Jimi Underwood
10.24.2014
PLNT 5412
Proposal for Blue Grama Breeding Program
Introduction
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of North American native grasses for the use as a turfgrass and as ornamental grass. Multiple reasons exist for this interest; among them are the perceived lack of invasiveness (as compared to other introduced species), their existing adaptation to the climatic conditions of specific locations, and even the maintenance and storage of the germplasm (Watkins et al., 2013). This growing interest is a sign to breeders letting them know that a market exists for the right native grasses. It is my belief that blue grama fills the need of the market looking for a native, low-maintenance, and attractive turfgrass. …show more content…
ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths] is one of the 57 species of grama grasses (genus Bouteloua Lag.) that dominate the xeric grasslands of North America. These grasslands are found in the central and southern regions of North America occupying a large portion of the continent. Yet, despite having a wide range of adaptability and fairly high diversity within the genus, the grama grasses are only found as a native in the western hemisphere (Smith et al., 2004). This seemingly limits the global use of grama grasses, yet they have potential for use in their native ranges. The grama grasses represent a genus with a high potential, and out of the 57 species I feel blue grama seems more fitting than most for use as a …show more content…
This region includes the prairies, plains, and foothills of western Canada, United States, and even stretches into northern Mexico. Although it is primarily a bunchgrass in its southern ranges it has been known to form dense sod when put under grazing pressure (Wynia, 2007). Blue grama together with American buffalograss [Buchloë dactyloids (Nutt.) Engelm.; recently classified as Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) J.T. Columbus] make up the majority of the upland sites on the prairies and grasslands of North America(Columbus, 1990a). It even begins to outperform buffalograss as the shortgrass prairies begin to become more xeric as they extend to the west. Meaning it is at its most dominant range can be described as the western portion of Nebraska through the eastern parts of Wyoming, Colorado and throughout the plains regions Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona (Weaver and Albertson, 1956). When looking at this extensive range, it is not surprising to note its adaptation to drought, preference of drier environments, tolerance of both the hot and cold temperature extremes, and its poor growth on highly acidic soils (Koski, 2005, Wynia, 2007). Another trait found in blue grama comes from the use of the native lands as rangeland. Since its native region happens to be used for raising livestock a tolerance of frequent grazing and defoliation has been noted (Sims et al., 1973; Hyden, 1974).