Conservation of a candidate species: Breeding system and seed bank dynamics of the endemic DeBeque phacelia (Phacelia submutica)

archived

This announcement is the full announcement. DeBeque phacelia (Phacelia submutica) is an annual plant known from only 104 acres of small sites scattered near DeBeque, Colorado. The species is restricted to unique clay soils on moderately steep slopes, benches, and ridge tops adjacent to valley floors. The species’ small geographic range, highly specific soil and germination requirements, annual nature, unknown pollinators, limited seed dispersal, fragmented habitat, prolonged seed dormancy, and potential seed bank depletion by prolonged drought make DeBeque phacelia vulnerable to modification of its habitat. Because the species is an annual plant, in some years the plant does not or barely emerges. Primary sources of modification are natural gas exploration and production with associated expansion of pipelines, roads and utilities, an energy corridor, increased access to the habitat by ORVs, and soil and seed disturbance by cattle. All of these factors make management of the species difficult. This study will help managers to better understand if and which pollinators are needed for reproduction, how long-lived the seed bank for the species is and cues that trigger germination, and to develop potential techniques for surveying for the species during years or times when the species cannot be seen above ground. The intent of the research is to provide managers with better guidance for managing the species.

High