Variation in reproductive photosynthetic compensation of distinct germplasm varieties of a native rangeland grass, Pseudoroegneria spicata, following floral defoliation

Plant restoration in semi-arid rangelands requires species to survive stressors like drought and herbivory, while also provisioning viable seed. Here, we show that two germplasms (Columbia, Anatone) of bluebunch wheatgrass can have different reproductive responses to seedhead defoliation. Columbia, bred for spike production, had lower reproductive physiological outcomes than Anatone.