Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2010
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Plant Science
Abstract
Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash) are being considered as feedstocks for bio-fuel because of their yield potential. The two native grasses thrive in different environments, but planting them on the different parts of the landscape allows them to maximize their potential. The objective were to develop a prairie cordgrass germplasm collection that is more diverse than the previously established one and to analyze the germplasm collection and little bluestem "Camper" genotypes for biomass potential. The prairie cordgrass germplasm collection was established from populations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. Yield trials for prairie cordgrass and little bluestem took place at locations in South Dakota. The results indicated that the germplasm collection had more diversity than the previously existing collections. The little bluestem produced adequate yields, but the prairie cordgrass yielded much lower than expected. Prairie cordgrass and little bluestem need to be analyzed at more locations and for more years before we truly know which populations or genotypes will provide the most biomass.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Spartina -- Germplasm resources
Schizachyrium -- Germplasm resources
Biomass energy
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
129
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Dwire, Sam, "Evaluation of Two Native Grass Germplasm Collections for Their Biomass Potential" (2010). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1642.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1642