Abstract
A blend of 2 selected germplasms of tallow weed or plantain (Plantago spp. [Plantaginaceae]) has been released for wildlife habitat restoration, rangeland seed mixes, and wildlife food plot plantings in south Texas. Divot Tallow Weed Blend comprises the releases STN-561 Germplasm Hookers plantain (Plantago hookeriana Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) and STN-496 Germplasm red-seed plantain (Plantago rhodosperma Decne.). Tallow weeds are cool-season, annual native plants that provide winter forage to wildlife and livestock and produce seed eaten by game birds and other wildlife. These releases are being marketed as a blend to facilitate commercial production and ease of use for consumers. Selection of STN-496 and STN-561 Germplasms was based on seedling vigor, superior seed production in comparison with other collections from the target ecoregion, and growth characteristics facilitating commercial seed production and harvest. Commercial seed producers are required to grow the releases that make up Divot Tallow Blend separately and to blend seed in equal quantities following harvest. The releases can also be marketed independently as source-identified seed.