Notice of Release of South Texas Germplasm sideoats grama: Selected Class of Natural Germplasm

Abstract

South Texas Germplasm sideoats grama ( Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr. var. caespitosa Gould & Kapadia [Poaceae]) was cooperatively released in 2012 as a Texas Selected Native Plant Germplasm. This germplasm is a blend of 6 selected native populations of sideoats grama originating from the Rio Grande Plains and Edwards Plateau Ecoregions of South Texas. Components of South Texas Germplasm were selected from evaluations of 47 populations of sideoats grama native to southern Texas. Selection accessions included in the release were chosen based on proof of consistent seed fill and germination and of greater survival, plant vigor, seed production, and biomass production in comparison with other native accessions and commercially available cultivars when grown in the area of intended use. Prior to release, South Texas Germplasm was compared to sideoats grama cultivars ‘Haskell’, ‘Premier’, and ‘Vaughn’, in a 6-site variety trial utilizing transplanted and seeded experimental plots. South Texas Germplasm exhibited significantly higher 90-d seedling emergence at planting sites within the area of intended use of the germplasm, as well as superior performance in the outplanting experiment at 2 of 3 sites in South Texas. Field plantings at 19 locations have indicated excellent establishment ability of this germplasm in restoration seedings, with successful establishment measured in 89% of these plantings. Release of South Texas Germplasm sideoats grama provides the first ecotypic seed source of Bouteloua curtipendula var. caespitosa for use in south, central, and west Texas.