Notice of release of Duval Germplasm red lovegrass: a selected class of natural germplasm

Abstract

A selected germplasm of red lovegrass (Eragrostis secundiflora J. Presl [Poaceae]) was released in 2015 for use in rangeland restoration, wildlife plantings, and right-of-way plantings in South Texas. Duval Germplasm is a blend of 4 accessions collected from the Rio Grande Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, and Coastal Sand Plains ecoregions. Selections were based on plant characteristics evaluated over 2 y at 3 evaluation sites distributed throughout the intended area of use of the germplasm. Following selection, outplants were started from the original seed collections, and seed stock of the 4 accessions was increased in isolation to preserve genetic integrity of each source population. Seed from isolated increases is then blended to create Duval Germplasm. This release represents the first selected, ecotypic seed source of red lovegrass adapted to South Texas and the first known plant materials release of this widespread native grass species.