39 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

12h Mountain Home 

Uplands Elmore ID

PEAC 4 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

12h Mountain Home 

Uplands Ada ID

PEAC 40 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon 12h Mountain Home Uplands Gooding ID

PEAC 43 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

80l Salt Shrub Valley Harney OR

PEAC 44 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

12h Mountain Home 

Uplands Elmore ID

PEAC 45 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

12j Unwooded Alkaline 

foothills Owyhee ID

PEAC 7 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

12h Mountain Home 

Uplands Elmore ID

PEAC 8 Penstemon 

acuminatus

Sharpleaf 

penstemon

12h Mountain Home 

Uplands Elmore ID

PEDE 12 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Harney OR

PEDE 18 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Malheur OR
154

PEDE 22 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80e High Desert Wetlands Harney OR

PEDE 24 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80g High Lava Plains Malheur OR

PEDE 25 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 16k Southern Forested Mountains Boise ID

PEDE 27 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 16f Foothill Shrublands

-

Grasslands Elmore ID

PEDE 3 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80j Semiarid Uplands Owyhee ID

PEDE 35 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 11i Continental Zone Foothills Baker OR

PEDE 40 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80g High Lava Plains Lake OR

PEDE 41 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80g High Lava Plains Harney ID

PEDE 43 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Malheur ID

PEDE 45 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Malheur ID

PEDE 5 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 12f Semiarid Foothills Adams ID

PEDE 6 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 12f Semiarid Foothills Adams ID

PEDE 7 Penstemon

deustus Hotrock penstemon 11f Canyons and Dissected Highlands Adams ID

PEDE 2 Penstemon 

deustus Hotrock penstemon 16f Foothill Shrublands

-

Grasslands Boise ID

PESP 1 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 12h Mountain Home Uplands Ada ID

PESP 10 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 12h Mountain Home Uplands Ada ID

PESP 2 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 12h Mountain Home Uplands Ada ID

PESP 23 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 11o Cold Basins Grant OR

PESP 35 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 12j Unwooded Alkaline foothills Payette ID

PESP 47 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 80g High Lava Plains Lake OR

PESP 8 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 80j Semiarid Uplands Owyhee ID

PESP 9 Penstemon 

speciosus Royal penstemon 80f Owyhee Uplands and Canyons Malheur OR

SPGR 47 Sphaeralcea 

grossulariifolia

Gooseberryleaf 

globemallow 12j Unwooded Alkaline foothills Owyhee ID

SPGR 48 Sphaeralcea 

grossulariifolia

Gooseberryleaf 

globemallow 12j Unwooded Alkaline foothills Owyhee ID
155

Table 2. Seed lots distributed to cooperators in 2009. 

Species Common Name Seed Origin 

(county, state) Affiliation Kg

Achnatherum thurberianum Thurber's needlegrass Ada, Idaho USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.45

Achnatherum thurberianum Thurber's needlegrass Ada, Idaho USDA FS Lucky Peak 

Nursery 0.45

Achnatherum thurberianum Thurber's needlegrass Ada, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.10

Achnatherum thurberianum Thurber's needlegrass Malheur, Oregon USDA ARS Western Regional 

Plant Introduction Station 0.10

Agoseris glauca Pale agoseris Elmore, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.08

Agoseris glauca Pale agoseris Harney, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.13

Agoseris grandiflora Bigflower agoseris Humboldt, Nevada USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 4.54

Artemisia tridentata ssp.

wyomingensis

Wyoming big 

sagebrush Elmore, Idaho University of Idaho 0.32

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker's balsamroot Malheur, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.49

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker's balsamroot Camas, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.23

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker's balsamroot Ada, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.32

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker's balsamroot Ada, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.43

Balsamorhiza hookerii Hooker's balsamroot Washoe, Nevada USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.18

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Owyhee, Idaho USDA ARS Bee Biology and 

Systematics Laboratory 0.00

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Owyhee, Idaho Private Grower 0.59

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Boise, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.12

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Boise, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.07

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Elmore, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.08

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Owyhee, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.19

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Malheur, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.04

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas' dustymaiden Malheur, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.07

Crepis acuminata Tapertip hawksbeard Elmore, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.14

Crepis acuminata Tapertip hawksbeard Harney, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.18

Crepis acuminata Tapertip hawksbeard Ada, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.03

Crepis occidentalis Largeflower hawksbeard Washington, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.10

Crepis occidentalis Largeflower hawksbeard Malheur, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.07

Crepis occidentalis Largeflower hawksbeard Malheur, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.03

Crepis occidentalis Largeflower hawksbeard Owyhee, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.05

Dalea ornata Blue Mountain prairie 

clover Malheur, Oregon Agriculture Research Service 0.91

Dalea ornata Blue Mountain prairie 

clover Malheur, Oregon USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station 0.23

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower 

buckwheat Cache, Utah USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station 0.45

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower 

buckwheat Owyhee, Idaho USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station 0.84

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower 

buckwheat Cache, Utah OSU Malheur Experiment Station 0.20

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower 

buckwheat Cache, Utah USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.57
156

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower 

buckwheat Cache, Utah USDA FS National Seed Lab 1.04

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower 

buckwheat Malheur, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.43

Eriogonum heracleoides Parsnipflower 

buckwheat Harney, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.28

Eriogonum ovalifolium Cushion buckwheat Harney, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.06

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat Owyhee, Idaho USDA FS Rocky Mountain Research Station 0.91

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat

Northern Basin & 

Range/Snake River 

Plain

Private Grower 4.72

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat

Northern Basin & 

Range/Snake River 

Plain

Private Grower 4.72

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat Owyhee, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment Station 0.10

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulphur-flower 

buckwheat Elmore, Idaho Utah State University 0.10

Leymus cinereus Basin wildrye Malheur, Oregon Agriculture Research 

Service 0.10

Lomatium dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot Ada, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 2.00

Lomatium dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot Malheur, Oregon OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 2.00

Lomatium dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot Ada, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.60

Lomatium dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot Washington, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.79

Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot Davis, Utah USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.28

Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot Gooding, Idaho USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.31

Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot Washington, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.55

Lomatium nudicaule Barestem biscuitroot Malheur, Oregon USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.23

Lomatium triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot Malheur, Oregon USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.18

Lomatium triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot Lake, Oregon OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.30

Lupinus argenteus silvery lupine Sanpete, Utah USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 18.16

Machaeranthera 

canescens

hoary tansyaster Elmore, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.04

Machaeranthera 

canescens

hoary tansyaster Crook, Oregon USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.47

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon Norther Basin & 

Range Private Grower 1.86

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon Snake River Plains Private Grower 5.58

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon Elmore, Idaho USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 1.36
157

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon Elmore, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.05

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon Elmore, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.05

Penstemon cyaneus Blue penstemon Lincoln, Idaho USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 4.54

Penstemon cyaneus Blue penstemon Lincoln, Idaho OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.15

Penstemon cyaneus Blue penstemon Lincoln, Idaho Utah State University 0.10

Penstemon deustus Scabland penstemon Baker, Oregon USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 1.00

Penstemon deustus Scabland penstemon Baker, Oregon OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.03

Penstemon deustus Scabland penstemon Baker, Oregon OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.01

Penstemon deustus Scabland penstemon Baker, Oregon OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.01

Penstemon speciosus Royal penstemon Payette, Idaho USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.39

Penstemon speciosus Royal penstemon

Northern Basin & 

Range/Snake River 

Plain

USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.76

Penstemon speciosus Royal penstemon

Northern Basin & 

Range/Snake River 

Plain

USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 0.66

Penstemon speciosus Royal penstemon Malheur, Oregon OSU Malheur Experiment 

Station 0.07

Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch wheatgrass Asotin, Washington USDA NRCS Aberdeen 

Plant Materials Center 1.95

Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow Uintah, Utah USDA FS Rocky Mountain 

Research Station 22.70

Sphaeralcea munroana Munro's globemallow Blaine, Idaho USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.04

Sphaeralcea munroana Munro's globemallow unknown USDA FS National Seed Lab 0.37

TOTAL SEED DISTRIBUTED (kg) 92.86

Common gardens and other plant materials research

Data was collected from sulfur-flower buckwheat and fernleaf biscuitroot common gardens. 

Additional data will be collected in 2010. Royal penstemon data collection was completed. 

Bigflower agoseris continued to show good seed production, this will be monitored through 

2010. Data analysis for bluebunch wheatgrass common gardens continues. 

2. Reestablishing Diverse Native Wyoming Big Sagebrush Communities: A Comparison of 

seeding equipment and techniques

Additional collaborators: Robert Cox, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Loren St. John, 

USDA NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID; Dan Ogle, USDA NRCS Idaho 

State Office, Boise, ID; Mike Pellant, USDI BLM, Boise, ID; Tom Warren, USDI BLM, Elko, 

NV

Objectives and Methods

To evaluate the capabilities of the Kemmerer Rangeland drill and the Truax RoughRider 
158

Minimum-till drill to seed seeds of diverse sizes and shapes at appropriate depths to reestablish 

grasses, forbs and shrubs on former Wyoming big sagebrush sites. Study plots were established 

at two locations near Elko, Nevada in October 2006 - the East Humboldt fire about 10 miles 

Southwest of Elko and the Gopher fire, about 10 miles North of Deeth, NV. Thirty-five plots 

were established in five blocks (7 plots per block) at each location. Two seeding rates of native 

species plus a control of no seed were seeded into the plots on November 7-10, 2006. An 

untreated “double control” (no seed and no drill) was included to provide adequate comparison. 

Species and rates seeded are listed in Table 3. BLM Elko Field Office personnel were 

instrumental in all stages of this project, including planning, site selection, treatment application 

and logistics. Tom Warren, Stan Kemmerer, Mark Coca, Brock Uhlig, Mike Mowray and Kyle 

Blackburn were especially helpful. Personnel from the NRCS Plant Materials Center in 

Aberdeen, ID, including Brent Cornforth, Charlie Bair and Boyd Simonson, did the seeding. The 

broadcast mix was seeded by allowing seed to fall on the soil surface in front of either the 

furrow-chain (Kemmerer drill) or the Brillion packer wheels (Truax drill). The drill mix was 

seeded through the drill assembly of each drill. On December 19, 2006, autonomous weather 

stations were placed at each location to record rain, temperature and soil moisture.

Table 3. Species seeded and rates, in PLS/m2

Seeding Rate,

PLS/m2

Species High Low

Broadcast mix

Wyoming big sagebrush 15.3 9.5

Rubber rabbitbrush 17.3 10.2

Eagle yarrow 171.1 105.9

Sandberg bluegrass 194.6 114.2

Rice hulls

Total Broadcast 398.3 239.8

Drill seeding mix

Fourwing saltbush 5.1 3.6

Blue flax 33.4 23.7

Munro globemallow 41.2 29.8

Bluebunch wheatgrass 94.8 67.7

Bottlebrush squirreltail 8.2 5.9

Indian ricegrass 54.8 39.1

Rice hulls

Total Drill 237.5 169.9

Total Drill + Broadcast 635.8 409.6

Project Status

Plot data was taken in June 2007 and 2008 based on the template provided by Dr. David Pyke, 

USGS, for entry into the “Rangeland Database and Field Data Entry System”, a cooperative 

effort between ARS, NRCS, BLM and USGS. 

Density of all seeded species was similar between drill types, but greater at one site than at the 

other. There was also a very large loss of density from 2007 to 2008. Density of drilled species 

was much greater at the Humboldt site than at the Gopher site, and mostly greater in areas seeded 
159

with the Rangeland drill than with the Minimum-till drill. Densities were much lower in 2008 

than in 2007. Density of broadcast species was greater at the Humboldt site in 2007, but greater 

at the Gopher site in 2008. Minimum-till seeded areas had greater density of broadcast species 

than Rangeland drill seeded areas in both 2007 and 2008. Density also dropped greatly from 

2007 to 2008. Density of Wyoming big sagebrush in 2007 was greater at the Humboldt site 

compared to the Gopher site; in 2008 both sites were similar. The Minimum-till drill provided 

greater density of sagebrush than did the Rangeland drill. Sagebrush density dropped greatly 

between years. Density of cheatgrass seedlings was much greater at the Gopher site than at the 

Humboldt site.

Management Applications: 

Results will aid in assessing seeding risks, selecting seed mixes, seeding rates and seeding 

strategies. The results should allow managers to better understand how the respective drills differ 

in their abilities to seed native species in a diverse mix and their impacts on residual native 

species, soil crusts and cheatgrass. Such information will help managers in selecting seeding 

equipment that meets both the site requirements and the seeding goals. 

Products:

A manuscript on this study is being prepared for an issue of Rangeland Ecology and 

Management that will focus on wildland restoration. Results have been presented at several 

meetings and at the East Humboldt site during a Nevada BAER field tour. 

3. Equipment and Strategies to Enhance the Post-wildfire Establishment and Persistence 

of Great Basin Native Plants

Additional Cooperators: Robert Cox, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Mike Pellant, USDI 

BLM, Reno, NV; David Pyke, USGS Corvallis, OR; Dan Ogle, USDA NRCS Idaho State 

Office, Boise, ID; Loren St. John, USDA NRCS, Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, 

ID; Beth Newingham, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID. 

Objectives and Methods

This study further investigates the capability of the Truax Rough Rider drill and the Kemmerer 

rangeland drill to reestablish Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities following wildfire. The 

study will test seeding rates and methods for establishing Wyoming big sagebrush along with a 

mixture of other native grasses, forbs and shrubs. Data collection will follow methods that are 

currently being recommended by the USGS for BLM use as standard techniques for ES&R 

monitoring. Data will be uploaded into a central ES&R monitoring database being developed by 

the USGS and will be permanently stored and available to land managers and researchers. In 

addition, the proposed study also facilitates analysis of long-term grazing effects on sagebrush 

seedings by establishing adjacent plots designed to allow grazing exclusion. 

Major objectives: 

1) Identify seeding methodologies, planting season and seeding rates to successfully 

establish Wyoming big sagebrush on burned rangelands. 

2) Compare establishment and persistence of native species (grasses, forbs and shrubs) 

seeded with a standard rangeland drill or with a minimum-till rangeland drill. Utilize 
160

native forbs from Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project Research when 

possible. 

3) Compare the physical impacts of the modified rangeland drill and the minimum-till drill 

with respect to planting residual cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) or other invasive weed 

seeds and on recovery of residual native plants and biological soil crusts. 

4) Utilize ES&R protocols being evaluated by USGS in addition to other data collected for 

this research to make quantitative vegetation measurements for comparing treatment 

effects. ES&R protocol data will be added to the ES&R database to promote future 

monitoring and will be available to other researchers. 

5) Establish studies that will allow long-term evaluation of the effects of livestock use on 

ES&R mixed seedings of native grasses, forbs and shrubs

6) Compare physical and chemical characteristics of soil conditions created by the seeding 

treatments to provide an assessment of seedbed conditions, and document climatic 

conditions and variability to better assist managers in implementing successful restoration 

activities. 

2009 Activities

Data collection for plots established in 2007 at the Glass Butte study site near Burns, Oregon and 

the Mountain Home study site near Mountain Home, Idaho was completed in late May and early 

June 2009. Plots at the site West of Snowville, Utah, seeded in fall 2008, were evaluated in June 

2009. Data were collected based on the template provided by Dr. David Pyke, USGS, for entry 

into the “Rangeland Database and Field Data Entry System”, a cooperative effort between ARS, 

NRCS, BLM and USGS. Data collection involved up to10 field workers, and required six weeks 

to complete all three sites. In addition to vegetation data, soil data including dust emissions, 

infiltration, soil stability and soil chemistry, were collected from selected treatments and 

nonburned plots at the Utah site by Beth Newingham, Amy Ganguli and Ben Wissinger. 

Future Plans

Data will be collected from the Utah field plots in late May and early June 2010. As a suitable 

burned site could not be located for fall 2009 seeding, the fourth site will be located in 2010 and 

seeded in November. Data from those plots will be collected in June 2011 and 2012. 

Management Applications: 

Land managers will benefit from the information produced by this study, in conjunction with the 

previous study, by using the results to aid in post-wildfire restoration planning. The results of 

this study should allow managers to better understand how the respective drills differ in their 

abilities to seed native species in a diverse mix as well as their impacts on biological soil crusts, 

residual native species and planting of cheatgrass or other weed seeds. This research should 

provide a better understanding of techniques that could best be used to seed Wyoming big 

sagebrush. Such information will help managers in selecting seeding equipment that meets both 

the site requirements and the seeding goa ls. In addition, by working with the developer of the 

minimum-till drill, we expect to improve the performance of this equipment. 

Products:

Products expected from this project include continued equipment development and modification 

(see report by J. Truax, this document), field tours for managers and practitioners, fact sheets and 
161

brochures, a website to facilitate public access of the project information 

(http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/shrub/fire.shtml), and likely publication in an agency or 

journal venue. 

4. Calibration of Drills for Rehabilitation and Restoration Seedings on Western Wildlands 

Project Manager: Lisa Outka-Perkins, USDA FS Missoula Technology and Development Center, 

Missoula, MT. 

Additional Collaborators: Loren St. John, USDA Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, 

ID; Jim Truax, Truax Company, New Hope, MN; USDA BLM Vale Equipment Center, Vale, 

OR. 

Emphasis on establishment of diverse native communities to repair damaged wildlands 

necessitates proper calibration of drills to plant seeds at prescribed rates. Planners, operations 

personnel and contractors are often not fully trained in calibrating drills or aware of the options 

available when using newer drills with multiple seed boxes. Standard settings are often used to 

seed commonly planted species such as wheatgrasses through rangeland drills. However, when 

more complex seed mixtures are used, it is necessary to carefully calibrate each mix. Seeding at 

high rates wastes expensive seed and results in excessive competition among seeded species. 

Seeding at low rates leads to inadequate stands and leaves sites open to invasion by weeds. 

Agency personnel require training to administer seedings and check drill calibration. Likewise, 

training is needed for contractors to assure proper equipment calibration and use. 

Project Status

A DVD is being developed for use in training sessions to familiarize users (land managers, 

contractors and others) with standard calibration procedures and seeding strategies that may be 

used with drills having single, double or triple seed boxes. Filming was completed in 2009. The 

video script and an accompanying summary of calibration methods were written. Final 

videography is being conducted at the USDA FS Missoula Technology and Development Center. 

Project completion is expected by early summer 2010. 

5. Effect of Storage Temperature, Duration and Packaging Material on Wyoming Big 

Sagebrush Seed Viability

Additional collaborators: Robert Cox, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX; Robert Karrfalt, 

USFS National Seed Laboratory, Dry Branch, GA

Objectives and Methods

Specific objectives of the study are to answer the question, “what conditions allow long-term 

storage of Wyoming big sagebrush seed?” Answering this question will improve managers‟ 

ability to seed Wyoming big sagebrush in post-fire and other restoration projects by identifying 

how Wyoming big sagebrush seed should be stored over the long-term, thereby allowing it to be 

purchased when prices are low and stored until needed for restoration activities. 

To evaluate the influence of different storage conditions on the long-term viability of Wyoming 

big sagebrush seed, packets containing small amounts of seed (approximately 1.5g each) from 

five different wild locations in the Great Basin were stored at two purity levels (<30% and >60% 

purity) and in two types of storage bag (4mil poly-sheet and woven poly-mesh). Samples of all 

combinations of seed source, purity and storage material were stored at one of three storage 
162

temperatures: -12oC (10oF), 1.6oC (35oF), and ambient warehouse temperature. Therefore, the 

study was established in a split plot arrangement, allowing comparis on of effects due to source, 

purity, temperature and storage bag type over a 50-month sampling period. The response 

variable to be evaluated is percent germination of sagebrush seed in each storage condition, 

measured as the average of four 100-seed germination tests. To evaluate changes in percent 

germination over time, tests will be done after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 27, 36, and 48 months of 

storage. Overall, 270 poly-sheet and 270 poly-mesh bags will be used for this portion of the 

study: 5 seed sources x 2 purity levels x 3 temperatures x 9 sample dates = 270 bags of each 

type. On each sample date, 30 source x purity x temperature treatment bags of each type will be 

removed from storage and tested for percent germination and moisture content.

A separate analysis will compare source, purity, seed moisture content and storage temperature 

in a split-split plot arrangement. The same sampling dates and response variable will be used as 

in the above analysis. This will include 1,320 poly sheet bags (including the 270 from the 

previous analysis), representing the full factorial of 5 seed sources x 2 purity levels x 4 moisture 

contents x 3 storage temperatures x 9 sampling dates. On each sampling date, 120 bags 

representing the source x purity x moisture content x storage temperature factorial will be 

removed from storage and tested to determine percent germination and moisture content. 

Therefore, a total of 1,080 bags will be stored during the study, with 150 bags sampled on each 

sampling date (a total of 120 poly-sheet bags and 30 poly-mesh bags will be sampled on each 

date; 30 of the poly-sheet bags will be used in both analyses).

2009 Activities

In 2009, seedlots at each storage condition were tested for germination viability in April. Along 

with germination tests of each seedlot, temperature, moisture content and packaging type 

combination, moisture content has also been tested and recorded.

Future Plans

Germination and moisture tests of each seed packet will continue every 12 months for the 

remainder of the study (approximately 4 years, or until viability reaches zero). Forbs of the 

Asteraceae family being considered for inclusion on the GBNPSIP species list may be added to 

this study to determine whether duration of viability may be a consideration in their use. 

Management Applications: 

Land managers, seed producers and vendors, and restoration planners will benefit by using the 

information produced by this study to understand how sagebrush seed may be stored to improve 

long-term viability of the seed. The ability to store Wyoming big sagebrush seed over longer 

periods will help to ameliorate the greatest logistical obstacles to restoring this species: 

unpredictable supply and demand for the seed, which results in high seed prices, and the need to 

use late-fall ripened seed quickly.

Products:

Products expected from this project include fact sheets and brochures and likely publication in an 

agency or journal venue. 
163

7. Native Forb Seedling Establishment

Additional Collaborators: Nicholas Williams, Erin Denney and Matthew Fisk, USDA Forest 

Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Boise, ID.

Objectives and Methods

Although considerable research has been conducted on cultural practices for native forbs being 

developed for restoration use by the GBNPSIP, data on field seeding techniques and success are 

lacking. Species included in the study consist of Achillea millefolium, Agoseris grandifolia, 

Eriogonum umbellatum, Lomatium triternatum, Penstemon deustus and Penstemon speciosus. 

Objectives of this field and laboratory study are to examine: 1) timing and percentage of field 

germination, 2) distribution of seed by depth as a result of the seeding technique, 3) phenological 

and morphological development of seedlings, 4) seedling survival and establishment, and 5) 

effects of annual weather conditions on seedling emergence, growth and survival. 

2009 Activities

Small plots (1 x 3m, 5 replications) were seeded at the rate of 300 PLS/m2in November 2009 in 

the Skate Fire (summer 2009 burn) at the northwest edge of Boise, ID. Soil samples were taken 

from the surface, 1 and 2cm depths following seeding to examine seed distribution in the soil. 

Samples were germinated in the laboratory to determine seed distribution. 

Future Plans

Seedings will be repeated over a 3-year period to assess the impacts of annual weather conditions 

on germination and seedling growth and survival. 

Management Applications: 

Land managers require information on performance of native forbs in wildland seedings in order 

to begin using them effectively in seedings. 

Meetings and Field Days

Organized GBNPSIP annual meeting, 2009 March 31, Boise, ID. 

Co-organizer, Revegetation Technology and Equipment Council 2009 workshop: GPS 

Applications for Revegetation, Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, 2009 February 

8, Albuquerque, NM. 

 

Co-organizer: Workshop: Developing a successful native plant materials program, 2009 April 1-

2. USDA FS RMRS GBNPSIP and USDI BLM Great Basin Restoration Initiative. 

Co-organizer: Workshop: sustaining vegetative landscapes in the West: interactions with climate 

change. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, 2009 August 30, Albuquerque, NM. 

Toured with members of Senator Harry Reid‟s staff and Mike Pellant, BLM, in the Boise area to 

discuss cheatgrass, fire and restoration issues, 2009 April 15.

Nevada BLM ES&R annual meeting, 2009 April 21-23, Elko, NV. Provided field tour 

discussion on drill seeding study.
164

GBNPSIP Exhibit/Poster Displays

Society for Range Management 62nd Annual Meeting, 2009 February 8-12, Albuquerque, 

NM.

GBNPSIP annual meeting, 2009 March 31, Boise, ID. 

Workshop: Developing a successful native plant materials program, 2009 April 1-2, 

Ontario Idaho

Summer Farm Festival and Oregon State University, Malheur Experiment Station Field 

Day, 2009 July 8, Ontario, OR. 

Publications: 

Hardegree SP; Jones, TA; Monaco, TA; Roundy, BA; Shaw, NL; Moffet, CA; Redente, EF. 

Assessment of range planting as a conservation practice. U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Effects Assessment Project Project. (in 

review) 

Hild, AL; Shaw, NL; Paige, GB; Williams, MI. 2009. Integrated reclamation: approaching 

ecological function? p. 578-596. In: Barnhisel, RI, ed. 2009. National Meeting of the American 

Society of Mining and Reclamation. Revitalizing the environment: proven solutions and 

innovative approaches. 2009 May 30 – June 5, Billings, MT. Lexington, KY: American Society 

of Mining and Reclamation. http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33648 

Karrfalt, R; Shaw, NL. Ten steps to a successful native plant materials program (in review).

Parkinson, H.; Zabinski, C; Shaw, N. Growth characteristics of six forbs selected for 

revegetation in the Great Basin. Research Note. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. (in revision)

Parkinson, H.; Zabinski, C; Shaw, N. The effects of native grasses and cheatgrass on the growth 

of five Great Basin forbs. Research Note. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. (in revision)

Parkinson, H.; Zabinski, C; Shaw, N. The response of four Great Basin forbs to increasing 

densities of cheatgrass. Research Note. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest 

Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. (in revision)

Scholten, M; Donahue, J; Shaw, NL; Serpe, MD. 2009. Environmental regulation of dormancy 

loss in Lomatium dissectum (Apiaceae) seeds. Annals of Botany 103:1091-1101.

http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/32868

Shaw, NL; Pellant, M, eds. 2009. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase

Project FY08 progress report. Boise, ID: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research 

Station, Grassland, Desert and Shrubland Research Program. 170 p. 

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/boise/research/shrub/projects/documents/2008_Progress_Report.pdf, 

http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33646
165

Shock, CC; Feibert, EBG; Saunders, LD; Shaw, N. 2009. Native wildflower seed production 

with limited subsurface drip irrigation. Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station, 

Special Report 1094:157-176. 

http://www.cropinfo.net/AnnualReports/2008/NativeWildflowerSeedProductionWithLimitedDri

pIrrigation.html, http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33645

Shock, CC; Feibert, EBG; Shaw, N. 2009. Native perennial forb tolerance to rate and mixtures of 

postemergence herbicides. Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Special 

Report 1094:177-179. 

http://www.cropinfo.net/AnnualReports/2008/NativeForbToleranceToPostemergenceHerbicides.

html, http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33644

Shock, CC; Ishida, J; Feibert, EBG; Shaw, N. 2009. Native perennial forb tolerance to repeated 

annual applications of postemergence herbicides. Oregon State University Agricultural 

Experiment Station, Special Report 1094:180-184. 

http://www.cropinfo.net/AnnualReports/2008/NativeForbToleranceToRepeatedAnnualPostEmer

genceHerbicides.html, http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33643

St. John, L; Ogle, D; Shaw, N. 2009. Hotrock penstemon plant guide. Aberdeen, ID: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials 

Center. 3 p. ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/ID/programs/plant/hotrock.pdf,

http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33642

St. John, L; Ogle, D; Shaw, N. 2009. Sharpleaf penstemon plant guide. Aberdeen, ID: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant Materials 

Center. 3 p. http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/32623

Tilley, DJ; Ogle, D; St. John, L; Shaw, N. 2009. Royal penstemon plant guide. Aberdeen, ID: 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Aberdeen Plant 

Materials Center. 3 p. http://www.plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/pubs/idpmcpg8289.pdf, 

http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/33641

Presentations and Posters:

Cox, RD, NL Shaw, and M Pellant. 2009. The effectiveness of rangeland and minimum-till 

seed drills for large-scale restoration of sagebrush wildlands. Ecological Society of America 

Annual Meeting, 2009 August 2-7, Albuquerque, NM. Presentation. Abstract. 

Hardegree, SP, BA Roundy, NL Shaw, CA Moffet, TA Monaco, TA Jones, and EF Redente. 

2009. Assessment of range planting as a conservation practice. Conservation Effects Assessment 

Project Symposium. Society for Range Management 62nd Annual Meeting, 2009 February 8-12, 

Albuquerque, NM. Presentation. Abstract. 

Hild, AL, NL Shaw, G Paige, and M Williams. 2009. Integrated reclamation: approaching 

ecological function? 26th Annual American Society of Mining and Reclamation Meeting and 11th

Billings Land Reclamation Symposium, 2009 May 30 – June 5, Billings, MT. Presentation. 

Abstract. 
166

Jensen, SL, C Jones and NL Shaw. 2009. Plant Materials available for Great Basin Ecoregions. 

Workshop: Developing a Successful Native Plant Program, 2009 April 1-2, Ontario, OR. 

Presentation. 

Karrfalt, R. and N Shaw. 2009. Long-term storage for Wyoming big sagebrush. Workshop: 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program, 2009 April 1-2, USDA FS RMRS GBNPSIP and 

USDI BLM GBRI, Ontario, OR. Poster.

Newingham, BA, AC Ganguli, and NL Shaw. 2009. Comparing the effects of fire and restoration 

drilling on soil properties n the Great Basin. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase 

Project meeting, 2009 March 31, Boise, ID. Presentation. 

Shaw, NL. 2009. Evaluation of native plant materials for the Great Basin. Society for Ecological 

Restoration International Meeting, 2009 August 23-29, Perth, Western Australia. Presentation. 

Abstract. 

Shaw, N. 2009. Native plant materials and seeding strategies for the Great Basin. USDI Nevada 

Annual ES&R Meeting, 2009 April 21-23, Elko, NV. Presentation.

Shaw, N, R Cox, A Ganguli, and J Truax. 2009. Seeding strategies and equipment for 

re-establishing Wyoming big sagebrush communities. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and 

Increase 2009 Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31, Boise, ID. Presentation. 

Shock, C, E Feibert, L Saunders, and N Shaw. 2009. Do these plants need water? Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase 2009 Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31, Boise, ID. 

Presentation. 

Shock, C, E Feibert, L Saunders, and N Shaw. 2009. Where did all the weeds go? Great Basin 

Native Plant Selection and Increase 2009 Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31, Boise, ID. 

Presentation. 

Shock, CC, EBG Feibert, LD Saunders, NL Shaw, SK Mohan, and RK Sampangi. 2009. Desert 

Parsley (Lomatium spp.) seed production challenges. Workshop: Developing a Successful Native 

Plant Program, 2009 April 1-2, USDA FS RMRS GBNPSIP and USDI BLM GBRI, Ontario, 

OR. Poster. 

Shock, CC, EBG Feibert, LD Saunders, NL Shaw, SK Mohan, and RK Sampangi. 2009. 

Irrigation and mechanization for seed production of sulfur-flower buckwheat, a native forb. 

Workshop: Developing a Successful Native Plant Program, 2009 April 1-2, USDA FS RMRS 

GBNPSIP and USDI BLM GBRI, Ontario, OR. Poster. 

Shock, CC, EBG Feibert, LD Saunders, NL Shaw, SK Mohan, and RK Sampangi. 2009. 

Sharpleaf and sagebrush penstemon seed yield response to irrigation. Developing a successful 

native plant program. Workshop: Developing a Successful Native Plant Program, 2009 April 1-

2, USDA FS RMRS GBNPSIP and USDI BLM GBRI, Ontario, OR. Poster.
167

St. Clair, B, RC Johnson, and N Shaw. 2009. Genetic diversity and genecology of bluebunch 

wheatgrass. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase 2009 Annual Meeting, 2009 March 

31, Boise, ID. Presentation. 
168

Project Title: Development of Seeding Equipment for Establishing 

Diverse Native Communities

Project: Truax Company, Inc, New Hope, MN 

Principal Investigators and Contact Information:

James Truax, Owner

Truax Company, Inc.

5300 Quebec Avenue North

New Hope, MN 55428

763.537.6639, fax: 763.537.8353

truax@pclink.com

Project Description:

The evolution of the Roughrider continued during 2009 and additional developments will evolve 

in the future. During the last year, effort was focused primarily on three areas: transport safety, 

planter parallelograms and seed metering. 

1. A hydraulic valve was added between the quick disconnects and the float adjustment 

valve to prevent the planters from dropping to the ground in the event there is a 

catastrophic failure of hydraulic hoses between the drill and the towing vehicle. 

 

2. A centralized greasing system was added to allow all servicing to be done without the 

operator having to crawl under and around the planters and rockshaft. A grease bank is 

now mounted under the speed changer for easy access.
169

3. The seed meter transition for the fluffy seed box has been redesigned to include an angled 

delivery spout that helps straighten the seed tube from the seed box to both ranks of 

planter boots. 

4. The seed meter cup for the cool season box has been redesigned to include two spouts 

and an integral gate to direct the seed flow to either spout. Two important advantages 

can be achieved with this design. First, each spout is angled so as to direct the seed in a 

straighter line to double- rank drills. Secondly, the gate allows the operator to cut 

delivery from in-row planting next to the disc to a second tube that can broadcast without 

disassembly of the hoses. 
170

5. Early production planters utilize a three bar parallelogram which has been changed to a 

four bar style in order to help stabilize the unit. When planting on side hills and 

especially rough terrain, this improvement prevents frame breakage. 

In addition to these improvements work continues on the gauge wheel that is bolted to the 

planting disc. It is hoped that by bonding urethane directly to steel we can achieve a gauge 

wheel that won‟t pull away from the planting disc when planting into mud and snow. 

Developmental work is being done on a retainer to hold the small drive wheel in contac t with the 

large end wheel when planting rough sites. Lastly, an effort is being made to monitor and 

prevent plugging of the seed tubes in muddy conditions. 

Continuous input from the field regarding problems and suggestions for change are requested. 

Presentations: 

Truax, Jim. 2009. Truax Roughrider Drill – Purpose and Evolution. Developing a Successful 

Native Plant Program Workshop, 2009 April 1-2; Ontario, OR. 

Truax, Jim; Breyer, Dwayne. Drill seeding – calibration for seeding multi-species mixes. 

Developing a Successful Native Plant Program Workshop, 2009 April 1-2; Ontario, OR. 

Field demonstation.

Shaw, Nancy; Cox, Robert; Ganguli, Amy; Newingham, Beth; St. John, Loren; Ogle, Dan; 

Truax, Jim. Seeding strategies and equipment for re-establishing Wyoming big sagebrush 

communities. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Annual meeting. March 31, 2009; 

Boise, ID.

Consultations: 

Edited script and provided recommendations for filming a video on calibration of rangeland 

drills being prepared by the USDA Forest Service , Missoula Technology and Development 

Center, Missoula, MT. 

Assisted with USDA ARS, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station/NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials 

Center crested wheatgrass diversification seeding near Aberdeen, ID. 
171

Project Title: Establishment of Native Forbs Following Mechanical 

Soil Disturbance in Wyoming Big Sagebrush 

Communities in the Great Basin

Project Location: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Great Basin Research Center, 

Ephraim, Utah 

Principal Investigators and Contact Information: 

Alison Whittaker, GBRC Project Leader

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

494 West 100 South

Ephraim, UT 84627

435.283.4441, fax: 435.283.2034

alisonwhittaker@utah.gov

Danny Summers, Restoration Implementation Coordinator

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

494 West 100 South

Ephraim, UT 84627

435.283.4441, fax: 435.283.2034

dannysummers@utah.gov

Project Description:

Currently, seed mixes used for restoration generally do not include native forbs, mainly due to 

their high cost. Because these species have not been included in past restoration efforts there is a 

lack of information about planting and establishing native forbs in wildland settings. As these 

native forbs become more available on the market, the lower costs will facilitate land managers‟ 

ability to include these species in seed mixes used for restoration. This creates a need to 

determine the best methods of establishing native forbs in wildland settings. The main objective 

of this study is to evaluate native forb establishment in Wyoming big sagebrush communities 

using four different mechanical planting methods.

Methods

This study was established on two sites (referred to as North and South) in Tooele County, Utah. 

Each site has four complete treatment blocks. Two of which were treated in 2008 and two that 

were replications treated in 2009. Each block includes five randomly placed treatments. The 

five treatments included an untreated control, broadcast seeding followed by a Lawson aerator, 

broadcast seeding followed by a Dixie harrow, broadcast seeding followed by an Ely chain and a 

rangeland drill seeding using a Truax drill. The seed mix used for the study consisted of only 

native forbs (Table 1). 
172

Table 1. Seed mix used on the project.

Species Rate (bulk lbs/acre)

Munro Globemallow (Sphaeralcea munroana) 0.5

Blue Flax (Linum lewisii) 1.0

Northern Sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale) 1.0

Silvery Lupine (Lupinus argenteus) 1.5

Palmer Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri) 0.5

Utah Milkvetch (Astragalus utahensis) 0.6

Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata) 2.0

Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) 0.29

Tapertip Hawksbeard (Crepis acuminata) 0.16

Total 7.55

Data Collection

Data from the 2008 treated blocks was collected in June 2009. Five permanently established 100 

ft. belts were positioned in a stratified random design along a 100 ft transect in each treatment 

plot. A total of 100 subsamples were collected from each plot. Percent cover of all shrubs, 

grasses and forbs was collected using a modified Daubenmire cover class method. Density data 

of all perennial species was also collected. Data will be collected each year for 3-5 years 

following treatment. 

Results

One year after treatment there were no significant differences in seeded species density between 

treatments. The density of seeded species between sites however was significantly different. The 

average density of seeded species on the North site is 0.04 plants/m2and on the South site the 

density is 0.004 plants/m2. While establishing native forbs into a Wyoming big sagebrush 

community was the main objective of this project it is also important to look at how the 

mechanical treatments affected other components in the community. Average sagebrush cover 

on the control plot was 10.7%. After treating with the mechanical treatment, aerator, chain, drill, 

or harrow, the average cover of sagebrush decreased to 3%, 5.6%, 7.6% and 1.5%, respectively. 

Conversely, the average percent cover of bare ground went from 35.4% on the control plots to 

54.2% on the aerator plots, 52.6% on the chained plots, 41.4% on the drill plots and nearly 

doubled to 62% on the harrow plots. The difference in cover of annual species was not 

significant by treatment; however the trend shows that the harrow treatment resulted in higher 

percent cover of annual species (Fig. 1). 
173

Figure 1. Average percent cover of all annual species separated out by site and block.

Management Applications:

With just one year of data, and no significant difference between data, it is difficult to make any 

definite management suggestions. However, looking at the trend of the density data for the 

seeded species, the broadcast treatment followed by the Ely chain appears to be the most 

successful at establishing native forbs. When selecting a mechanical implement to reseed native 

forbs into a Wyoming big sagebrush community, consider how much of the sagebrush should be 

removed. The other management implication that can be drawn from the data at this point is that 

more disturbance can result in higher annual species cover. The mechanical treatment that 

caused the most disturbance was the Dixie harrow treatment; perhaps not the most ideal 

treatment method if there are a lot of annuals present on the site. As we continue to collect more 

data over the next several years the results will provide us with better guidelines for seeding 

native forbs in Wyoming big sagebrush communities.

Products:

This study will provide guidelines for planting native forbs in Wyoming big sagebrush 

communities. Results will be reported through symposia, workshops and appropriate 

publications. 

Presentations:

Jensen, Scott L.; Jones, Covy; Vernon, Jason; Summers, Danny. The quest for natives: Cultural 

practices, species screening, harvesting equipment and private growers. Great Basin Native Plant 

Selection and Increase Project Annual Meeting, 2009 March 31; Boise, ID.

Cover of Annual Species

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

1 2 1 2

North South

Average Cover (%)

Aerator

Chain

Control

Drill

Harrow
174

Appendix I. Research species and their occurrence in Great Basin states. 

Family 

 Species Common Name Idaho Nevada Oregon Utah

Apiaceae Carrot Family

Lomatium dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot

Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot

Lomatium nudicaule Barestem biscuitroot

Lomatium triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot

Perideridia bolanderi Bolander’s yampah

Asteraceae Sunflower or Aster Family

Achillea millefolium Western yarrow

Agoseris grandiflora Bigflower agoseris

Agoseris heterophylla Annual agoseris

Artemisia tridentata tridentata Basin big sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata vaseyana Mountain big sagebrush

Artemisia tridentata 

wyomingensis Wyoming big sagebrush

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker balsamroot

Balsamorhiza sagittata Arrowleaf balsamroot

Blepharipappus scaber Rough eyelashweed

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas false-yarrow

Crepis acuminata Tapertip hawksbeard

Crepis intermedia Gray hawksbeard

Crepis occidentalis Western hawksbeard

Enceliopsis nudicaulis Nakedstem sunray

Erigeron speciosus Aspen Fleabane
175

Asteraceae continued Idaho Nevada Oregon Utah

Eriophyllum lanatum Oregon sunshine

Gaillardia aristata Common gaillardia

Heliomeris multiflora 

multiflora Showy goldeneye

Heliomeris multiflora 

nevadense Nevada goldeneye

Heterotheca villosa Hairy false goldenaster

Machaeranthera canescens Hoary aster

Wyethia amplexicaulis Mule-ears

Boraginaceae Borage Family

Amsinckia menziesii var. 

intermedia Common fiddleneck

Amsinckia tessellata Bristly fiddleneck

Lappula occidentalis Flatspine stickseed

Plagiobothrys tenellus Pacific popcornflower

Brassicaceae Mustard Family

Descurainia pinnata Western tansymustard

Capparaceae Caper Family

Cleome lutea Yellow beeplant

Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain 

beeplant

Fabaceae Legume Family

Astragalus eremiticus Hermit milkvetch

Astragalus filipes

(A. stenophyllus) Threadstalk milkvetch

Dalea ornata Prairie clover

Dalea searlsiae Searl’s prairie clover

Lupinus arbustus Longspur lupine
176

Fabaceae continued Idaho Nevada Oregon Utah

Lupinus argenteus Silvery lupine

Lupinus caudatus Tailcup lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus Bigleaf lupine

Lupinus sericeus Silky lupine

Hydrophyllaceae Waterleaf Family

Phacelia hastata Silverleaf phacelia

Phacelia linearis Threadleaf phacelia

Lamiaceae Mint Family

Agastache urticifolia Nettleleaf giant hyssop

Liliaceae Lily Family

Allium acuminatum Tapertip onion

Linaceae Flax Family

Linum lewisii Blue flax

Loasaceae Loasa Family

Mentzelia veatchiana Veatch’s blazingstar

Malvaceae Mallow Family

Sphaeralcea ambigua Globemallow

Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia Gooseberryleaf 

globemallow

Sphaeralcea munroana Munro globemallow

Sphaeralcea parvifolia Small-flower 

globemallow

Papaveraceae Poppy Family

Argemone munita Flatbud pricklypoppy
177

Poaceae

Grass Family

Idaho Nevada Oregon Utah

Achnatherum hymenoides Indian ricegrass

 Achnatherum thurberianum Thurber’s needlegrass

 Elymus elymoides Bottlebrush squirreltail

 Hesperostipa comata Needle and thread

 Leymus cinereus Great Basin wildrye

 Poa secunda Sandberg bluegrass

 Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch wheatgrass

Polemoniaceae Phlox Family

Eriastrum sparsiflorum Great Basin woollystar

Ipomopsis aggregata Scarlet gilia

Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family

Eriogonum heracleoides Wyeth buckwheat

Eriogonum microthecum Slender buckwheat

Eriogonum ovalifolium Cushion buckwheat

Eriogonum sphaerocephalum Rock buckwheat

Eriogonum sphaerocephalum 

var. sphaerocephalum Rock buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur-flower buckwheat

Scrophulariaceae Snapdragon Family

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon

Penstemon cyaneus Blue penstemon

Penstemon deustus Scabland penstemon

Penstemon pachyphyllus Thickleaf penstemon

Penstemon speciosus Royal penstemon
178

Appendix II. Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project 

 2009 seed collections

Species Common Name No. Collections

Achnatherum thurberianum Thurber needlegrass 37

Agastache urticifolia Nettleleaf giant hyssop 1

Agoseris spp. Agoseris 2

Agoseris heterophylla Annual agoseris 1

Allium spp. Onion 1

Amsinckia spp. Fiddleneck 3

Amsinckia intermedia Common fiddleneck 1

Amsinckia tesselata Bristly fiddleneck 2

Argemone munita Flatbud pricklypoppy 2

Artemisia tridentata Big sagebrush 4

Artemisia tridentata tridentata Basin big sagebrush 24

Artemisia tridentata vaseyana Mountain big sagebrush 21

Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis Wyoming big sagebrush 18

Astragalus filipes Threadstalk milkvetch 7

Balsamorhiza hookeri Hooker balsamroot 8

Balsamorhiza sagittata Arrowleaf balsamroot 4

Blepharipappus scaber Rough eyelashweed 3

Chaenactis spp. False-yarrow 1

Chaenactis douglasii Douglas false-yarrow 6

Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain beeplant 1

Crepis acuminata Tapertip hawksbeard 3

Crepis occidentalis Western hawksbeard 1

Cryptantha spp. Cryptantha 1

Dalea ornata Western prairie clover 8

Dalea searlsiae Searl's prairie clover 6

Descurainia pinnata Western tanseymustard 1

Enceliopsis nudicaulis Nakedstem sunray 3

Epilobium brachycarpum Tall annual willowherb 1

Eriastrum sparsiflorum Great Basin woollystar 1

Eriogonum heracleoides Wyeth buckwheat 11

Eriogonum ovalifolium Cushion buckwheat 2
179

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur-flower buckwheat 17

Frasera albomarginata Desert frasera 2

Gilia spp. Gilia 1

Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis Nevada goldeneye 6

Hesperostipa comata Needle and thread 6

Ipomopsis aggregata Scarlet gilia 6

Lappula occidentalis Flatspine stickseed 1

Leymus cinereus Great Basin wildrye 4

Linum lewisii Lewis flax 3

Linum subteres Sprucemont flax 1

Lomatium spp. Biscuitroot 1

Lomatium dissectum Fernleaf biscuitroot 8

Lomatium grayi Gray's biscuitroot 1

Lomatium nudicaule Nakedstem biscuitroot 4

Lomatium triternatum Nineleaf biscuitroot 9

Lupinus spp. Lupine 2

Lupinus arbustus Longspur lupine 2

Lupinus argenteus Silvery lupine 2

Lupinus malacophyllus Jawleaf lupine 1

Lupinus prunophilus Hairy bigleaf lupine 1

Lupinus sericeus Silky lupine 2

Machaeranthera canescens Hairy false goldenaster 9

Mentzelia spp. Blazingstar 3

Nicotiana attenuata Coyote tobacco 4

Oenothera caespitosa Tufted evening primrose 1

Penstemon spp. Penstemon 4

Penstemon acuminatus Sharpleaf penstemon 12

Penstemon deustus Scabland penstemon 8

Penstemon eatonii Firecracker penstemon 1

Penstemon pachyphyllus Thickleaf penstemon 3

Penstemon speciosus Royal penstemon 9

Phacelia crenulata Cleftleaf wildheliotrope 1

Phlox longifolia Longleaf phlox 1

Plectritis spp. Seablush 1

Poa secunda Sandberg bluegrass 1
180

Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch wheatgrass 1

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia Gooseberryleaf globemallow 2

Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow 2

Sphaeralcea munroana Munro globemallow 4

Thelypodium milleflorum Manyflower thelypodium 2

TOTALS: 71 species 334 collections 
181

Appendix III. Stock Seed Production Contract

Utah Crop Improvement Association

4855 Old Main Hill Email: ucia@mendel.usu.edu

Logan, Utah 84322-4855 Website: www.utahcrop.org

Phone: 435.797.2082

Fax: 435.797.0642

Stock Seed Production Contract

This agreement is entered into by and between the Utah Crop Improvement Association located in Logan, Utah 

hereinafter referred to as UCIA and (fill in name) hereinafter referred to as Seed Grower. This agreement entered 

into on (date). This contract shall be in force for period of (00) years. Commencing (date), and ending (date).

Seed Grower: Email:

Address:

Contract Number: UCIA 0001

City/State: Phone:

Stock Seed Details:

Species

Common Name

Variety Name/Germplasm ID

Certification Class or 

PVG Category and Generation

Stock Seed Lot # and Quantity (lb)

Note: As a prerequisite for accepting the stock seed listed above the seed grower acknowledges the following 

terms, conditions, and agreements for seed production and buy-back by UCIA for distribution as stock seed for the 

purpose of additional seed field production. Specific alterations or options as noted in the following Terms and 

Agreements may be listed in the Addendum section and duly initialed by both parties.

TERMS AND AGREEMENTS:

UCIA agrees to:

1. Provide stock seed or other propagative materials for planting of seed field. Sale price of stock 

seed will be determined by UCIA with input from the entity providing the seed, and may in some 

cases be provided free of charge.

2. Purchase ___________lb PLS of seed produced by the Seed Grower at $________ /lb PLS. If the 

total amount of seed produced in the first harvest is less than that specified in this contract, the 
182

seed grower shall provide at least 50% of the seed produced from each year’s production until 

the amount specified is met. To account for price differences from year to year the price may 

be renegotiated. The renegotiated price must be within 25% of the UCIA Standardized Market 

Price (SMP*).

3. Allow the Seed Grower the first option to purchase up to ___% of the seed sold to UCIA so long 

as it shall be used to expand the Seed Grower’s seed fields or for seed production elsewhere. 

Such seed may not be downgraded and/or sold commercially.

4. Pay for shipping and seed analysis costs. If the seed is not conditioned when purchased by the 

UCIA the Seed Grower may be charged for conditioning costs.

5. Negotiate on a case by case basis the payment of establishment costs for species that require 

more than one year after seedling establishment for plants to produce seed, or require special 

processes for establishment (e.g., greenhouse seedling production and/or transplanting). The 

establishment advance shall be deducted from the purchase price when seed is sold to the UCIA 

unless other arrangements are specifically negotiated. 

The SEED GROWER agrees to 

1. Plant the seed provided within one year of delivery or return it to UCIA. Late summer planting is 

preferred but seed may be dormant seeded or spring planted (or other specified planting 

method) if mutually agreed by UCIA and Seed Grower.

2. Plant the seed at the recommended, appropriate rate for seed production, unless it is mutually 

agreed that the suggested seeding rate is not reasonable, needed or possible.

3. Ensure that the field is entered into certification through the applicable official Seed 

Certification Agency and pay all associated fees (e.g., seedling inspections, crop inspection, seed 

sampling, testing, and tagging). 

4. Make a reasonable effort to ensure that the seed crop meets certification standards and 

requirements. Examples are planting in rows, controlling weeds and volunteer crops, roguing 

off types, maintaining proper isolation distances, avoiding contamination during harvest and 

conditioning, etc. 

5. Provide the UCIA, upon request, any and all applicable seedling or other field inspection reports, 

conditioning reports, seed sample analysis reports, etc. completed during the certification and 

conditioning process.

6. Be timely in irrigation, weed control, harvesting, and all other agronomic practices required for 

seed production within the Seed Growers control.

7. Accept the risk associated with seed production, including the additional risk associated with 

growing forb, shrub or grass species for which agronomic practices may not be fully defined.

8. Contact UCIA regarding seed availability for UCIA purchase under this contract before seed is 

otherwise offered for sale or otherwise utilized. 

9. Make all reasonable efforts to preserve the lowest numeric generation possible while producing 

the seed. If the generation of seed produced cannot be maintained at the next sequential level 

of the original stock seed due to volunteers, loss of stand, or isolation requirements, the seed 

grower shall inform the UCIA. If one or more generations are lost due to these conditions the 

above purchase price may be renegotiated.

10. Notify UCIA of any intentions to remove field from production before such action is taken, in 

order to allow for reasonable renegotiation of contract; it is anticipated that the stand life of any 

perennial species seed field will be for at least the number of years specified in the contract.

It is MUTUALLY AGREED that:

1. UCIA may purchase additional seed as needed and available. Amount and purchase price of 
183

additional seed may be renegotiated, but must be within 25% of the UCIA SMP.

2. Seed produced in excess of the contracted purchase amount may be sold commercially as the 

eligible or downgraded class or generation of certified seed.

3. Seed quality standards for individual species including purity, viability, weed seed, and diseased 

seed may be mutually defined by the two parties before signing of this contract. Seed not 

meeting such standards may be purchased at the discretion of the UCIA.

4. Failure to abide by the terms of this contract can disqualify the grower from receiving 

consideration for additional seed lots.

Performance:

The Seed Grower, without consent of the UCIA, may not assign performance of this contract. This 

contract is binding upon heirs, successors, and administrators or assignees as the original parties are 

now bound.

Crop Failure:

In the event there is a crop failure the Seed Grower waives compensation for his services and use of the 

land. Neither Seed Grower nor UCIA will be liable for failure to perform the contract if crop failure is 

due to acts of God, inclement weather, fires, or other causes beyond reasonable control. 

Payment:

Payment for seed grown by the Seed Grower shall be made upon completion of final seed conditioning, 

testing, and delivery. Payment shall be made within 30 days after delivery of seed to UCIA. Negotiated 

establishment costs (item UCIA 5. above) will be paid within 30 days of the determination of stand 

establishment.

*SMP is updated yearly by UCIA with a survey of estimated prices obtained from numerous seed 

growers, conditioners, dealers, and buyers that provide a representative estimate of current end use 

seed prices.

Signatures:

______________________________ (Seed Grower) ______Date 

______________________________ (UCIA) ______Date

Addendums:___________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________

Initialed by Seed Grower _______Date_____ UCIA______ Date_____