Registration of Southlow Michigan Little Bluestem Germplasm

Abstract

Little bluestem grows in dry open areas throughout the USA. It attracts insects; provides food, nesting, and winter cover for birds and small mammals; and is a major component of tall and mixed grass prairies. Southlow Michigan little bluestem provides a genetically diverse, defi ned population for use in restoration and diversifi cation of native habitats and for ero- sion control. Moreover, it will augment seed availability in Michigan for Federal and state programs (e.g., Conservation Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, Grassland Reserve Program, and Michigan Landowner Incen- tive Program) that require or encourage the use of verifi ed, regionally-sourced native grasses. Its known area of adapta- tion is the southern half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Limited quantities of seeds are available on request from Dave Burgdorf (dave.burgdorf@mi.usda.gov) for fi ve years after registration with CSSA. Afterward, seeds will be made available from the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Recipients of seeds are asked to make appropriate recognition of the source of germplasm if it is used in the development of a new cultivar, germplasm, parental line, or genetic stock.