Description
The objective of this study was to develop sources of seed of native plant species to facilitate commercial seed production of ecovars suitable for revegetation and reclamation of disturbed land. An ecovar or ecological variety is native plant material derived from a composite of germplasm collected throughout the area of adaptation and that contains the natural genetic diversity of the species. Ecovars are currently being developed or proposed for 24 species of grass, legume and shrub species from the northern great plains. The research is conducted by scientists at nine research centres from six agencies in two countries. Seed from the first ecovar, developed from 250 accessions of Needle-and-Thread grass received pedigree status in 1996. Associated research studies will determine the degree of genetic variability existing among the accessions and any shifts in genetic diversity resulting from selection.
Citation
May, K W.; Wark, B; and Coulman, B, "Ecovar Development on the Northern Great Plains of North America" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 19.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session1/19
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Ecovar Development on the Northern Great Plains of North America
The objective of this study was to develop sources of seed of native plant species to facilitate commercial seed production of ecovars suitable for revegetation and reclamation of disturbed land. An ecovar or ecological variety is native plant material derived from a composite of germplasm collected throughout the area of adaptation and that contains the natural genetic diversity of the species. Ecovars are currently being developed or proposed for 24 species of grass, legume and shrub species from the northern great plains. The research is conducted by scientists at nine research centres from six agencies in two countries. Seed from the first ecovar, developed from 250 accessions of Needle-and-Thread grass received pedigree status in 1996. Associated research studies will determine the degree of genetic variability existing among the accessions and any shifts in genetic diversity resulting from selection.
