Dilley Germplasm Slender Grama

Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center, Kingsville

Introduction

Dilley Germplasm slender grama (Bouteloua repens (Kunth) Scribn. & Merr.) 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 Dilley Germplasm were selected for long term survival, seed production and quality, and adaptation across the South Texas area.

Description

Dilley Germplasm slender grama is a warm season perennial grass native to southern Texas. It is low-growing, 1-2½ feet in height. The grass produces multiple heads that bear 5-9 seed spikes, each bearing 5-8 seeds. Dilley Germplasm will flower and produce seed throughout the year. Individual plants are long lived, and Dilley Germplasm frequently reseeds itself.

Uses and Adapatation

Dilley Germplasm was developed for use in highway right-of-way seeding, native rangeland restoration, and wildlife plantings in the Rio Grande Plains of Texas. Dilley Germplasm will persist on sand, sandy loam, clay, and clay loam soil types, and it is compatible in plantings with other native species. Slender grama is considered an early invader or increaser plant on most range sites, and it competes well with introduced species. Dilley Germplasm’s fast seed production, establishment, and spreading habit make it an excellent planting choice for highly disturbed sites like highway rights of way or areas susceptible to erosion. The poor forage value of Dilley Germplasm increases its utility in erosion control and in disturbed areas in which grazing animals cannot be excluded.

Dilley Germplasm has shown good performance in the South Texas Plains, Gulf Prairie and Marshes, and Coastal Sand Plains regions of South Texas. Although testing adjacent ecoregions is lacking, adaptability in eco-regions such as the southern Edwards Plateau and eastern Trans Pecos Mountains and Basins is possible but may be limited.

Seed Quality Traits

Seed quality averages 35% pure live seed. Fifteen to 30% of Dilley Germplasm spikes bear actively germinating seeds. Dormant seed averages 60-85%. Dilley Germplasm contains approximately 116,300 seeds per pound.

Planting Methods

Recommended rangeland seeding rate for pure stands is 20 pounds pure live seed per acre. When Dilley Germplasm is used in a mixture, seeding rate should be adjusted according to the percent of slender grama desired on the site. A seed coating should be applied to facilitate planting. Although uncoated seed can be broadcast seeded, the relatively light seed weight makes proper distribution difficult. Coated seed can be drilled or broadcasted, and seed should not be planted deeper than ¼ inch. Best results are possible in clean, well prepared seedbeds; however, Dilley Germplasm will establish over time in existing vegetation. Plantings should be deferred from grazing or disturbance for 1 year after planting.

Management

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. Plants can be mowed to 3 inches yearly with no adverse effects.

Availability

Breeder seed of Dilley Germplasm slender 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

Photos:

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Dilley Germplasm Slender Grama

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