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Home → Publications → Forest Nursery Notes → 2008 Winter Forest Nursery Notes → 2008 Winter Forest Nursery Notes - New Nursery Literature → Identification and Characterization of Smooth Cordgrass For Coastal Wetland Restoration

Identification and Characterization of Smooth Cordgrass For Coastal Wetland Restoration

Ryan, A. B., Venuto, B. C., Subudhi, P. K., and Harrison, S. A. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 45:90-99. 2007.

Spartina alterniflora (Loisel.), smooth cordgrass, is a dominant perennial salt marshgrass native to tidal wetland plant communities along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. It is an important plant species for coastal reclamation and restoration efforts. It spreads quickly by rhizomes and tolerates a wide range of saline, anoxic, and sulfidic soils. However, because of poor seed production this species is propagated vegetatively for reclamation or restoration projects. Current practices reduce genetic diversity of the species by utilizing a single vegetatively propagated genotype. The objectives of this study were; 1) identify multiple genotypes of S. alterniflora for use in restoration efforts and 2) assess genetic variability of these genotypes at the molecular level. Identification of desirable plants was based on plant growth characteristics and reproductive traits. Growth characters were plant height, spread, rust reaction, and vigor. Reproductive traits were seed set, germination, kernel weight, seed weight, and total seed per plant.


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Author(s): Alicia B. Ryan, B. C. Venuto, P. K. Subudhi, S. A. Harrison, R. A. Shadow, X. Fang, M. Materne, H. Utomo

Section: Diverse Species