Wednesday, November 15, 2006
261-10

Saltgrass Plug Production and Establishment of Saltgrass Turf Using Plugs.

Anthony Koski1, John Ray1, David Kopec2, Dana Christensen1, Yaling Qian1, and Sarah Wilhelm1. (1) Colorado State University, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, 1173 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1173, (2) University of Arizona, Plant Science Department, Room 303 Bldg 36, Tucson, AZ 85721

Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) can be difficult to propagate using seed. While these seed production and germination difficulties are being resolved, the production of saltgrass plugs and their use for establishment of turf areas can be useful. Further, since saltgrass is a dioecious species, vegetative establishment using plugs may prove valuable for the retention of certain characteristics unique to specific lines or accessions. This study examined techniques for the production of plugs in the greenhouse. The plugs were then planted in experiments designed to determine optimal planting density and management of the plugs during the establishment period.