Development of Native Western North American Triticeae Germplasm in a Restoration Context

Authors: Jones, Thomas; Larson, Steven

Submitted to: Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/28/2005
Publication Date: 12/31/2005
Citation: Jones, T.A., Larson, S.R. 2005. Development of Native Western North American Triticeae Germplasm in a Restoration Context. Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding 41(Special Issue):108-111

Interpretive Summary: Ecological restoration is a major use of native plant materials. In some projects, the restorationist is concerned about restoring both evolutionary and ecological processes, while in other the restoration of ecological processes is the prime concern. These customers desire plants that satisfy their idea of what is genetically and/or ecologically appropriate. The restoration gene pool concept was used to distinguish how plant materials should be developed and used for both of these applications. The development of primary, secondary, and tertiary restoration gene pools for bluebunch wheatgrass, and the use of the surrogates Snake River wheatgrass and crested wheatgrass in the quaternary restoration gene pool, provide numerous options for a termperate semi-arid bunchgrass material suitable for restoration projects in the Intermountain Region.

Technical Abstract: There is increasing interest in restoration of native plant communities in the U.S.A. Depending on the practitioner's philosophy of restoration and circumstances of the particular project, there may be needs for plant materials indigenous to the restoration site (primary restoration gene pool) and for non-local materials developed through research that are available commercially (higher-order restoration gene pools). When the objective is to restore evolutionary and ecological processes, the primary restoration gene pool is emphasized. But the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary restoration gene pools may suffice when the emphasis is on restoring ecological processes. Development and use of bluebunch wheatgrass (Psuedoroegneria spicata), Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis), and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) for restoration in the Intermountain Region of the western U.S.A. is discussed in relation to the four restoration gene pools.