Maximizing biomass production in semi-arid regions: genotypic selection of identified species. [Saltbush and Johnson Grass]

Technical Report · Wed Aug 31 04:00:00 EDT 1983

OSTI ID:5456780

Goodin, J R; Newton, R J

This project identifies genotypes selected from two species of unconventional plants previously identified as having exceptional potential for the production of biomass feedstock in semi-arid regions. The project involved collection of germ plasm from indigenous Atriplex canescens (saltbush) and introduced Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass). In addition, greenhouse and field screening techniques recently aplied to domesticated crop plants are used to identify exceptional biomass productivity based on drought tolerance, salinity tolerance, and seedling vigor. In both of these species, the genetic base is enormous. Saltbush is common to all of western North America, and Johnsongrass had established itself as an important forage and weedy species throughout most of the world. It would appear that artificial selection for desirable genotypes is a feasible process, and this project has demonstrated the possibility of selection from many accessions from the field. Preliminary screening for seedling vigor, drought tolerance, and salt tolerance has produced a few genotypes now ready for field testing. Propagation of these cloned genotypes is underway. 22 references, 2 figures, 1 table.

• Research Organization: Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock (USA); Texas A and M Univ., College Station (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5456780
• Report Number(s): TENRAC/EDF-113; ON: DE84900426
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
140504* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Biomass Production & Conversion-- (-1989)
ARID LANDS
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
GENOTYPE
GRASS
GROWTH
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
SHRUBS
TOLERANCE
WATER REQUIREMENTS