Using microcalorimetry in predicting success of reseeding native plants. Ward, Tina ^*,1, Smith, Bruce², Hansen, Lee¹, Anderson, Val¹, ¹ Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA²

ABSTRACT- A valid concern of many rangeland managers is the effectiveness of reseeding disturbed native plant communities. Using native seed to restore damaged areas is often desirable, yet predicting the success of the attempt is difficult and often requires time and money consuming trial-and-error growth trials. A new quick and less expensive method has been proposed to improve selection of seed that will most likely be successful in establishment and growth. Microcalorimetry, using a plants heat and carbon dioxide exchange rates, is able to show small differences of growth rates in plants of different origins. In this study, native seeds of the same species were collected from three or more different elevations. A portion were germinated and tested as seedlings and a portion planted and grown in a greenhouse. Tissues from these plants were tested after sufficient growth. A blind test was conducted and the origin of seed withheld from the technician directing the calorimetric measure in order to prevent bias. Another portion of the seeds were planted in reciprocal gardens at three different elevations in order to verify or discount growth data predictions derived through calorimetry. Using data generated from this method, it was possible to match squirreltail seeds with their correct origin of elevation. This information will help in selecting which squirreltail seed will be most likely to survive and establish at a certain elevation. Data for additional species and for a second year will be collected.

KEY WORDS: restoration, microcalorimetry, establishment success, native plants