Improvement of Chokecherry, Silver Buffaloberry and Hawthorn for Conservation Use in the Northern Plains
The USDA SCS Plant Materials Center at Bismarck, North Dakota, initiated improvement projects on chokecherry, buffaloberry and hawthorn in 1976-1979 with the objective of assembling, evaluating, and releasing one or more cultivars of each species. These seed source studies began with a search for superior phenotypes and disease free individuals and stands. The collection sites encompassed most of North and South Dakota, and in the case of chokecherry, much of Minnesota. In May of 1983, containerized seedlings of the three species were transplanted into large-scale test plantations in North and South Dakota. Data collection has included plant height and width, vigor, and disease and insect resistance. Differences in size and growth rates based on origin are not readily apparent at this early age. Chokecherry shows the most phenotypic variation in growth form and maturity.
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Author(s): Michael J. Knudson, Russell J. Haas, Dwight A. Tober, Dale C. Darris
Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - North Central Tree Improvement Conference - 1987