To sustain North America�s declining sagebrush biome, novel approaches are needed that can cost-effectively restore shrub cover after a catastrophic disturbance, such as a high-intensity wildfire. Wyoming big sagebrush is a dominant shrub on the more arid portions of the sagebrush biome and seeding efforts of this species are limited by a host of logistical and environmental constraints. Sagebrush seed lots are typically low in purity and can contain a high amount of non-seed parts (i.e. achenes, seed bracts, leaves, and fine stems), which can cause bridging within the seed box and variable delivery rates from a planter or broadcast spreader. The small seed size of sagebrush tend to separate from other species in the mix while in the seed box and when broadcast, drift from the target area. As with many species sown for restoration in the Great Basin, mortality may result when the seed germinates during a period that is not suitable for plant survival. We have developed a new seed coating technique that increases sagebrush seed density, improves flowability and seed delivery. Seed enhancements such as fungicides and plant growth regulators can also be formulated into the technology to control seed germination timing so that it occurs during periods that are more optimal for plant establishment. We will present preliminary research associated with the development of this patent pending technology and discuss its potential benefits for improving rangeland seeding success.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.