Notice of release of Atascosa Germplasm Texas grama: selected class of natural germplasm

Abstract

A blend of selected germplasms of Texas grama (Bouteloua rigidiseta (Steud.) Hitchc. [Poaceae]) has been released for roadside revegetation and wildlife habitat restoration in south Texas. This release will be referred to as Atascosa Germplasm Texas grama. The 6 accessions constituting the release were selected from an evaluation of plants grown from seed obtained at 21 locations in the Rio Grande Plain of south Texas. Texas grama is a low-growing, early successional native bunchgrass that grows well on shallow, rocky soils, making it an ideal plant for roadside revegetation. Accessions making up the blend have been increased in isolation, and seed is blended following harvest to ensure genetic diversity in seed distributed to commercial producers. Selections were made based on perennial habit, seed germination, and good performance at multiple evaluation locations. A critical need for ecotypic native seed for restoration and revegetation exists in south Texas, especially for roadsides and degraded rangelands. Texas grama should meet these needs because of its natural adaptation to disturbed sites, and prolific seed production and colonization ability.