Source: NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV submitted to
BREEDING, SELECTION, EVALUATION AND INTRODUCTION OF HARDY WOODY PLANTS FOR THE NORTHERN PLAINS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
MCINTIRE-STENNIS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0199826
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
ND06213
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2004
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2010
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Herman, D. E.
Recipient Organization
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV
(N/A)
FARGO,ND 58105
Performing Department
PLANT SCIENCES
Non Technical Summary
Climate and certain soil conditions present a challenge in growing landscape plants in the northern plains. Only a small % of genotypes may perform satisfactorily due to insufficient winter hardiness, pest susceptibility, lack of resistance to drought, desiccating winds and unfavorable soil conditions; e.g., alkaline (pH) and saline soils. Resistance to insect or disease attack should be a major consideration in woody plant improvement and planting decisions. There is a real need to breed, evaluate and introduce adapted woody plants for this region to avoid monoculture disasters in the future.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
45%
Developmental
45%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1242110106010%
1242110107010%
1242110108050%
1242160108010%
1242199107010%
1252110108010%
Knowledge Area
125 - Agroforestry; 124 - Urban Forestry;

Subject Of Investigation
2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs; 2160 - Arboreta and botanical gardens; 2199 - Ornamentals and turf, general/other;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 1080 - Genetics; 1060 - Biology (whole systems);
Goals / Objectives
1. Identify sources of native, introduced and foreign woody plant germplasm with potentially desirable traits for breeding and/or selection purposes. 2. Evaluate accessions of new or untested species, cultivars and seed sources for a) ease of establishment, winter and drought hardiness, soil adaptation, pest susceptibility and aesthetic characteristics, and b) select superior woody plant clones. 3. Establish practical means of propagating selected clones and other plants that are not available in the nursery trade. 4. Introduce superior cultivars adapted for the northern plains and disseminate research information to scientific, commercial and public sectors.
Project Methods
Sources of potentially valuable germplasm will be obtained for evaluation and/or breeding by selecting plant material from regional collection trips and direct contacts with researchers and plantsmen from regional to international levels, including universities, botanic gardens and arboreta. Judicious efforts will be made to obtain germplasm from the northern extremity of the native ranges of species to assure adequate hardiness in USDA Zone 3-4. Collaboration will continue with the North Dakota Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service-Plant Materials Centers, North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station and nursery firms. Opportunity exists to make superior seed and/or clonal selections of sugar maple, hybrid freeman maple, oaks, American hornbeam, pagoda dogwood and other species nearby in western Minnesota. Numerous selections have been made and are at various stages of evaluation for winterhardiness, aesthetic landscape features, pests, drought tolerance and iron chlorosis susceptibility. A statewide evaluation program will include cooperation with four NDSU research extension centers (10-year test) and three urban forestry sites (five-year test) to enhance our ability to determine adaptation and assess needs throughout the state. Plot configuration will be a randomized complete block design to provide statistically analyzable data. Research will be conducted to establish successful and practical means of vegetatively propagating woody plants when such information is needed to meet project goals. This will include collaboration with Dr. Dai who has expertise in tissue culture and genetic engineering. Selections with outstanding qualities for the northern plains will be increased, named, and released. Introductions will be trade-marked and/or patented in collaboration with the NDSU Research Foundation.

Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The ultimate goal of this project was to introduce new hardy and superior ornamental woody plants for Northern Plains landscapes. This was accomplished through an extensive selection and evaluation research program utilizing domestic and foreign germplasm, seedling populations, and natural selection methodologies. Collaboration extended to the NC-7 program (North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station), Ames, Iowa; wholesale nursery firms (e.g., J. Frank Schmidt & Sons Co., Boring, OR; Bailey Nurseries, Inc., St. Paul, MN; Lincoln-Oakes Nurseries, Bismarck, ND; the NDSU Research Foundation and others. Over the past six-year period, 19 new introductions have been released for commercial nursery production. These include 11 deciduous trees, four deciduous shrubs, one coniferous tree, two coniferous shrub/groundcovers, and one deciduous vine. This results in a total of 45 woody plant introductions since 1986. In addition, at least six new introductions will be released in 2011. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: See Outcomes/Impacts. Annual evaluation reports are submitted to North Central Plant Introd. Stat. (NC-7) and J. Frank Schmidt & Sons Co. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
As reported in previous CRIS reports (2008-09), nine new woody plants were introduced. In 2010, progress was made toward introducing six additional plant selections in 2011. These include Acer saccharum ssp. grandidentatum (NDSU Sel. 90210); Acer pseudosieboldianum (Morgenson - NDSU Sel. 91111); Pseudotsuga menziesii var glauca (NDSU Sel. 89201); Rosa hybrid (NDSU Sel. 78474); Ostrya virginiana (NDSU Sel. 08134), and Acer triflorum (NDSU Sel. 95114). In addition, several other selections offer potential for future release. In the Northern Plains, the palette of adapted and hardy woody plant species has been exceedingly limited. This resulted in the overplanting of a few species, such as American Elm and green ash, to the point that near monocultures were produced. With the advent of Dutch elm disease, which decimated elm populations, and the eminent threat of Emerald Ash Borer to our ash populations, losses could become catastrophic. Other pest problems now threaten additional woody plant species as well. This information serves to illustrate the importance of woody plant improvement research to provide a greater diversity of hardy, adapted woody plants for this region. This project has contributed very successfully in reaching toward this goal. NDSU evaluation recommendations are making a significant impact on the nursery industry and public clientele who propagate, grow and utilize landscape plants in the Midwest and Northern Plains. With the introduction of 45 superior, USDA Zone 3-4 woody plants from this research project, the inventory of hardy plants for production, sale and utilization in the nursery industry has been markedly enhanced. NDSU's successful woody plant improvement program is recognized in North Dakota, the Northern Plains states/provinces, the Midwest, and nationally. International interest is developing. Clientele benefiting from this research include: landscape architects/designers, developers, city arborists, foresters, horticulturists, parks and sports managers, conservationists and all public consumers. NDSU woody plant introductions are currently being propagated for retail nursery sales by commercial wholesale firms in 14 states, including 35 nurseries. Leading states are Oregon and Minnesota, with 12 and 6 nurseries, respectively. Foreign countries include Canada (10 nurseries in 4 provinces), and 1 each in England, Australia and Holland. New nurseries are inquiring and added annually.

Publications

  • Herman, D.E. 2011. Small Pear and Cherry/Plum Tree Cultivars in Northern Plains Landscapes. The 2011 Prairie Garden - Western Canada's Gardening Annual, 72nd Edition, Kromar Printing Ltd., pp. 152-156.
  • Herman, D.E. 2010. New Plants for 2011 (published descriptions of Alnus hirsuta 'Harbin'- Prairie Horizon(R) Manchurian Alder; Pinus cembra 'Herman' - Prairie Statesman(R) Swiss Stone Pine; Salix pentandra 'Silver Lake' - Prairie Reflection (R) Laurel Willow and Ulnus americana 'Lewis & Clark' - Prairie Expedition (R) American Elm). American Nurseryman, 210(11):In press.
  • Herman, D.E. 2010. Featured Tree Series - Northern Acclaim (R) Thornless Honey-locust - Gleditsia triancanthas var inermis 'Harve'. Arborescence, Summer 2010 (Official Publication of the Minnesota Soc. of Arboriculture), pp. 10-11.
  • Herman, D.E. 2011. Featured Tree Series - Prairie Statesman (R) Swiss Stone Pine - Pinus cembra 'Herman'. Arborescence, Winter 2011 (Official Publication of the Minnesota Soc. of Arboriculture), pp. 10-11.
  • Herman, D.E. 2010. Observations on Woody Plant Autumn Coloration Following a Severe Freeze in Mid-October 2009. The Meristem, 43(2):9.
  • Herman, D.E. 2010. Featured Tree Series - Prairie Radiance (R) Winterberry Euonymus - Euonymus bungeanus 'Verona'. Arborescence, Spring, 2010 (Official Publication of the Minnesota Soc. of Arboriculture), pp. 10-11.


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research is conducted at the 40 acre NDSU Research Arboretum, Horticulture Farm, Absaraka, ND and at 4 NDSU research/extension Centers (Langdon, Minot, Carrington and Dickinson) and in collaboration with 3 urban forestry departments (Fargo, Bismarck and Dickinson, currently). Major emphasis is selection, evaluation and introduction of superior, adapted stress-tolerant woody plants for commercial production and landscape planting. A broad range of woody plant germplasm, including new regional cultivar releases, are also evaluated to permit valid recommendations to be made with the goal of diversifying tree and shrub plantings in the northern Great Plains. Outputs include teaching two extensive woody plant identification and utilization courses at NDSU, which includes field trips to the NDSU Research Arboretum. Field trips were conducted for a Univ. of MN-Crookston class and also the Plant Sci. 727-Crop Breeding Techniques class. Horticultural contests were conducted for over 250 ND/MN FFA students. Ten invited speaker presentations were given at conferences, expos and other meetings. Research information outputs also include presentations at 4 nursery/Master Gardener tours, 1 4-H Club tour, 2 field days, 1 workshop, 2 Tree City-USA tours, 1 Home and Garden Show, and numerous committee and poster/handout presentations. Media presentations included 3 TV, 2 radio and 1 newspaper article. One, 5 and 10-year reports are submitted annually in the NC-7 Regional Project and annual evaluation reports on 10-15 years of trial plants received from J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. Information is disseminated throughout the year to various levels of clientele, including the commercial nursery industry. PARTICIPANTS: Herman, D. E., Lead Investigator; Chaput, L.J., Research Specialist; NDSU Research/Extension Centers at Minot, Dickinson, Langdon, and Carrington; Urban Forestry Departments in Dickinson, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Fargo, ND; North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, USDA-ARS, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; wholesale nursery producers, e.g., J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Boring, OR, Bailey Nurseries, Inc., St. Paul, MN, and others. TARGET AUDIENCES: Landscape architects/designers, developers, city arborists, foresters, horticulturists, parks and sports managers, conservationists and all public consumers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Six superior USDA Zone 3 woody landscape cultivars were named and introduced in 2008 and reported in CRIS 2007-08 report. Three new 2009 introductions were released. Juniperus sabina 'Greenscape'- Green Waves (TM) Savin Juniper is a select, sun-loving 2 1/3 foot spreader/ground cover with year-round green foliage, tinged gray-blue. It is well adapted and vigorous, with semi-arching branches, creating a wavy sea of green, hence its name. It is superior to 'Monna'-Calgary Carpet(R) in winter color. Cercis canadensis 'Pink Trim'-Northern Herald(TM) Eastern Redbud is winter hardy into USDA Zone 3, and may extend the range of this small tree approximately 200 miles further north. This selection has above-average foliar and pink floral attributes. Platanus occidentalis 'Bismarck'-Northern Advance(TM) American Planetree is a seedling selected for superior winter hardiness in USDA Zone 3, extending the range another 100-200 miles further north, hence its trademark name. Its foliar and bark features are similar to the species. All three introductions offer additional choices to diversity northern landscapes. Six superior and/or winter hardier woody plant selections are in final stage of evaluation for naming and introduction in 2010. A 5-year evaluation of 20 Magnolia accessions suggest M. acuminata and M. x loebneri 'Merrill' may prove to be sufficiently winter hardy for planting in ND. Fourteen NDSU woody plant introductions were granted Canadian trademark registrations and 6 U.S. trademark registrations in 2009. Between 2008-09, 9 NDSU introductions became available from wholesale nursery producers for the first time, and propagation material of 16 recent introductions was distributed to commercial wholesale nurseries. Two populations of Eastern Redbud were field-planted for selection of potential hardier seedlings. A vine evaluation trial was initiated, including 9 accessions. New accessions obtained for trial totaled 104. Evaluations continue at 4 research/extension centers and 3 urban forestry sites across ND, as well as the 40 acre NDSU Research Arboretum. NDSU evaluation recommendations are making a significant impact on the nursery industry and public clientele who propagate, grow and utilize landscape plants in the Midwest and northern Great Plains. With the introduction of 45 superior, USDA Zone 3 woody plants from this research project, the inventory of hardy plants for production, sale and utilization in the nursery industry has been markedly enhanced. NDSU's successful woody plant improvement program is recognized in North Dakota, the northern Great Plains states/provinces, the Midwest, and nationally. International interest is developing. NDSU woody plant introductions are currently being propagated for nursery sales by commercial wholesale firms in 16 states, including 40 nurseries. Leading states are Oregon and Minnesota, with 14 and 6 nurseries, respectively. Foreign countries include Canada (10 nurseries in 4 provinces), 2 in England, and 1 each in Australia and Holland. New nurseries are added annually.

Publications

  • Herman, D.E. 2009. Small Pear (Pyrus) and Cherry/Plum (Prunus) tree cultivars hold promise for adaptation in Northern Plains Landscapes. Tree Talk 3(2):xx-xx. http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aginfo/trees/whatnew/tree-talk-Aug._2009_2. (in press)
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. New Plants for 2010 (published descriptions of Acer saccharum 'Sisseton' - Northern Flare(TM), Betula nigra 'Dickinson' - Northern Tribute(TM) and Quercus x bimundorum 'Midwest' - Prairie Stature(TM). American Nurseryman 209(12):14-20 and 60-61.
  • Herman, D.E. 2008. Small Prunus Show Promise for Northern Plains Landscapes. NM PRO: Nursery Management and Production 24(7):77-78.
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. Featured Tree Series - Prairie Gem(R) Flowering Pear - Pyrus ussuriensis 'MorDak'. Arborescence, Fall 2009 (official publication of the Minnesota Soc. of Arboriculture, pp. 10-11.)
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. The Top Five Shrubs. The 2009 Prairie Garden, Western Canada's Gardening Annual, Kromar Printing Ltd., p. 71.
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. Tree Cultivars Hold Promise for Adaptation in Northern Plains Landscapes. Part I. North Dakota State Horticultural Soc. Newsl. Jan-Mar. 19(1):45 and Part II Apr.-June 19(2):4-5.
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. "High Plains Horticulture: A History" by John F. Freeman (Boulder: Univ-Press of Colorado, 270 pp, Mar. 16, 2009). Great Plains Research, A Jour. of Natural Social Sciences 19(2):254.
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. Stress and Pest Tolerant Birch Cultivars for Northern Landscapes. Arborescence, Spring 2009 (Official publication of the Minnesota Soc. of Arboriculture, pp. 10-11.)
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. Featured Tree Series - Copper Curls(R)Pekin Lilac - Syringa pekinensis 'SunDak' (PP#16,570). Arborescence, Winter 2009 (official publication of the Minnesota Soc. of Arboriculture, pp. xxx. (in press).
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. Tree Cultivars Hold Promise for Northern Plains Landscapes - Part II. North Dakota State Hort. Soc. Newsl. 19(2):4-5.
  • Herman, D.E. 2009. Small Pear (Pyrus) and Cherry/Plum (Prunus) Tree Cultivars Hold Promise for Adaptation in Northern Plains Landscapes. Landscape Plant News 20(2):8-11.


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: U.S. trademark registration applications were filed for 6 new introductions. Three applications for Canadian trademark registration were granted, and 14 others are pending. Investigation of collaborative efforts to market NDSU introductions in European countries with Bailey Nurseries, Inc., St. Paul, MN are underway. A potentially hardier seed accession population of Redbud will be field planted in 2009. Evaluation reports were submitted to wholesale nursery collaborators on over 120 accessions. One, 5- and 10-year NC-7 reports were submitted. A grant was received to purchase a computerized engraver labelling system for the NDSU Research Arboretum. Evaluation at 7 research/extension center/urban forestry sites across ND continued. New accessions obtained for trial totaled 145. Results were presented as invited speaker at 11 professional meetings in ND, MN and Manitoba, Canada; 26 professional service meetings in four states; 3 public Field Days; 8 class field trips at NDSU and U. of MN Arboreta; plus 7 radio, TV, newspaper programs/articles. PARTICIPANTS: Herman, D.E., Lead Investigator; Chaput, L.J., Research Specialist; NDSU Research/Extension Centers at Minot, Dickinson, Langdon, and Carrington; Urban Forestry Departments in Dickinson, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Fargo, ND; North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, USDA-ARS, Iowa State University, Ames, IA; Wholesale nursery producers, e.g., J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Boring, OR, Bailey Nurseries, Inc., St. Paul, MN, and others. TARGET AUDIENCES: Landscape architects/designers, developers, city arborists, foresters, horticulturists, parks and sports management, conservationists and all public consumers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None.

Impacts
Six superior winterhardy USDA Zone 3 woody landscape plants were named and introduced. Northern Flare(TM) Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Sisseton') is a selection superior in adaptation to the Northern Plains, densely ovate-erect in form, with showy orange-red autumn color. Fireworks(TM) Amur Maple (A. tataricum ssp. ginnala 'Superglobe') is an outstanding, very dense mound to globe-shaped selection, self-facing to ground level with brilliant red autumn color and reddish schizocarps. Northland(TM) Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Brandon') is a hardier selection for northern Great Plains landscapes. Northern Debut(TM) Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata 'Steele') is a northern-adapted selection with dense ovate form, becoming informal, round-spreading with age. Two cultivars are being jointly introduced with Greg Morgenson, manager of Lincoln-Oakes Nurseries, Bismarck, ND. Emerald Charm (TM) Cherry (Prunus x 'Morgenson') is a P. fruticosa (Mongolian Cherry) hybrid with tree stature. It has shiny, emerald-green foliage, white flowers, and is sterile. Prairie Pioneer(TM) Dwarf Chinkapin Oak (Quercus prinoides 'Fort Lincoln') is a small-statured oak with holly-like lustrous-leaves for residential landscapes. Grafting the latter two introductions onto non-suckering rootstocks will alleviate suckering. Research is in the final stages for naming and introduction of 8 superior woody plants in 2009. These include winter hardier selections for Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer saccharum ssp. grandidentatum-NDSU sel. 90210), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis Morgenson-NDSU sel. 0092), Korean Maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum Morgenson-NDSU sel. 91111), Hybrid Tea Rose-Rosa x (NDSU sel. 74381) and American Planetree (Platanus occidentalis-NDSU sel. 84278). Other promising selections include Amrican Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana-NDSU sel. 08134), Savin Juiper (Juniperus sabina-NDSU sel. 71400), and Rocky Mountain Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca-NDSU sel. 89201). Evaluation recommendations for woody plants are making a significant impact on the nursery industry and public clientele who propagate, grow and utilize landscape plants in the Midwest and northern Great Plains. With the introduction of 42 superior, USDA Zone 3-4 woody plants from this research project, the inventory of hardy plants for production, sale, and utilization in the nursery industry has been markedly enhanced. NDSU's successful woody plant improvement program is recognized in North Dakota, the northern Great Plains states/provinces, the Midwest, and nationally. International interest is developing.

Publications

  • Herman, D.E. 2008. Small pyrus promising for Northern Plains landscapes. NM PRO: Nursery Management and Production 24(6):81-83.
  • Herman, D.E. 2008. Small prunis show promise for Northern Plains landscapes. NM PRO: Nursery Management and Production 24(7):77-78.
  • Herman, D.E. 2007. New shade trees adapted to the rigors of the Northern Plains, NM PRO: Nursery Management and Production 23(11):12-13 and 71-73.


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
Ten superior winterhardy USDA Zone 3 woody landscape plants were named and introduced. Royal Splendor(TM) Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Noel') is a seedling selection with a narrower, upsweeping branch angle, bright emerald-green needles, and very dense form. After 26 years, it is devoid of undesirable drooping, pendulous tertiary branchlets which typify this species. Prairie Sun(TM) Honeysuckle (Lonicera x 'Denseglobe') is a L. tatarica hybrid with dense, 7-9' rounded form. Foliage is clean, bright green and blue tinged. Prairie Moon(TM)Honeysuckle (L. x 'Densemound') is a L. korolkowii hybrid with very dense, 7-9' mound-like form superior to the species and cv. Freedom. Foliage is distinctly bluish. Prairie Star(TM) Honeysuckle (L. x 'Denserect') is a L. tatarica hybrid with dense, oval, 10-12' upright form. Foliage is bright-green, tinged gray-blue. These honeysuckles are resistant to Russian aphid witches brooming and of particular value for conservation plantings. Northern Flare(TM) Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum 'Sisseton'') is a selection superior in adaptation to the Northern Plains, densely ovate-erect in form, with showy orange-red autumn color. Fireworks(TM) Amur Maple (A. tataricum ssp. ginnala 'Superglobe') is an outstanding very dense mound to globe-shaped selection, self-facing to ground level and with brilliant red autumn color and reddish schizocarps. Northland(TM) Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Brandon') is a hardier selection for Northern Plains landscapes. Northern Debut(TM) Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata 'Steele') is a northern, adapted selection with dense ovate form, becoming informal, round-spreading with age. Two cultivars are being jointly introduced with Greg Morgenson, manager of Lincoln-Oakes Nurseries, Bismarck, ND. Emerald Charm TM) Cherry (Prunus x 'Morgenson') is a P. fruticosa (Mongolian Cherry) hybrid with tree stature. It has shiny, emerald-green foliage, white flowers, and is sterile. Prairie Pioneer(TM) Dwarf Chinkapin Oak (Quercus prinoides 'Fort Lincoln') is a small oak selection with holly-like lustrous-leaves for residential landscapes. Grafting the latter two introductions onto non-suckering rootstocks will alleviate suckering. In collaboration with the NDSU-Research Foundation (RF), applications were submitted May, 2007 and registration approved for 17 cultivars with the Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation. Submitted applications (17) for Canadian Trademark registration are pending. U.S. Trademark registration applications were submitted for four new introductions. The NDSU-RF licensed numerous nurseries to commercially propagate NDSU introductions. Several pending introductions remain under evaluation, including hardier Cercis canadensis and Acer pseudosieboldianum selections. New regional introductions of woody plants under evaluation hold great promise for adaptation in the Northern Plains. One, 5 and 10 year NC-7 reports were submitted. Evaluation requests were submitted to wholesale nursery collaborators on over 180 accessions. Evaluations at 7 cooperative NDSU Research-Extension Center/Urban Forestry sites across ND continued. New accessions obtained for trial totaled 132.

Impacts
Evaluation recommendations for woody plants are making a significant impact on the nursery industry and public clientele who propagate, grow and utilize landscape plants in the Midwest and Northern Plains. With the introduction of over 40 superior, USDA Zone 3-4 woody plants (including 12 in 2006-07) from this research project, the inventory of hardy plants for production and sale in the nursery industry and use by landscape architects/designers, developers, city arborists, foresters, horticulturists, parks and sports facilities, conservationists, and public consumers has been markedly enhanced. NDSU's successful woody plant improvement program is recognized in North Dakota, the Northern Plains states/provinces, the Midwest, and nationally. International interest is developing. Results were presented as invited speaker at 11 professional meetings (10 in ND, MN and one in Manitoba, Canada), ten professional service meetings in four states and Canada, and 3 public Field Days and 5 class field trips at NDSU Research Arboretum.

Publications

  • Herman, D.E. 2007. Four genera that provide beauty to the rugged Northern Plains. Nursery Management and Production 23(6):10,73-74.
  • Herman, D.E. 2007. New shade trees are adapted to the rigors of the Northern Plains. Nursery Management and Production 23(11):12-13 and 71-73.
  • Redlin, S.C., D.E. Herman and L.J. Chaput. 2007. Syringa pekinensis 'SunDak' (Copper Curls (Reg.): A widely adapted tree lilac. HortSci. 42(1):170-171.


Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
Two superior winterhardy woody plants were named and introduced. Spring Welcome(TM) Magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri 'Ruth') is a seedling selection with proven winter hardiness in USDA zone 3 for 17 years. Foliage is dark green, narrowly obovate, leathery and of high quality. Plants are densely ovate in form and may be grown single or multi-trunked. Flowers are pink in bud, open to clear white with 11-13 tepals, 7.6-11.4 cm. in diameter. This introduction could extend the range for planting magnolias 240-320 kms. further north in the upper midwest. Northern Tribute(TM) River Birch (Betula nigra 'Dickinson') is a seedling selection from a 40-year old large tree growing in Dickinson, ND. Compared to various seed sources of this species, this selection performs well in rather compacted, dry and alkaline soil conditions in USDA zone 3. Bark is ivory colored with contrasting coppery-bronzy exfoliating layers, becoming more uniformly tannish-brown with age. This selection exhibits superior adaptation to environmental stress in the Northern Plains. Commercial nursery production of these introductions has begun as well as production of two releases in 2005, Prairie Spirit(TM) Juniper and Prairie Stature(TM) Hybrid Oak. A U.S. plant patent was issued for Syringa pekinensis 'SunDak' and U.S. Trademark Registrations were granted for Copper Curls(R) Pekin Lilac, Prairie Expedition(R) American Elm and Prairie Reflection(R) Laurel Willow. The NDSU Research Foundation licensed numerous nurseries to commercially propagate NDSU woody plant introductions. Field evaluations of a hardier Eastern Redbud selection, plus five other woody selections, were begun at six N.D. research sites. Several hybrid honeysuckle selections resistant to Russian aphid are in the process of introduction. Our entire Birch, Magnolia and Maple collections were inventoried. New Sargent Cherry, Callery Pear and elm cultivars are promising in hardiness. One, 5 and 10-year NC-7 reports were submitted and 5 new accessions planted. Evaluation reports were submitted to nursery collaborators on over 175 cultivars. New accessions obtained for trial totaled 186. U.S. Patent Granted: Herman, D. E., S. C. Redlin and L. J. Chaput. May 23, 2006. Syringa pekinensis 'SunDak'. Plant Patent 16,570. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U. S. Trademarks Granted: Herman, D. E., S. C. Redlin and L. J. Chaput. June 30, 2006. Copper Curls(R) Pekin Lilac. Reg. No. 3,105,783. U. S. Patent and Trademark Office. Herman, D. E., T. K. Capps and L. J. Chaput. June 13, 2006. Prairie Expedition(R) American Elm. Reg. No. 3,102,844. U. S. Patent and Trademark Office. Herman, D. E., and L. J. Chaput. June 20, 2006. Prairie Reflection(R) Laurel Willow. Reg. No. 3,105,782. U. S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Impacts
Evaluation recommendations for woody plants are making a significant impact on a large clientele who use landscape plants in the Northern Plains. With the introduction of 32 superior plants from this project, the inventory of hardy plants for production and sale in the nursery industry and use by landscape architects/designers, developers, city arborists, foresters, horticulturists, parks and sports facilities, conservationists, and public consumers has been markedly increased. NDSU's woody plant improvement program is recognized in North Dakota, the Northern Plains states/provinces, the Midwest, and nationally.

Publications

  • Herman, D. E. and V. C. Quam. 2006. Trees and Shrubs for Northern Great Plains Landscapes. NDSU Extension Service, 272 pp.
  • Herman, D. E. 2006. Elm planting revived. Tree Talk 2(4): 11-13.
  • Herman, D. E. 2005. Identification features of four ash (Fraxinus) species planted in the Northern Plains. Tree News 10(2):6.
  • Herman, D. E. 2006. Crabapples from our trials excel in the frigid Northern Plains. Nursery Management and Production 22(6):12-13, 94-97.
  • Herman, D. E. and L. C. Chaput. 2006. Flowering crabapple cultivar evaluation recommendations. The Meristem 39(3):8-12.


Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
Four superior winterhardy woody plants were named and introduced. Prairie Expedition(TM) American Elm-Ulmus americana 'Lewis & Clark' is a rapid growing, umbrella-crowned clone with apparent high resistance to Dutch elm disease. Prairie Spirit(TM) Juniper-Juniperus x 'Bison' is a joint NDSU-University of NB-Lincoln introduction. Its striking mature foliage is brilliant green contrasting with gray-blue juvenile growth, creating a bicolor effect. Plants grow 1 to 1 3/4 feet in height, densely spreading in form. Silvery-blue, berrylike cones contrast with the foliage. Prairie Refection(TM) Laurel Willow-Salix pentandra 'Silver Lake' has high survival rate throughout ND, improved adaptation in alkaline pH soils, a dense, rounded form and dark green, highly glossy foliage. Prairie Stature(TM) Oak - Quercus x bimundorum 'Midwest' is being introduced by NDSU in collaboration with the USDA-ARS, North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. This hybrid oak has quality emerald-green, semi-glossy, leathery foliage, red autumn color, retention of tannish leaves into winter, and a fairly pyramidal growth habit. Commercial wholesale nursery production has begun with the willow and elm cultivars and production of the other two introductions is anticipated in 2006. US trademark registrations were granted for Prairie Dream(R) Paper Birch, Prairie Vision(R) Asian White Birch, Prairie Torch(R) Hybrid Buckeye, Prairie Horizon(R)Manchurian Alder, Northern Acclaim(R)Thornless Honey-locust and Prairie Statesman(R) Swiss Stone Pine. Plant patents were issued for Betula papyrifera 'Varen' and B. platyphylla 'VerDale'. A patent application was filed for Syringa pekinensis 'SunDak'. The NDSU Research Foundation licensed additional nurseries to commercially propagate and distribute NDSU woody plant introductions. Field evaluations of a hardier Cercis canadensis-Eastern Redbud selection are planned. Our entire Birch and Elm collections in the NDSU Research Arboretum were evaluated. Based upon hardiness evaluation and exceptional fall color, Pyrus faurei 'Westwood'-Korean Sun(TM) Flowering Pear will now be recommended for landscape planting in ND. Two superior selections show promise for release, including a Magnolia x loebneri seedling and a Betula nigra seedling. Fifteen of the hardiest Magnolia spp./cvs. were planted for evaluation. Six new tree accessions were planted in the all-state cooperative evaluation program, and many new woody plants in the NDSU Research Arboretum. One, 5, and 10-year NC-7 project reports were submitted and nine new accessions planted at two sites. Evaluation reports were submitted to nursery collaborators on 168 cultivars. New accessions obtained for trial totaled 260.

Impacts
Evaluation recommendations for woody plants are making a significant impact on a large clientele who use landscape plants in the Northern Plains. With the introduction of 30 superior plants from this project, the inventory of hardy plants for production and sale in the nursery industry and use by landscape architects/designers, developers, city arborists, foresters, horticulturists, parks and sports facilities, conservationists, and public consumers has been markedly increased. NDSU's woody plant improvement program is recognized in North Dakota, the Northern Plains states/provinces, the Midwest, and nationally.

Publications

  • Herman, D.E. and L. J. Chaput. 2004. Blueberry Delight(R) and Copper Delight(TM) Junipers. NDSU Woody Plant Introductions-Part IV. South Dakota State Horticultural Soc. Newl. 4(3):4.
  • Herman, D.E. and L. J. Chaput. 2004. Prairie Gem(R) Flowering Pear-Pyrus ussuriensis 'MorDak'. NDSU Woody Landscape Introductions-Part III. South Dakota State Horticultural Soc. Newl. 4(2):2.
  • Herman, D.E. and L. J. Chaput. 2004. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) Cultivars. NDSU Woody Landscape Introductions-Part II. South Dakota State Horticultural Soc. Newl. 4(1):3.
  • Dai, W., V. Jacques, D. Herman, and Z-M. Cheng. 2005. Micropropagation of a cold hardy selection of Cercis canadensis L. through single-node culture. Jour. of Environmental Hort. 23(1):54-58.
  • Herman, D.E., and V.C. Quam. 2004. Trees and shrubs for northern plains landscapes. NDSU Extension Service (book). In press.
  • Herman, D.E., L. J. Chaput, and D. Dai. 2004. Most recent NDSU introductions: 1998-present. North Dakota State Horticultural Soc. Newsl. 13:(3):1 and 13(4):3 and 7.
  • Herman, D. E. 2005. Bur Oak: A rugged, neglected tree for the Northern Plains. Tree Talk 1(1):11-13. http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/trees/whatnew/tree-talk-April2005 -2.pdf
  • Herman, D.E. and L. Chaput. 2005. NDSU Horticulture - Choice woody plant introductions adapted for the Northern Plains. NDSU Res. Foundation brochure, 7pp.
  • Herman, D. E. and L. J. Chaput. 2005. http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/research-foundation/ ,or go to link tech_avail.html#Plant_Sci (Descriptions and pictures of all NDSU woody plant introductions have been placed on the internet under the following: NDSU Research Foundation, Technologies Available For Licensing, Plant Sciences.)
  • Herman, D.E., L. J. Chaput, Z-M Cheng and W. Dai. May 17, 2005. Betula papyrifera 'Varen', PP#15,768, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Herman, D.E., L. J. Chaput, Z-M Cheng, W. Dai and V.A. Magnusson. Sept. 6, 2005. Betula platyphylla 'VerDale', PP#15,944, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Herman, D. E., L. J. Chaput, Z-M Cheng and W. Dai. July 13, 2005. Prairie Dream(R) Paper Birch. Reg. No. 2,863,489. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Herman, D.E., L. J. Chaput, W. Dai, V.A. Magnusson and Z-M Cheng. April 5, 2005. Prairie Vision (R) Asian White Birch. Reg. No. 2,937,550. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Herman, D.E., L. J. Chaput and Bergeson Nursery. June 29, 2004. Prairie Torch(R) Hybrid Buckeye. Reg. No. 2,858,671. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Herman, D. E. and L. J. Chaput. June 29, 2004. Prairie Horizon(R)Manchurian Alder.. Reg. No. 2,858,672. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Herman, D. E. and L. J. Chaput. Feb. 1, 2005. Northern Acclaim(R) Thornless Honey-locust. Reg. No. 2,922,395. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Herman, D. E. and L. J. Chaput. Mar. 29, 2005. Prairie Statesman(R) Swiss Stone Pine. Reg. No. 2,935,955. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.