Seedling growth rate of 3 subspecies of big sagebrush

Differences in growth rate among 3 subspecies of big sagebrush (basin big sagebrush, mountain big sagebrush, and Wyoming big sagebrush) for mature plants have been reported by a number of workers. Little has been reported on comparisons of seedling growth rate among these 3 subspecies. Results of this study indicated that (1) over an extended period and in a non-water-limiting environment, the rate of seedling growth In Wyoming big sagebrush approached zero and was less than that of seedlings of basin and mountain big sagebrush; (2) basin and mountain big sagebrush continued to have nonnegligible growth rates even at the end of the study; and (3) Wyoming big sagebrush reached its point of maximum growth rate approximately 2 weeks earlier than did the other 2 subspecies. It appears that Wyoming big sagebrush has evolved, placing 2 important growth characteristics under genetic control: (1) the maximum growth rate is attained earlier (when more water is available to sustain such growth) than in the other 2 subspecies, possibly enhancing its ability to survive on xeric sites during the early stages of growth; and (2) top growth produces smaller aboveground parts, enhancing survival after the early stages.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202