Climate adaption and post-fire restoration of a foundational perennial in cold desert: Insights from intraspecific variation in response to weather

Martha M. Brabec; Matthew J. Germino; Bryce A. Richardson

doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12679

Treesearch

Climate adaption and post-fire restoration of a foundational perennial in cold desert: Insights from intraspecific variation in response to weather

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Martha M. Brabec, Matthew J. Germino, Bryce A. Richardson

Year:

2017

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12679

Source:

Journal of Applied Ecology. 54: 293-302.

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Abstract

The loss of foundational but fire-intolerant perennials such as sagebrush due to increases in fire size and frequency in semi-arid regions has motivated efforts to restore them, often with mixed or even no success. Seeds of sagebrush Artemisia tridentata and related species must be moved considerable distances from seed source to planting sites, but such transfers have not been guided by an understanding of local climate adaptation. Initial seedling establishment and its response to weather are a key demographic bottleneck that likely varies among subspecies and populations of sagebrush.

Keywords

climate response, fire, freezing responses, restoration, Sagebrush, seed zones, seedling survival, semi-arid landscapes, water stress, weather

Citation

Brabec, Martha M.; Germino, Matthew J.; Richardson, Bryce A. 2017. Climate adaption and post-fire restoration of a foundational perennial in cold desert: Insights from intraspecific variation in response to weather. Journal of Applied Ecology. 54: 293-302.