Evaluation location: Washington, United States
Genetic variation for potentially adaptive traits of Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl) was assessed over the intermountain western United States in relation to source population climate. Common gardens were established at two sites with progeny from two maternal parents from each of 130 wild populations collected in 2007. Data were collected over 2 years at each site on fifteen plant traits associated with production, phenology, and morphology. Analyses of variance revealed strong population differences for all plant traits (P<0.0001), indicating genetic variation. The association of genetic variation with source climates in the intermountain west suggested climate driven natural selection and evolution. Twelve seed transfer zones were proposed to enhance adaptation and diversity for large-scale restoration projects.