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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Contributions Of Seed Bank And Vegetative Propagules To Vegetation Composition On Prairie Dog Colonies In Western South Dakota, Emily R. Helms
Contributions Of Seed Bank And Vegetative Propagules To Vegetation Composition On Prairie Dog Colonies In Western South Dakota, Emily R. Helms
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
Characterizing the contributions of the seed bank and vegetative propagules will enhance our understanding of community resiliency associated with prairie dog disturbances. Our objective was to determine the effects of ecological condition (EC) and distance from burrows on the soil seed bank and vegetative propagules. Based on species composition of the extant vegetation, two prairie dog colonies were selected on the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in western South Dakota. Within each colony, two prairie dog burrows were randomly selected at each of three sample points located about 150m apart. Two soil cores were taken at 0.5m, 1.0m, and 1.5m distances …
Seedling Root Morphology Of Six Alfalfa Populations, Brianna J. Gaughan
Seedling Root Morphology Of Six Alfalfa Populations, Brianna J. Gaughan
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
Seedling root morphology plays a crucial role in seedling survival and stand establishment. Naturalized yellow-flowered alfalfa (YFA) (Medicago sativa subsp. falcata) has demonstrated adaptation to semiarid conditions of the Northern Great Plains and tolerance to grazing. Seedling stage root morphology is poorly defined. Our objective was to compare morphological traits of seedling roots for six alfalfa populations. Six entries were evaluated: one M. sativa population as a control, two M. falcata entries, with reported “spreading characteristics” and three naturalized YFA populations. Uniform seeds of each entry were scarified with 320 grade sand paper and inoculated with rhizobium before planting. A …
Prevalence And Behavior Of Blastobasis Repartella (Dietz) In Switchgrass, Krista Hegge
Prevalence And Behavior Of Blastobasis Repartella (Dietz) In Switchgrass, Krista Hegge
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is growing in recognition as a potential source for biomass. In order to use switchgrass optimally as a crop for biofuel production potential pests need to be detected and studied. Currently, one pest being studied is the stem-boring larva of the moth Blastobasis repartella. The objective of this experiment was to compare effects of larval feeding on rhizome buds for two cultivars of switchgrass, and to observe and document feeding behavior of the larva. The two cultivars of switchgrass used were Pathfinder (PTH), a lowland variety, and Sunburst (SBS), an upland variety. Six, 15-cm2 samples of rhizome …
The Journal Of Undergraduate Research: Volume 10
The Journal Of Undergraduate Research: Volume 10
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
This is the complete issue of the South Dakota State University Journal of Undergraduate Research, Volume 10.
Shoot Morphology Of Eleven Alfalfa Populations, Jessica A. Schmuck
Shoot Morphology Of Eleven Alfalfa Populations, Jessica A. Schmuck
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major component of feed for dairy and beef cattle and one of the most productive forage species in North America. Alfalfa has been planted on millions of acres. More than 100 varieties have been developed in North America over the past 100 years. However, historically, alfalfa persistence under grazing in semiarid rangeland has generally been poor. Recently, it was discovered that naturally-selected populations of predominantly yellow-flowered alfalfa have been proven to be adapted to rangelands of western South Dakota and adjacent areas. A study was initiated in May 2006 to evaluate persistence and vigor …