Notice of release of Princeton Germplasm of Thurber’s needlegrass

Abstract

The USDA Agricultural Research Service released the Princeton Germplasm of Thurber’s needlegrass (Achnatherum thurberianum (Piper) Barkworth [Poaceae]) on 4 February 2016 as a selected class of pre-variety germplasm (natural track). This new plant material originates in eastern Oregon near Princeton (Harney County) at a site that receives approximately 250 to 300 mm (10–12 in) of annual precipitation. Princeton is proposed for use in this precipitation zone in the Northern Basin and Range Level III Ecoregion. Princeton was compared to other Thurber’s needlegrass accessions in northern Utah field sites (Box Elder and Cache counties) and in a greenhouse evaluation. In one field evaluation, Princeton displayed overall higher seed yields, due in particular to high yields in the 2nd year of seed production, as compared to the other accessions tested. The release of Princeton was justified on this basis because seed yields in this species are generally low and seed is necessarily expensive. This issue, plus slow establishment and seed shattering losses, have limited the adoption of Thurber’s needlegrass by seed growers. Potentially, a higher-yielding seed source that is amenable to agricultural production and can be provided for a reasonable cost may stimulate use of Thurber’s needlegrass seed.