Biology ETDs

Publication Date

5-25-1976

Abstract

Saltgrass (Distichlis stricta) is a potential candidate for mine spoil-bank revegetation in New Mexico. Laboratory studies were conducted on the vegetative propagation of saltgrass from rhizomes. Optimum temperature for growth was 25 to 30 C. No clear relationship was found between the length of a rhizome section and its capacity to sprout vegetative material. In rhizome desiccation experiments, one-node segments lost water more quickly than did two-node sections. A marked reduction in rhizome sprouting was observed when moisture losses exceeded 35% of the initial fresh weight. Rhizome buds failed to demonstrate seasonal dormancy but were influenced by apical dominance. One­node rhizomes stored in polyethylene bags at temperatures of 2 and 10 C had sprouting percentages in excess of 65% after 28 days.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Gordon Verle Johnson

Second Committee Member

William Clarence Martin

Third Committee Member

Earl F. Aldon

Fourth Committee Member

James Roman Gosz

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