Dalea Research Articles

Seeding rate affects establishment of native perennial legumes in the upper midwestern US

In Minnesota, perennial native legumes (Fabaceae) differed in population and yield response to seeding rates of 14, 67, 135, 275, and 538 pure live seeds (PLS)/m2 (1.3, 6.3, 12.5, 25, and 50 PLS/ft2) when seeded in cultivated seedbeds with little bluestem (Schizachryium scoparium (Michx.) Nash [Poaceae]). Average seeding-year populations were greatest for Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacM. ex B.L. Robins. & Fern.) (131 plants/m2); intermediate and similar for false indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L.), wild blue indigo (Baptisia australis (L.) R. Br), and wild senna (Senna hebecarpa (Fern.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby) (average of 72 plants/m2); and least for purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent) (27 plants/m2). Seeding-year populations of all legumes increased linearly as seeding rate increased. Second-year biomass yield of legumes in mixture with little bluestem ranged from 1.1 Mg/ha(0.5 tons/ac) for purple prairie clover to 5.6 Mg/ha (2.5 tons/ac) for Illinois bundleflower.

Evaluation of Native Legume Species for Forage Yield, Quality, and Seed Production

Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis (Michaux) MacMillan ex Robinson & Fern.) appears to have the greatest potential as a forage species among 15 species of native legumes (Fabaceae) evaluated for forage yield, quality, and seed production. It ranked among the top five for all agronomic characteristics measured. Hoary tick clover (Desmodium canescens [L.] DC.), panicled tick clover (Desmodium paniculatum [L.] DC.), and roundhead lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata Michaux), ranked among the top five for grams per plant of forage and seed. All of the native legumes contained greater concentrations of crude protein and lower concentrations of neutral detergent fiber than typically found in the native warm-season grasses commonly sown for pasture, suggesting that these native legumes should improve forage quality in mixed pastures. Only white prairie clover (Dalea candida Michaux ex Willd.), purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea Vent.), and Illinois bundleflower had lower concentrations of acid detergent fiber than that typically found in native warm-season grasses.

Reproductive Success of the Federally Endangered Leafy Prairie Clover, Dalea foliosa (A. Gray) Barneby (Fabaceae) in Illinois: a Third Year of Data

Abstract The federally-endangered species Dalea foliosa (leafy prairie clover) is a short-lived herbaceous perennial found in dolomite prairie. In Illinois, only five populations are known including one at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (MNTP). In this paper, I present the results of a third year of reproductive success data and determine variation between years in reproductive success for this small isolated population. As in 1998 and 1999, 2000 reproductive success was high, although variation between years was found. Although the studied population of D. foliosa is small, isolated, and found in a fragmented habitat, these conditions do not appear to affect reproductive success.

A new species of Dalea sect. Parosela (Fabaceae: Amorpheae) from Mexico

Abstract A new species of Dalea Sect. Parosela (Fabaceae: Amorpheae) from Mexico. Brittonia 56: 67–71. 2004.—Dalea rupertii is proposed as new. It differs from previously known species in having calyx teeth with both spurred (1–2) and blister glands (4–6), and leaves 7–17 mm long, bearing 4–5 pairs of leaflets. It is known only from the southern portion of the state of Durango, Mexico. A description, a comparative table, and an illustration are provided. A new species of Dalea sect. Parosela (Fabaceae: Amorpheae) from Mexico. Brittonia 56: 67–71. 2004.—Dalea rupertii es propuesta como nueva especie. Difiere de las especies previamente conocidas por la presencia de glandulas tanto espueliformes (1–2), como ampulosas (4–6) en los dientes del caliz, hojas cortas de 7–17 mm largo y 4–5 pares de foliolos. Solo se conoce de la region sur del estado mexicano de Durango. Se presentan una descripcion, tabla comparativa e ilustracion.

Effects of Temperature on Germination of 10 Native Legume Species

Seeds of 10 species of legumes native to Missouri germinated poorly when the temperature was lower than 15 °C (59 °F). The fastest time to first germinated seed occurred at 20 °C (68 °F) for all species except purple and white prairie clover, which germinated first at 25 °C (77 °F). The fastest germination rate was first reached at 20 °C (68 °F) for hoary tick clover, sessile tick clover, and slender lespedeza, at 25 °C (77 °F) for white prairie clover, purple prairie clover, panicled tick clover, hairy lespedeza, and tall lespedeza, and at 30 °C (86 °F) for Illinois bundleflower and roundhead lespedeza. Maximum total germination percentage also varied among species. For both the prairie clovers and roundhead lespedeza, hairy lespedeza, and slender lespedeza, the lowest temperature at which maximum total germination percentage occurred was 15 °C (59 °F). For Illinois bundleflower and the 3 tick clovers, the lowest temperature at which maximum total germination percentage occurred was 20 °C (68 °F). For most species, the fastest germination rate occurred at a higher temperature than the maximum germination percentage. Many species attained maximum germination percentage and fastest germination rate across a range of temperatures rather than at a single optimal temperature. Species that rapidly and completely germinate across a wide range of temperatures should germinate more reliably under variable soil conditions than species that exhibit a narrow range.

Wooded habitat edges as refugia from microtine herbivory in tallgrass prairies

Meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, affect the species composition, distribution, and succession of plants in grassland ecosystems, but the effects of voles on herbaceous plants when grasslands are bordered by wooded edges is not known. We investigated the impact of wooded edges on vole distribution and herbivory of relatively palatable and unpalatable native prairie plant species by studying five reconstructed tallgrass prairies with wooded edges in central Iowa. A 50×50 m trapping grid at each site was established to determine the proportion of voles captured at various distances from the edge. We found that meadow voles were less abundant at wooded edges and, in general, increased in number toward the prairie interior. Seedlings of purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) and Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis), a relatively palatable and unpalatable species, respectively, were transplanted onto simulated gopher mounds 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 m from the edge. The number of plants grazed per species per mound was determined 1 week and 4 weeks after planting. The amount of herbivory on both species was significantly different by distance, with fewer plants eaten 2 m from the edge. Interestingly, the amount of herbivory on relatively unpalatable plants did not differ from more palatable plants. Herbivory on both plant species also varied by site, such that sites with lower vole density tended to have lower amounts of herbivory. These results indicate that wooded edges do have an effect on meadow vole distribution and native prairie seedling herbivory. Because voles avoid wooded edges, seedlings of any species may experience a small refuge from herbivory along wooded edges.

Developmental morphology and structural homology of corolla‐androecium synorganization in the tribe Amorpheae (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae)

Comparative developmental morphology was used to assess structural homology of flowers in Dalea, Marina, and Psorothamnus of the tribe Amorpheae (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae). Dalea, Marina, and some species of Psorothamnus have an unusual petal-stamen synorganization (stemonozone) in which free petals are inserted on a region that is continuous with fused stamen filaments. Developmental studies of these three genera demonstrated similarity during organogenesis. Zonal growth results in several synorganized regions, including the stemonozone of Dalea, Marina, and some Psorothamnus. Psorothamnus species that lack a stemonozone have fused stamens and free petals inserted on the hypanthium, as in most other papilionoid legumes. We concluded that the stemonozone is not strictly homologous to either androecium or receptacle, but that it is the product of a modified androecial developmental program. In the prairie clover daleas, petaloid structures positioned between the stamens have been variously interpreted as petals or as staminodes; we infer that they have an extreme form of the daleoid stemonozone, on which five petals (no staminodes) and five stamens are inserted. Assessing structural homology of these flowers allows us to characterize accurately daleoid morphology for evolutionary studies in the tribe Amorpheae.

The potential of legume-shrub mixtures for optimum forage production in southwestern Saskatchewan: A greenhouse study

Grazing in fall and early winter decreases the cost of beef production in southwe stern Saskatchewan. This grazing system can be improved by utilizing legume and native shrub species, which exhibit high nutritive value in the fall. To realize the system's full potential, a better understanding of optimum mixtures of legumes and shrubs is required. A greenhouse study was conducted to optimize mixtures of legumes and shrubs for economical pasture production. The first goal was to obtain better understanding of synergy from mixtures of legumes and native shrubs. The second goal was to estimate the changes in soil quality caused by growing legumes and shrubs in monocultures or mixtures. Legume species studied were: alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (Alf), purple prairie clover [Petalostemon purpureum (Vert.) Rydb] (Pr Cl) and American vetch (Vicia americana Muhl.) (Vetch); shrubs were: winterfat [Krascheninnkovia lanata (Pursh) Guldenstaedt] (Wf) and Gardner's saltbush [Atriplex gardneri (Moq.) D. Dietr.] (Sb). Treatments consisted of five monocultures, six mixtures and a control. Data on plant biomass, forage quality and soil quality parameters indicate that legume and shrub mixtures of Alf + Wf and/or Alf + Sb can potentially provide diversified forage sources, extended grazing periods and higher or similar yields with enhanced or similar forage quality than when grown separately. Key words: Legume, native shrub, forage production, forage quality, winterfat, saltbush

Seed Recovery and Germination of Reseeded Species Fed to Cattle

Cattle have the potential to act as a low cost alternative for seed dissemination of valuable native species. Data collected from this trial was used to compare seed recovery, rate of passage and viability following ingestion and excretion of 7 plant species. Woods rose (Rosa woodsii Lindl.), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus L.), purple prairie clover (Petalostemom purpureum Vent.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrom smithii Rydb A. Love, formerly known as Agropyron smithii Rydb.), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula Trin.), and yellow coneflower (Ratibida columnifera Nutt.) seed was used in the study. Two steers were fed a seed-free diet consisting of fresh cut vegetative Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.)-alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage. Following a 13 day adjustment period to the diet, steers were fed a single dose of a known number of seeds, and total feces collection was conducted for 168 hours post dosing. Fecal sub-samples were subjected to a stacked screen washing procedure for seed recovery and analysis. Seeds from both pre- and post-ingestion were tested for hard seededness, firm ungerminated seed, and germination. Seed recovery varied between seed types, ranging from 5.9% of total ingested seed for western wheatgrass, to 86.3% for Woods rose. Excretion patterns for ingested seed varied between seed types, with 50% of excreted seed being recovered between 30 to 54 hours post-dosing. Seed ingestion and passage through the digestive tract reduced viability. Cattle dissemination of viable seeds (as a % of ingested) such as Woods rose (77.4) and snowberry (69.3), would be a feasible method of delivering large numbers of viable seeds onto selected areas. Dissemination of birdsfoot trefoil (17.5), green needlegrass (11.9), and purple prairie clover (7.2), yellow coneflower (3.8), and western wheatgrass (1.3), using cattle would be less efficient, implementation should be based on seed access and cost. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v54i5_doucette

Seed recovery and germination of reseeded species fed to cattle

Cattle have the potential to act as a low cost alternative for seed dissemination of valuable native species. Data collected from this trial was used to compare seed recovery, rate of passage and viability following ingestion and excretion of 7 plant species. Woods rose (Rosa woodsii Lindl.), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus L.), purple prairie clover (Petalostemom purpureum Vent.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrom smithii Rydb A. Love, formerly known as Agropyron smithii Rydb.), green needlegrass (Nassella viridula Trin.), and yellow coneflower (Ratibida columnifera Nutt.) seed was used in the study. Two steers were fed a seed-free diet consisting of fresh cut vegetative Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.)-alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage. Following a 13 day adjustment period to the diet, steers were fed a single dose of a known number of seeds, and total feces collection was conducted for 168 hours post dosing. Fecal sub-samples were subjected to a stacked screen washing procedure for seed recovery and analysis. Seeds from both pre- and post-ingestion were tested for hard seededness, firm ungerminated seed, and germination. Seed recovery varied between seed types, ranging from 5.9% of total ingested seed for western wheatgrass, to 86.3% for Woods rose. Excretion patterns for ingested seed varied between seed types, with 50% of excreted seed being recovered between 30 to 54 hours post-dosing. Seed ingestion and passage through the digestive tract reduced viability. Cattle dissemination of viable seeds (as a % of ingested) such as Woods rose (77.4) and snowberry (69.3), would be a feasible method of delivering large numbers of viable seeds onto selected areas. Dissemination of birdsfoot trefoil (17.5), green needlegrass (11.9), and purple prairie clover (7.2), yellow coneflower (3.8), and western wheatgrass (1.3), using cattle would be less efficient, implementation should be based on seed access and cost.

Flowering and Seed Yield in Three Species of Prairie Plants

Production of native seeds and seedlings for landscaping and restoration is an expanding horticultural industry in Minnesota, but seed yields of many species from wild stands are often small and vary widely in quality. In this work, we document phenological development and seed yield in cultivated and prairie-grown plants for Tradescantia ohiensis Raf. (Ohio spiderwort), Dalea purpurea Vent. (purple prairie clover), and Spartina pectinata Link (prairie cordgrass) at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. For T. ohiensis, seed yield under cultivation was significantly greater than in the prairie both seasons, with 2.5 g of seed recovered per plant in 1993. Under cultivation, seed yield of established D. purpurea was triple that of the prairie, yielding 34 seeds per inflorescence. S. pectinata grown under cultivation from seedlings or rhizome divisions produced seed in the first and second seasons, respectively, while plants in the prairie remained vegetative. Two-year-old seedlings produced 38 seeds per spike. Field cultivation of these native plant species resulted in increased seed yield and improved growth, while allowing phenological monitoring and the use of species-specific harvest practices.

SEED YIELD IN CULTIVATED NATIVE HERBACEOUS SPECIES

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.

VARIATION IN ORNAMENTAL TRAITS OF DALEA PURPUREA

Dalea purpurea Vent. (Purple Prairie Clover) is a perennial herbaceous plant found growing in the United States from North Dakota to Texas and from the Mississippi River to the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. It produces excellent forage for livestock on many grasslands and has potential as an ornamental landscape plant. Two seedling populations of D. purpurea were field grown and traits including foliage color, height, lodging and stem number per plant were measured. Large differences existed within populations for these traits. A progeny population grown from seed of 5% of the plants collected from each of the two populations with the most desirable traits were also evaluated. The mean number of stems per plant varied from 8.7 and 4.2 in the parent populations to 20.2 in the progeny population. The correlation coefficients between traits varied from -0.54 to +0.39. D. purpurea does have potential as a landscape plant and selections with improved traits can be found within existing populations.

SURVIVAL AND FLOWERING OF WILDFLOWERS/NATIVE PLANTS IN BUFFALOGRASS

Wildflowers/native plants are increasingly being used in landscapes, especially in low maintenance areas. Buffalograss is also receiving attention as a low maintenance grass. Establishing wildflowers in buffalograss would be useful in sites where mowing occurred only once in the fall, such as with minimeadows. Four experiments were conducted to study the establishment of wildflowers in buffalograss. Survival of wildflowers after one year was 88% when wildflowers were planted as greenhouse grown transplants and buffalograss plugged in 2 weeks later, 67% when one-year-old field grown wildflowers were transplanted into buffalograss plugged at the same time and 48% when greenhouse grown wildflowers were transplanted into established buffalograss. Establishment of wildflowers overseeded into established buffalograss sod was very low. There were significant differences in wildflower survival within each study. Species which performed well in buffalograss included Leadplant, Blue Fax, Purple Prairie Clover, Little Bluestem and Stiff Goldenrod.

A newly recognized species of Dalea (Fabaceae) from Nuevo Leon, Mexico

A newly recognized species of Dalea (Fabaceae) from Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Restoring the Prairie

The US DOE at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Illinois, prairie restoration is taking place in order to conserve the rich topsoil. This is the largest of many prairie restoration experiments. Big bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardi), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) are the main initial grasses grown. After their growth reaches enough biomass to sustain a fire, other prairie plants such as purple prairie clover and dropseed grass appear. The goal of this is to provide a generous refuge for disappearing native plants and animals, a site for scientific research, and a storehouse of genes adapted to a region that produces much of the worlds food. Plans for restoring the marsh and oak savanna, also native to the Fermilab site are also in the works.

Terman Environmental Study Area

Terman Environmental Study Area (TESA) is owned and maintained by Dr. Max R. Terman, professor of biology at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas. The area is managed for a diverse wildlife population and is used as an outdoor laboratory for the science division of the college. Established in 1980 and located 5/2 miles south of Hillsboro in Marion County, the rectangular 15 acre area consists of approximately 70% native mixed prairie, 10% hedge row, 5% aquatic (pond, marsh), and 15% residential area (naturally landscaped earth sheltered home and yard). Bounded on the west by a road and cropland, the north by agricultural land, and on the south and east by pasture and riparian woodland, TESA is a terminal habitat point on a network of wildlife movement corridors formed by streams and woodlands associated with the South Cottonwood River drainage system. Dominant species in the grassland are big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizacchrium scoparius), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), dropseed (Sporobolus asper), western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), and cheat (Bromus secalinus). Common forbs include sage (Artemesia ludoviciana), aster (Aster spp.), catsclaw (Schrankia nuttalli), light poppy mallow (Callirohoe alceoides), gayfeather (Liatris punctata), death camus (Zygadenus nuttalli), false indigo (Baptisia australas), wild indigo (B. lucantha), prairie clover (Pentalostem spp.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), ground plum milk vetch (Astragalus crassicarupus), spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), green antelope horn milkweed (Asclepias viridis), ironweed (Vernonia baldwinii), ragweed (Ambrosia spp.), yellow goatsbeard (Tragopogon dubius), daisy fleabane (Erigeron spp.), snow-on-the-mountain (Euphorbia marginata). Hedgerows consist primarily of osage-orange (Maclura pomifera). The pond edge supports mainly various species of sunflower (Helianthus spp.), sumpweed (Iva spp.), and an introduced cover plant, crown vetch (Coronilla varia) (which also surrounds much of the house and sewage lagoon). Grasses surrounding and on the earth-sheltered house are mainly fescue (Festuca spp.) and buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides). Major faunal species are small mammals (Peromyscus maniculatus, P. leucopus, Microtus ochrogaster, Sigmodon hispidus, Reithrodontomys montanus, R. megalotis, Blarina hylophaga, Cryptotis parva, Sylvilagus floridanus, Scalopus aquaticus, Didelphis virginiana), and 28 species of birds, mostly passerines and raptors. Dominant reptiles include great plains skink

Nitrogen Fixation Estimates for Some Native and Introduced Legumes, Forbs, and Shrubs

Nitrogen Fixation Estimates for Some Native and Introduced Legumes, Forbs, and Shrubs

Dalrubones and coumarins in Dalea tinctoria

Dalrubones and coumarins in Dalea tinctoria

Virginia Cedar Works v. Dalea. March 11, 1909. [64 S. E. 41.

Virginia Cedar Works v. Dalea. March 11, 1909. [64 S. E. 41.