Increasing Native Forb Seed Supplies for the Great Basin
Over the last 150 years, excessive grazing, annual weed invasions, increased wildfire frequency, and other human disturbances have negatively impacted native plant communities of the Great Basin. Native plant materials and appropriate planting strategies are needed to recreate diverse communities in areas requiring active restoration. Although native forbs are critical components of most plant communities, available seed supplies remain low. A cooperative research project being conducted by the USDI Bureau of Land Management Great Basin Restoration Initiative, the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, and collaborators includes efforts to develop 20 native forbs as revegetation species. Research needs include selection of seed sources and development of seed production and wildland seeding technology for each species. Initial seed increase of new seed sources and maintenance of seed supplies will require production at a range of scales, likely creating new marketing niches for the native seed and nursery industries.
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Author(s): Nancy L. Shaw, Scott M. Lambert, Ann M. DeBolt, Mike Pellant
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 2004
Event:
Western Forest and Conservation Nursery Association Meeting
2004 - Medford, OR