Field Performance of Selected Mowed Distichlis Clones, USGA Research Report #1

Abstract

Twenty-one clonal selections of saltgrass (Distichlis) were evaluated in March and May for initial green-up, plot growth, unmowed canopy height, number of satellite plants emerging from rhizomes and floral expression. Accessions were statistically different for all variables measured. Colorado’s accessions (5 of 7) were upright in growth habit and had the greatest number of satellite plants at the surface in March. These plants also had the greatest percent plot coverage. Arizona’s accessions had lower growth in height, were more compact in growth and were less sprawling. However, their plot coverage (grow-in) was not as great as the upright, rapid growing Colorado accessions. Of the twenty-one clones included, thirteen are males and eight are females, with expression ranging from 1 to more than 200 flowering culms per plot.