Extension, Cooperative
Date of this Version
4-1962
Document Type
Article
Citation
Newell, L.C., Staten, R.D., Jackson, E.B. and Conard, E.C. (1962) Side-oats grama in the central Great Plains (Research Bulletin: Bulletin of the Agricultural Experiment Station of Nebraska No. 207)
Abstract
Side-oats grama, Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr., is a warm-season grass distributed widely in the native grasslands of continental United States. It has long been considered a valuable forage grass. Its habit of growth and favorable seed-producing qualities have suggested its suitability for domestication as a pasture crop. Investigations which contributed to the domestication of side-oats grama were conducted at the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station in a 12-year period, 1948 to 1960. Field trials were carried on to evaluate forage and seed yields of selected strains and varieties from different regions. The photoperiodic responses of these strains were studied under controlled conditions to develop possible explanations of differences in strain adaptation. Two varieties were developed for use in the latitudes of the Central Plains region as a result of these investigations. Studies were initiated also to determine suitable cultural methods for stand establishment and utilization and for the production of seed of the adapted varieties. The purposes of this bulletin are to present the results of these experiments and to recommend practices for production and use of side-oats grama.
Comments
ISSN 0097-1538