Progress 07/01/09 to 06/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this project was to investigate the potential for using native woody and herbaceous perennials in Intermountain West constructed landscapes to maximize production-input efficiency. Specifically, we investigated plant propagation methods and developed plant production protocols that will make production of native plant species cost-effective for growers targeting the water conservation market. We also conducted landscape trials for selection of superior cultivars of tree, shrub, and herbaceous perennial native plants species. PARTICIPANTS: Faculty and staff in the Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping (Roger Kjelgren, Graham Hunter) and the Utah Botanical Center; scientists with the USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory at Utah State University (Doug Johnson, Kevin Jensen, Jack Staub); County Agent collaborators (Rick Heflebower, Kevin Heaton) in Kane and Washington counties for provenance trials of native plants. TARGET AUDIENCES: Utah green industry, Utah Nursery and Landscape Association members, and the Intermountain Native Plant Growers Association. Projected contacts: Utah landscape architects and contractors in the Intermountain states. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Through controlled and replicated studies we discovered the following: 1) Seeds of Sphaeralcea species exhibit double dormancy, which can be broken by a combination of cold-stratification and surface scarification resulting in close to a 90% germination rate; 2) Clonal reproduction of Shepherdia rotundifolia can be enhanced by using softwood cuttings stuck in surface propagation media with minimal shading (30%) to prevent fungal infection; 3) Sphaeralcea parvifolia and S. munroana cluster morphologically and genetically into Great Basin and Colorado plateau ecoregions, which has implications for selection of seed sources for use in both rangeland restoration and ornamental markets. Rapid urbanization in the Intermountain West is straining water resources. Almost two thirds of Utah's potable water is used to maintain home and commercial landscapes. Utah State University researchers are helping Intermountain West nurseries and growers meet the rising consumer demand for low-water-use native landscape plants by investigating their growth requirements. Our studies demonstrate that seed propagation of the globemallows can be increased from less than 50% to nearly 90% when both physical and physiological dormancy of seeds are broken. Other work with this genus has clarified taxonomical relationships with the common globemallow species, which clears the way for selection of superior germplasm for both rangeland restoration and landscape water conservation purposes. Results from native plant provenance trials will reduce the cost of production and time to sale for selected native plants, saving a producer thousands of dollars annually and enticing more growers to enter the native plant market. In our studies of Intermountain West native plants, over one dozen native plant species have been evaluated for their landscape potential and classified according to their range of adaptability. We selected some species for more intensive study of propagation methods to achieve more successful propagation of high value species for ornamental and rangeland restoration. Taxonomic relationships within Sphaeralcea were studied, and for two of the four species evaluated, genetic data was correlated with geographic distance, which has implications for their identification in the field, and use in applications related to germplasm selection and ecoregions for seed source selection.
Publications
- Kratsch, H.A. and C. Sriladda. 2010. Variation Among Common Utah Globemallows. Report of the Intermountain Native Plants Cooperative (WERA 1013). Vol. 2, 4 pp.
- Beddes, T. and H.A. Kratsch. 2010. Nodulation of Alnus maritima (Seaside Alder) topdressed with controlled-release fertilizer. HortTechnology 20(4):740-745.
- Beddes, T. and H.A. Kratsch. 2009. Seed Germination of Roundleaf Buffaloberry (Shepherdia rotundifolia) and Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) in Three Substrates. Journal of Environmental Horticulture 27(3):129-133.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Experiments conducted include: seed germination of Sphaeralcea (globemallow), study of pot-in-pot as a production method for Pinus monophylla and Mahonia fremontii; water relations studies of Alnus maritima, Eriogonum corymbosum, and Shepherdia rotundifolia; and common garden studies of 10 intermountain western native plant species. Results of seed germination and other propagation studies were disseminated to professionals at the American Society for Horticultural Science annual meeting in St. Louis. Results of common garden studies were presented at the Intermountain Native Plant Summit in Boise, Idaho and at the annual meeting of the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project in Boise. Common garden study results were also presented at the annual meeting of the multistate group WERA 1013 in Laramie, Wyoming. A 'proceedings' publication of this group's work is currently in progress for 2009; this publication will be electronic and available on the website for WERA 1013. Five extension fact sheets on use and care of individual intermountain native plant species were published this year. A database of native plants for landscape use was developed as commissioned and funded by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District for their consumer/industry website on landscape water conservation. PARTICIPANTS: Faculty and staff in the Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping (Roger Kjelgren, Graham Hunter) and the Utah Botanical Center; scientists with the USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory at Utah State University (Doug Johnson, Kevin Jensen, Jack Staub); County Agent collaborators (Rick Heflebower, Kevin Heaton) in Kane and Washington counties for provenance trials of native plants. TARGET AUDIENCES: Utah green industry, Utah Nursery and Landscape Association members, and the Intermountain Native Plant Growers Association. Projected contacts: Utah landscape architects and contractors in the Intermountain states PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Sustainability in landscapes, including decrease in water use, is becoming a critical necessity as climate change and population growth threaten to substantially limit water availability. Decreasing amenity landscape water use makes water more available for drinking and agricultural purposes. Utah State University researchers, in cooperation with cross-agency and multistate collaborators, are helping growers meet local and regional demands for native plant species by evaluating their water efficiency and adaptability to landscape use, and identifying efficient methods for their production. We have evaluated 10 native plant species that can be recommended for further development as new introductions to the native plant industry, both for reclamation and for amenity use in home and commercial landscapes. Further, our work is suggestive that pot-in-pot production methods can be used cost effectively to shorten the time to sale by at least 50% for several slow-growing, high-value native plant species.
Publications
- Smith, A., Kratsch, H. 2009. Seed Propagation of Sphaeralcea (Globemallow). HortScience 44:1151.
- Kratsch, H. 2009. Evaluating Intraspecies Diversity of Intermountain West Native Plants. Report of the Native Plants Cooperative, 1.
- Hunter, G.C., H. Kratsch, R. Kjelgren, D. Hole, L. Shultz 2009. Water-Use of Eriogonum corymbosum in an Irrigated Field Study. HortScience 44:1159.
- Panter, K. and H. Kratsch 2009. Intermountain Regional Evaluation and Introduction of Native Plants. HortScience 44:1151.
- Sriladda, C., H. Kratsch, and R. Kjelgren 2009. Potential for Domestication of Shepherdia rotundifolia (Roundleaf Buffaloberry). HortScience 44:1052.
- Sriladda, C., H. Kratsch, B. Curtis, and R. Kjelgren 2009. Vegetative Propagation of Shepherdia rotundifolia (Roundleaf Buffaloberry) from Softwood Cuttings. HortScience 44:1105.
- Beddes, T. and H.A. Kratsch 2009. Seed germination of Shepherdia rotundifolia and Shepherdia argentea in three substrates. Journal for Environmental Horticulture 27(3):129-133.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Native Plant Production: Seed production of the high-value native species, Shepherdia rotundifolia, is variable from year to year, and poor quality of available seed has been a problem. A study was undertaken to investigate vegetative propagation of this species in 3 different media, with 3 levels of rooting hormone, and either inoculation with native soil (as a source of Frankia bacteria) or no inoculation, using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Stem cuttings were collected from plants in their native habitat and maintained in their respective media on a misting bench in light shade for 8 weeks. Results showed that cuttings in Turface without rooting hormone or inoculation produced 5 times as many roots per cutting as cuttings in other treatments. We conclude that Turface can be used as an effective rooting medium for cuttings of Shepherdia, and that inoculation or rooting hormone may not be necessary for their production. An experiment was established to enhance production of two slow-growing shrub species, Pinus monophylla and and Mahonia fremontii. Plots are established at the Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville, UT and at a cooperating nursery in Joseph, UT. Treatments consist of shade vs. no shade and pot-in-pot vs. above-ground production. Our hypothesis is that plants provided protection from sun and wind, and installed in a pot-in-pot system to moderate root-zone temperatures will grow faster and more successfully than plants grown conventionally. Sphaeralcea Phylogenetic Analysis: Sphaeralcea plant materials were collected during spring and summer (live and voucher dried specimens and leaves for AFLP analysis). Analysis should be completed by spring of 2009. Native Plant Provenance Trials: Preliminary data was collected on established plots. A tool was developed for evaluation of plant performance, ornamental qualities, and adaptability to to climate. This tool was shared with statewide collaborators and introduced at the newly established multistate collaborative Western Education/Extension and Research Activity WERA 1013:Intermountain Regional Evaluation and Introduction of Native Plants meeting in November. A grant was written and funded ($25,000) through the Great Basin Native Plant Selection and Increase Project (U.S. Forest Service) for travel and labor related to expanding provenance trials to a regional market and extending results to stakeholders. PARTICIPANTS: Faculty and staff in the Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping and the Utah Botanical Center; scientists with the USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory at Utah State University; County Agent collaborators in Kane, Carbon, and Washington counties for provenance trials of native plants. TARGET AUDIENCES: Utah green industry, Utah Nursery and Landscape Association members, and the Intermountain Native Plant Growers Association. Projected contacts: Utah landscape architects and contractors. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our work is being expanded to a regional market by way of a newly established USDA-CSREES WERA project 1013. We also are including growers and producers in evaluation of native plant species and native plant production methods. Because of these developments, we are better able to communicate results of our work with native plants directly to agencies and producers who require this information. We have demonstrated that high-value native plants can be produced successfully by careful selection of production methods that maximize their growth and survival rates. Results will reduce the cost of production and time-to-sale for many native plant species, saving producers thousands of dollars annually and enticing more growers to enter the market.
Publications
- Heidi A. Kratsch 2008. Alnus maritima ssp. oklahomensis Performance in Non-Irrigated Landscapes in the Intermountain West. Journal for Environmental Horticulture 26(4):229-234.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Native Plant Production: Many western native plant species occur in areas characterized by well-drained soils low in organic matter, and we suspect traditional growing substrates may impede their germination and growth. Mexican cliffrose (Purshia mexicana), roundleaf buffaloberry (Shepherdia rotundifolia), and silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) seeds were sown in various substrates that differed in organic matter and drainage properties. Roundleaf buffaloberry and Mexican cliffrose, which are narrowly distributed to the arid Intermountain West, showed at least 50% greater germination in a substrate that was well drained and low in organic matter. Germination of silver buffaloberry, which is more broadly distributed across the U.S., was not dependent on substrate properties. We conclude that seeding in well-drained substrates low in organic matter improves germination of roundleaf buffaloberry and Mexican cliffrose. Alnus maritima invasiveness study: Alnus maritima
ssp. oklahomensis has potential for ornamental use in northern Utah landscapes. Because this taxon is native to low-elevation wetlands, I sought to determine its response to the high-desert soils and climate of northern Utah. Although seeds sown directly at 3 diverse sites in northern Utah either did not germinate or seedlings did not survive, seeds planted in a greenhouse in soils from those sites did germinate. Two-year-old hardened plants grown from these seeds installed at the same 3 sites overwintered and broke bud, but none survived longer than 4 weeks. Spring bud progression rating was greatest, and stem dieback least, in areas with either low light or wet soils. This taxon shows no invasive tendencies in northern Utah and may perform optimally in irrigated landscapes in partial shade. Sphaeralcea phylogenetic analysis: The genus Sphaeralcea is taxonomically complex due to weak distinctions among morphological characters. This has led to confusion in species identification
within the native plant industry. We proposed to test the stability of morphological traits in four common globemallow species and to explore alternatives for rapid and accurate plant identification. Transfer of plants from native habitats to a common garden resulted in measurable changes in morphology of leaves on new growth after 6 weeks. ITS and chloroplast DNA sequence analysis revealed only recent evolutionary divergence of the species. Preliminary data suggests some plants conventionally described as separate species, within this group, may actually be environmentally adapted variants within one or more species.
PARTICIPANTS: Faculty and staff in the Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping and the Utah Botanical Center; scientists with the USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Laboratory at Utah State University; County Agent collaborators in Kane, Carbon, and Washington counties for provenance trials of native plants.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Utah green industry, Utah Nursery and Landscape Association members, and the Intermountain Native Plant Growers Association. Projected contacts: Utah landscape architects and contractors.
Impacts
Our work will help Intermountain West growers and nurseries meet the rising demand for regionally adapted sustainable landscape plants. It also will help collectors of native seeds and producers of native plants provide a more consistent product that is true to name. Our results suggest that plant yields can be increased by as much as 50% when substrate choices and management regimes are adjusted to match plant habitat adaptations. Results will reduce the cost of production and time-to-sale for many native and adapted plant species, saving a producer thousands of dollars annually and enticing more growers to enter the market.
Publications
- Beddes, T. and H.A. Kratsch 2007. Seed Germination and Survival of Shepherdia rotundifolia, Purshia mexicana, and S. argentea in Three Substrates. HortScience 42:996.
- Hendrickson, C., Kopp, K. and H.A. Kratsch 2007. Evaluation of Competition Between Trees and Turfgrass in the Landscape: Comparison of Rooting Dynamics. HortScience 42:1004.
- Kratsch, H. A. 2005. Seed Germination and Seedling Survival of Alnus maritima (Seaside Alder) in Three Soils in Northern Utah. HortScience 40:1042.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
A study is underway to evaluate the invasiveness potential and performance of Alnus maritima in landscapes typical of northern Utah. One-year-old plants of Alnus maritima (n=18) grown from seed were installed in each of three diverse non-irrigated sites at the Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville in fall 2005. In April 2006, as many as 50% of plants at each site could be identified and were beginning to leaf out. By May 2006, no A. maritima plants at any site could be found. Containerized plants of A. maritima maintained on a gravel pad at the Greenville Research Farm in Logan, Utah were observed through the remainder of the spring and summer. Although they survived with daily irrigation, they had to be moved under a shade cloth to prevent sunburn and, ultimately, necrosis of leaves. Although the cause of the disappearance of plants from the three sites at the Botanical Center is unknown, we hypothesize that A. maritima plants were weakened by repeated exposure to
conditions of high evaporative demand that is typical of this region (about 4,000 feet above sea level), and that they ultimately were out-competed by neighboring plants. Two-year-old plants of the same seed source were installed in fall 2006, and they will be closely monitored over the coming year. In a related study, seedlings of Alnus maritima, a nitrogen-fixing species, were inoculated with soil from under native Alnus trees, treated with differing amounts of a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer providing eight different levels of N, and maintained in a greenhouse with overhead irrigation. Micronutrients in liquid solution were provided weekly. Plants for negative control were not inoculated and were treated with levels of liquid N fertilizer known to be inhibitory to nodule formation. A positive control group was soil-inoculated and fertilized with an N-free liquid fertilizer solution. After 8 weeks, all plants provided with slow-release fertilizer, even at levels of N known to be
inhibitory to nodulation in a liquid formulation, formed nodules. This suggests that growers can use slow-release fertilizers to produce nodulated plants of optimal quality that may show improved transplant survival rates. Plant production for Utah native plant provenance trials is ongoing, and outplanting has been delayed until the 2007 growing season due to slow growth rates of selected species. One group of species in the genus Sphaeralcea has been selected for more intensive study because of confusion within the native plant industry related to species identification. Our objectives are to determine the stability of morphological traits in Sphaeralcea by monitoring changes in those traits when plants are moved from their native habitat to a common garden, and to identify a molecular marker system that can be used to quantify genetic variation among taxa of Sphaeralcea. Our results will contribute to efforts to establish a national genetic database for rapid and accurate plant
identification, and will give us information for possible cultivar selection for use of Sphaeralcea in low-water landscapes.
Impacts
Our work will help Intermountain West nurseries and growers meet the rising consumer demand for low-water-use landscape plants by investigating their growth requirements. Our results suggest that plant yields can be increased by as much as 50% when soil conditions and management regimes are adjusted as seedlings grow and mature. Results will reduce the cost of production and time to sale for selected native and adapted plants, saving a producer thousands of dollars annually and enticing more growers to enter the native plant market.
Publications
- Kratsch, H.A., K. Kopp, P. Johnson, and R. Kjelgren. 2006. Native and Adapted Plants for Water-Efficiency in Urban Utah Landscapes. Hortscience 41:909.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
A study was conducted to evaluate germination and growth of three Intermountain West native plant species in three common plant growth media. Plant species were Shepherdia rotundifolia, Shepherdia argentea, and Purshia mexicana. Growth media were expanded calcine clay, native plant mix (sphagnum peat moss : vermiculite: sand : expanded calcine clay (2 : 2: 1: 1 by volume)), and germination mix (sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite). Results showed that germination rates for all three species were highest in expanded clay and lowest in native plant mix. Three weeks after germination, plants were transferred to 4-inch pots containing the same media in which they were germinated. Plant survival was highest in native plant mix for all three species. S. argentea (a riparian species) also grew well in germination mix but needed frequent irrigation in the expanded clay. S. rotundifolia (a drought-adapted species) grew well in expanded clay, but survival was low in germination
mix. Whereas 50% of total germination for P. mexicana and S. argentea occurred within 5 to 7 days, germination of S. rotundifolia was inconsistent and approached 50% of total germination only after 4 weeks. Further investigation of germination requirements for S. rotundifolia is needed. This and future studies will provide native plant propagators and growers information on plant requirements during different stages of growth and development. In a related study, germination and survival of Alnus maritima, a fast-growing shrub tolerant of poor soils and full sun, was evaluated in three soil types typical of the Wasatch front in north-central Utah. Stratified seeds were sowed in soils from each of three sites at the Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville, and maintained in a greenhouse for 21 days. Seeds were also directly sowed at each site. Results showed that seeds of A. maritima can germinate and seedlings survive in soils typical of urban landscapes in northern Utah. Seeds directly
sowed at each of the three sites either did not germinate, or they did not survive past the seedling stage. As a follow-up to this study, mature plants of A. maritima were installed at each site at the Utah Botanical Center in fall of 2005. Their potential for invasiveness and their performance in landscapes typical of northern Utah will be evaluated over the next two years. Provenance trials are also underway to test the genetic variability of selected native plant species across their native range. Seeds for the first trials were collected in summer of 2005. Plants from these seeds will be installed in spring and fall 2006 in experimental plots within and outside the boundaries of their native range in order to test their adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions. Results from these trials will enable us to make recommendations for the appropriate market for these plants and will strengthen the emerging native plant nursery industry in Utah by providing a science-based
method of ensuring that the seeds and plants they sell are true to their species and hardy to the climate in which they will be used.
Impacts
Rapid urbanization in the Intermountain West is straining water resources. Almost two thirds of potable water in Utah is used to maintain home and commercial landscapes. Utah State University researchers are helping Intermountain West nurseries and growers meet the rising consumer demand for low-water-use landscape plants by investigating their growth requirements. Our studies demonstrated that plant yield can be increased by as much as 50% when soil conditions and irrigation regimes are adjusted as seedlings grow and mature. Other work in progress will describe conditions that may narrow the window for the timing of seed germination. Results will reduce the cost of production and time to sale for selected native and adapted plants, saving a producer thousands of dollars annually and enticing more growers to enter the native plant market.
Publications
- Kratsch, H.A. 2005. Seed germination and seedling survival of Alnus maritima (seaside alder) in three soils in northern Utah. HortScience 40:1042.
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