Project Number: 5428-21000-006-06
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jun 01, 2002
End Date: May 29, 2007

Objective:
1. Elucidate patterns of DNA variation within bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and squirreltail (Elymus elymoides and Elymus multisetus) and determine the significance of population structure within these species. 2. Evaluate key physiological and functional ecological traits of bluebunch wheatgrass associated with improving plant establishment and interspecific competition with invasive weeds. 3. Collect and evaluate accessions of needle-and-thread to identify ecological groups of accessions and to determine if they have a geographic basis. 4. Improve Munro globemallow for seed production, seedling vigor, and overall plant vigor. 5. Collect germplasm of basalt milkvetch. Generate a pooled Rhizobium population to be developed into a commercial inoculant. Conduct greenhouse test to determine efficacy of the inoculant.

Approach:
We will determine the significance of natural population structure within bluebunch wheatgrass and squirreltail. For objective 1, the AFLP technique will be used to obtain DNA profiles of plant populations. For objective 2, we will evaluate photosynthesis, photorespiration and water-use properties of squirreltail populations across gradients of temperature, soil water and nitrogen availability. In addition, we will evaluate a number of functionally relevant growth characteristics including: tiller production, leaf area and root production. For objective 3, germplasm will be assembled from Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Field plots comparing accessions will be established at a common site. Data on various traits will be collected and accessions will be compared statistically. For objective 4, assessment of genetic variation for seed production, seedling vigor, and general plant vigor will be established. Recurrent selection will be practiced on this material in order to develop an improved cultivar that will insure a plentiful seed supply at a reasonable price. For objective 5, seed collections will be made at sites identified from herbarium sheets and personal communications. Nodules will be collected, sterilized and streaked on agar. Pure cultures will be isolated and greenhouse tests will be conducted to identify the most promising cultures. These materials will be used for the production of a commercial inoculant.