PARENT SESSION
Poster Session #36: Seed Production, Recruitment, and Pollination.
Wednesday, August 7. Presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Exhibit Hall B & C, TCC

Regional ecotype seed production in Texas.

HERMANN, MARCIA^*,1, ¹ LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER, AUSTIN, TX

ABSTRACT- The ecological value of locally adapted native seed (ecotype) for restoration is becoming more apparent to land managers. Commercial seed is typically a poor alternative if the goal is to preserve the plants adapted to a specific region. Most of the commercially available seed is produced from cultivars, which are often selected for seed production, forage quality etc., rather than ecological suitability. Ecologists are concerned that traits of locally adapted native plants are being lost. Seeds collected from local prairie remnants may offer a solution, however these remnants may not be able to supply the growing demand. In response to this, regional coalitions are forming to develop a source of regional ecotypic seed. Iowa has led the way with the Iowa Ecotype Project. Missouri is following using the Iowa program as a model. Now several groups in Texas are instituting their own regionally based attempts to produce ecotypic seeds. Land managers who want regional ecotype seeds are joining with organizations that can produce the seeds. This poster compares the successes and failures of Texas groups to other regional programs.

KEY WORDS: REGIONAL, ECOTYPE, SEEDS