In the western United States, extreme weather conditions threaten vegetation, wildlife, and surrounding communities.  With conditions ranging from heavy snow in the winter to severe drought and wildfires in the summer, the plant life in these areas takes a brutal beating by Mother Nature.   Under normal circumstances, plant survival in such extreme weather endures a tricky process; however, scientists from Agriculture Research Service (ARS) may have solved this challenge with the development of new grasses and forages.

Using genetic material from native and introduced plant sources, researchers have revealed improved plant varieties that will help restore vegetation in communities impacted by extreme weather conditions, wildfires, soil erosion, invasive plant species, and other challenges.

The newly developed wheatgrass, called Hycrest II, follows a 1984 discovery of Hycrest crested wheatgrass.  This original form of Hycrest provides forage in early spring and summer, stabilizes the soil in western rangelands, and maintains survival when faced with invasive grass species and drought.  Exceeding Hycrest in established seedlings per acre, Hycrest II reseeds rangelands experiencing disturbances such as annual weed infestation after wildfires and soil erosion.

Considering the recent advancements and success achieved with Hycrest, scientists aspire to develop more genetically modified grasses.  Currently ARS researchers are in the process of developing pasture and turf grasses that thrive in conditions of reduced irrigation.

Discussion Question:  What are some of the disadvantages associated with planting non-native grasses in the western rangelands?  How might this influence survival of other plants or animals?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100212125712.htm
USDA press release: http://www.ars.usda.gov/pandp/people/people.htm?personid=5383