Collecting Lesquerella for conservation and research on comparative seed dormancy among wild populations

Authors: Cruz, von Mark; Dierig, David

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/18/2010
Publication Date: 9/18/2010
Citation: Cruz, V.V., Dierig, D.A. 2010. Collecting Lesquerella for conservation and research on comparative seed dormancy among wild populations. Meeting Abstract. (AAIC) 22nd Annual meeting, Fort Collins, CO September 18-22, 2010. pp 16.

Interpretive Summary: Lesquerella (Brassicaceae) collecting explorations remain paramount in getting diverse germplasm for continuing efforts in developing promising new crop varieties. Exploration activities in Southwestern states were conducted in April to June 2010 to obtain seeds from wild populations of two species in the genus and gather samples for testing differences in seed dormancy among populations and plant sizes. A total of 28 sites of L. fendleri and L. gordonii were visited in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Seven of the 28 sites are near or at previous collection sites sampled in the mid-1990’s, while 21 are considered as new sites. Bulk seed samples were obtained from 10-50 plants in each site as well as seed samples from 8-20 individual plants classified as either normal or small-sized. Ongoing experiments to determine the effects of salt treatments (LiCl and MgCl2) during afterripening at various temperatures (5, 25, and 35oC) and different storage durations (4, 6, 12 weeks) are still in the first month. The differences between sites, plant size, and species based on samples subjected to the enumerated treatments will be studied and reported subsequently.

Technical Abstract: Lesquerella (Brassicaceae) collecting explorations remain paramount in getting diverse germplasm for continuing efforts in developing promising new crop varieties. Exploration activities in Southwestern states were conducted in April to June 2010 to obtain seeds from wild populations of two species in the genus and gather samples for testing differences in seed dormancy among populations and plant sizes. A total of 28 sites of L. fendleri and L. gordonii were visited in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Seven of the 28 sites are near or at previous collection sites sampled in the mid-1990’s, while 21 are considered as new sites. Bulk seed samples were obtained from 10-50 plants in each site as well as seed samples from 8-20 individual plants classified as either normal or small-sized. Ongoing experiments to determine the effects of salt treatments (LiCl and MgCl2) during afterripening at various temperatures (5, 25, and 35oC) and different storage durations (4, 6, 12 weeks) are still in the first month. The differences between sites, plant size, and species based on samples subjected to the enumerated treatments will be studied and reported subsequently.