Notice of release of Santiago Germplasm silver bluestem: a selected class of natural germplasm

Abstract

Santiago Germplasm silver bluestem (Bothriochloa laguroides (DC.) Herter ssp. torreyana (Steud.) Allred & Gould [Poaceae]) was cooperatively released in 2017 as a Texas Selected Native Plant Germplasm. This germplasm is a blend of 3 native populations of B. laguroides selected through evaluation of 31 populations of silver bluestem and 21 populations of cane bluestem (Bothriochloa barbinodis (Lag.) Herter) originating from 2 ecoregions in West Texas: Southern Desertic Basins, Plains and Mountains and Western Edwards Plateau. To meet management needs within the area of intended use (West Texas), the accessions included in the release were selected based on proof of acceptable seed fill and germination, and on observations of greater survival, plant vigor, seed production, and biomass production in comparison with other native accessions, other silver bluestem germplasm releases, and a commercially available selection. Ocular estimated variables for selected accessions were 43 to 66% higher than non-selected accessions when averaged across 2 sites and 2 y. Plant height for selected accessions was 14% taller and canopy cover was 7% higher than non-selected accessions. Seed germination was 48% greater for the selected accessions. Release of Santiago Germplasm silver bluestem will provide an ecotypic seed source of a widespread native grass for use in West Texas. It provides the first ecotypic seed source of B. laguroides for use in the Western Edwards Plateau; the Southern Desertic Basins, Plains and Mountains; the Southern High Plains; and the Central Rolling Red Prairies ecoregions of Texas.