Notice of release of Neches Germplasm splitbeard bluestem: a selected class of natural germplasm

Abstract

Neches Germplasm splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius Michx. [Poaceae]) was released in 2019 as a selected seed source for conservation plantings, wildlife habitat enhancement, and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill. [Pinaceae]) and shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) understory restoration in the Western Coastal Plain, Major Land Resource Area (MLRA 133B), region of Texas. Twenty-four accessions were evaluated for foliage abundance, lodging, seed production, plant height, and foliage width in a commongarden study at the USDA NRCS East Texas Plant Materials Center near Nacogdoches, Texas. From the initial evaluation, 5 selections were planted in a polycross block. Seed harvested from the crossing block was used to produce transplants for a breeder seed block of Neches Germplasm splitbeard bluestem.