Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

A taxonomic study of bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata (Pursh) DC.) in Oregon

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/8w32r8445

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  • Extensive morphological and growth habit variations have been reported for bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), a widespread western shrub frequently used in range revegetation projects. Hybridization of this species occurs with cliffrose (Cowania stansburiana) at the point of their overlapping range in Utah and is believed to be responsible for expression of certain bitterbrush attributes. The objectives of this study were to investigate specific morphological and physiological characteristics of bitterbrush over a portion of its geographical range and to determine which, if any, of the variations could be attributed to selective forces of particular habitats. Twenty-nine populations of bitterbrush in eastern Oregon and three populations in northern California were selected for study to account for maximum variation in associated veget3tion, environmental parameters, and morphological expression. Field studies were conducted to examine taxonomic and growth habit characteristics of each population and for use in population comparisons. Seed germination studies indicated that the slight variations in population response to nine time treatments in a 3% thiourea solution essentially disappeared with a 15-20 minute treatment. Longer treatments resulted in deformed radicles which failed to elongate. Size and shape of leaves and growth form responses from seedlings grown in the greenhouse compared favorably to the parent populations. Pubsecence and glandulation also appeared to be primarily genetically induced and were expressed early in seedling growth. Cluster analysis indicated that many populations studied tended to build up integrated morphological patterns or seed, leaf, color, growth form, and habit attributes, However, the nearly continuous gene-flow in this out-breeding shrub resulted in extensive overlapping morphology between populations which is in accordance with the nature of clinal variations. Trends for gene flows were followed in northeastern Oregon and along the eastern front of the Cascades with ecotypes forming where environmental conditions created unique habitats. Under lodge pole pine (Pinus contorta) on pumice soils, a low, layering ecotype was identified which retained small, glabrous leaves, heavy glandulation, and a low growth habit under common greenhouse conditions. An ecotype similar in habit but varying in leaf shape, seed size, and bark color was found on harsh sites at the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge. Tall, massive plants growing on deep soils in northern California near Janesville and in northeastern Oregon near Durkee represented two additional ecotypes which showed differentiation in seed and leaf characteristics for their respective populations. Paper chromatography for flavonoid compounds gave complex spot patterns which indicated possible addition of cliffrose genes in certain populations. Although morphological characteristics associated with specific patterns were not found on an individual plant basis, two major patterns of similarity between certain populations were noted. Seventeen populations were selected for chromosome studies and represented a full range of morphological and environmental parameters. A diploid number of 2nl8 was found for all populations. For managers contemplating a bitterbrush seeding project, choice of seed source should be carefully considered. A relationship was observed between taller plants and frost-free growing season. Seed from these plants may produce seedlings unable to survive where frosts occur frequently. Since seed for re-establishment is generally collected from these taller, high seed-producing plants, past seeding failures may be related to selection of non-frost tolerant ecotypes. If local seed cannot be obtained, it was suggested that associated vegetation, soil type, and frost-free growing season of the seed source be matched as nearly as possible to the site selected for seeding. Data from this study indicated that a 15-20 minute thiourea treatment yielded a higher germination response than the five minute treatment generally suggested in the literature.
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