Atascosa Germplasm Texas Grama

Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center, Kingsville

Introduction

Atascosa Germplasm Texas grama (Bouteloua rigidiseta Steud.) is a blend of 4 collections from the Rio Grande Plains of Texas.  This release is a cooperative effort of South
Texas Natives, the USDA-NRCS E. “Kika” de la Garza Plant Materials Center, and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Beeville. Collections comprising Atascosa
Germplasm were selected for long term survival, seed production and quality, and adaptation across the South Texas area.

Description

Atascosa Germplasm Texas grama is a warm season perennial grass native to southern Texas. The low-growing, dense bunchgrass grows 1-2½ feet in height and produces multiple heads, each bearing a spike containing 5-14 seed spikes with 3-5 seeds per spike. Atascosa Germplasm will flower and produce seed throughout the year and frequently reseeds itself.

Uses and Adaptation

Texas grama is an important component of many range sites throughout South Texas. Atascosa Germplasm was developed for use in highway right-of-way seeding, native
rangeland restoration, and wildlife plantings in the Rio Grande Plains of Texas. Atascosa Germplasm will persist on sand, sandy loam, clay, and clay loam soil types, and it
is compatible in plantings with other native species. Atascosa Germplasm’s fast seed production, establishment and spreading habit make it an excellent planting choice for highly disturbed sites like highway right of ways or areas susceptible to erosion. Atascosa Germplasm has shown good performance in the South Texas Plains, Gulf Prairies and Marshes, and Coastal Sand Plains regions of South Texas. Although testing in adjacent ecoregions is lacking, adaptability in the southern Edwards Plateau and eastern Trans Pecos Mountains and Basins is possible.

Seed Quality Traits

Seed quality averages 55 percent pure live seed. Active seed germination averages 35 percent, and dormant seed averages 27 percent.  Atascosa Germplasm contains approximately 104,000 seeds per pound.

Planting Methods

Recommended rangeland seeding rate for pure stands is 15 pounds pure live seed per acre. Optimum planting time is late summer to early fall. When Atascosa Germplasm is used in a mixture, seeding rate should be adjusted according to the percentage of Texas grama desired on the site. Application of a seed coating has no adverse affects on seed
germination. Uncoated seed tends to clump, making uniform planting distribution difficult.  Coated seed can be drilled or broadcasted.  Seed should not be planted deeper than ¼ inch. Best results are possible in clean, well prepared seedbed; however, Atascosa Germplasm will establish over time when seeding into existing vegetation. Grazing should be deferred for one year after planting.

Management

Atascosa Germplasm plants should be allowed to set seed yearly to ensure vigorous stands.  Mowing or burning old growth while dormant helps to stimulate seed and forage production.  It can be mowed to 4 to 6 inches without  adverse effects. Atascosa Germplasm has  poor grazing value.

Availability

Breeder seed of Atascosa Germplasm Texas grama is maintained by South Texas Natives in conjunction with the Texas Foundation Seed Service. Breeder seed can be obtained
by contacting South Texas Natives.

For More Information

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Atascosa Germplasm Texas Grama

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