Project Title

Drought Adaptation of Three Purshia Species: Implications for Propagation, Atificial Regeneration, and Assisted Migration

Abstract

Three species of Purshia (from left to right: tridentata, mexicana, and glandulosa)

The arid and semiarid landscapes that dominate much of the interior Western United states have been threatened by land use change for quite some time. Historical disturbance regimes among these landscapes have been altered by population pressure, land management practices, and invasive species. Consequently, the ecological health of these functioning native communities has declined. While restoration efforts in these ecosystems have been ongoing, they can be challenging due arid nature of the systems and the impact level of disturbance. Therefore, it is paramount to understand physiological, ecophysiological characteristics of species to be used in restoration efforts.

Purshia species occur throughout the range of the interior west and are important shrub for habitat, wildlife browse, successional development, and erosion control. Though these species are used in restoration efforts, success with direct seeding efforts is often low. As well, the use of containerized seedlings is relatively low due to the much higher cost compared with direct seeding. To increase the establishment success of Purshia in artificial regeneration efforts, we seek to understand key physiological and ecophyiological components as they relate to nursery culture, successful outplanting, and potential climate change mitigation efforts through assisted migration. Our goal is to investigate physiological differences as they relate to drought adaptation and tolerance among Purshia glandulosa, P. mexicana, and P. tridentata.

GSD Principal Investigators

Cooperators and Sponsors

• Anthony S. Davis, University of Idaho