Comparative Analysis of Buffalograss [Buchole Dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm], Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K]. ex Steud.) and False Grama [Cathestecum Erectum Vasey & Hack].

Buffalograss and blue grama dominated the short grass prairies of the Great Plains of North America, while false grama is found mostly in the semiarid regions of Texas and Arizona. Information about their genetic diversity or similarity is limited, and more research is needed to better understand genetic diversity.  This study was initiated to assess the level of genetic diversity within and among buffalograss, blue grama, and false grama genotypes, using morphological and molecular markers.  Twelve genotypes of each species were evaluated using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers derived from pearl millet. In addition, some morphological traits were measured. Buffalograss and false grama are stoloniferous, while blue grama is a bunch-type grass. Buffalograss is mostly dioecious, while blue grama and false grama are monoecious.  The three species slightly differ in their flower location, color and morphology. Buffalograss has shorter internodes than the other two, while blue grama and buffalograss have significantly lower number of internodes than false grama. Most markers used were amplified in buffalograss with polymorphic and monomorphic bands, but amplification and polymorphism were limited in blue grama, indicating that selections with similar genetic background were used.  Cluster analysis based on 19 SSR markers showed that genotypes of each species were distinctly clustered with higher variability occurring in buffalograss, false grama being intermediate and blue grama being least in variability.  Based on these results all genotypes of buffalograss and blue grama were uniquely separated and distantly related with each other, false grama fell between the two species.