Abstract
The Univ. of Minn. has undertaken a two year project to increase commercial production of native grass & forb seed. Spartina pectinata Link (prairie cordgrass), Tradescantia ohiensis Raf. (spiderwort), & Dalea purpurea Vent (purple prairie clover) were noted by producers as having low seed yield & often low germinability as well Field trials were conducted to compare yield of these three species in cultivation versus in a prairie matrix. Individuals were transplanted from a prairie into a cultivated plot in May 1992. The prairie plot was not modified, while the cultivated plot was fertilized, irrigated, weeded, & mulched. Yield components measured included number of inflorescences per plant, seed weight, & above-ground dry weight. T. ohiensis established readily & first season seed yield was significantly greater in cultivation than in the prairie. S. pectinata & D. purpurea in cultivation did not produce seed the first season; however, strong vegetative growth suggested that results similar to those achieved with T. ohiensis may be attained in subsequent growing seasons. Monocultural production of native species provides an opportunity to control inputs & competition & to utilize species-specific harvest practices.
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