Notice of Release of Zapata Germplasm Rio Grande clammyweed: selected class of natural germplasm

Abstract

A selected germplasm of Rio Grande clammyweed (Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. ssp. riograndensis Iltis [Capparaceae]) has been released for rangeland restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement plantings in south Texas. Zapata Germplasm Rio Grande clammyweed is a warm-season annual forb originating from seed collected from native plants in Dimmitt and Zapata counties of south Texas. Collections were selected based on high proportion of full seed, low levels of seed dormancy, and high seed production potential. Zapata Germplasm is a fast-establishing native plant in rangeland plantings, provides excellent habitat to butterflies and other pollinators, and produces seed eaten by a variety of game birds. This release will provide a competitive annual forb useful for providing quick cover in rangeland plantings and will contribute to quality habitat for many wildlife species and pollinators. Zapata germplasm represents the first release of this species.