Search Results
In recent years the use of native plant materials for conservation and revegetation projects has received increased awareness and interest. The National Plant Materials Center (NPMC), in cooperation with the USDI-National Park Service, is involved in the revegetation of disturbed areas within our National Parks using native herbaceous and woody plants. This involves the collection of germplasm from selected niches within the Parks, an increase in seed and production of transplants, and reestablishment of native communities in natural areas.
One major focus of the program is to develop technology for improving native plant propagation and production, which should make the use of native plants more viable in the commercial sector. Germination of species of Tridens, Dichanthelium, Danthonia, Helianthus, Schizachyrium, and Andropogon has been improved to 80-95% by altering the germination environment. Production of these species in plugs has also been streamlined to maximize space efficiency and provide cost-effective methods for planting native grasses and wildflowers.