Author
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Springer, Timothy |
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Submitted to: Native Plants Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/16/2019 Publication Date: 4/1/2020 Citation: Springer, T.L. 2020. Seven little bluestem populations selected for canopy morphology: Selected classes of germplasm. Native Plant Journal. 21(1):45-53. Interpretive Summary: Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, commonly known as little bluestem is a perennial, bunchgrass indigenous to North American prairies and open woodlands from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Little bluestem is adapted to dry, shallow, poorly developed soils where it may comprise up to 90% of the vegetation base. Little bluestem germplasm lines NU-1, NU-2, UC-1, UC-2, UO-1, UO-2, and UO-3 were developed and released by USDA-Agricultural Research Service in 2016. The selected germplasm lines were fixed for several discrete variables including plant canopy morphology, lack of lodging, and little or no leaf rust. The plant inventory numbers for NU-1, NU-2, UC-1, UC-2, UO-1, UO-2, and UO-3 are PI 676262, PI 676263, PI 676264, PI 676265, PI 676266, PI 676267, and PI 676268, respectively. Little bluestem, by virtue of its outcrossing, is an ideal species for breeding new cultivars for pasture and rangeland renovation, roadside revegetation, wildlife habitat, and recreation areas. These germplasm lines are a first step for the breeding and development of cultivars useful for wildlife habitat, grazing utilization, roadside stabilization, and renewable energy. Each germplasm line is primarily adapted to the USDA Hardiness Zone 6 through 7. The lines may be adapted elsewhere; however, additional testing would be necessary to verify their adaptation. Technical Abstract: Little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] germplasm lines NU-1, NU-2, UC-1, UC-2, UO-1, UO-2, and UO-3 were developed and released by USDA-Agricultural Research Service in 2016. The plant inventory numbers for NU-1, NU-2, UC-1, UC-2, UO-1, UO-2, and UO-3 are PI 676262, PI 676263, PI 676264, PI 676265, PI 676266, PI 676267, and PI 676268, respectively. Germplasm lines NU-1 and NU-2 have a "not-upright" (NU) canopy morphology that is characterized by a hemispherical shape and diffuse culms. Lines UC-1 and UC-2 have an "upright-compact" (UC) canopy morphology that is characterized by a columnar shape and erect culms, and UO-1, UO-2, and UO-3 have an "upright-open" (UO) canopy morphology that is characterized by a caespitose shape with ascending culms. These lines also show resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia andropogonis), resistance to culm lodging, and tolerance to high-pH soils. These germplasm lines will be useful for breeding and development of cultivars used for wildlife habitat, grazing utilization, roadside stabilization, and renewable energy. |
