Germination trials at The Berry Botanic Garden. 40% germination was obtained by direct placement in a 68F (20C) chamber. Alternating 50F/69F (10/20C) temperatures yielded 20% germination. When seeds were first cold stratified for 8 weeks, 20% germinated in the 68F (20C) chamber and none germinated in the alternating 50F/69F (10/20C) chamber (BBG File). Germination trials (Florance 1994).

Seeds collected from 4 locations stored at the Berry Botanic Garden.

Seeds collected from 4 locations stored at the Berry Botanic Garden.

Eriogonum crosbyae is known from eight occurrences in Lake and Harney Counties in Oregon and from sixty-one occurrences in Washoe County, Nevada. It is threatened by range improvement projects, off-road vehicle traffic, and mining.

Cattle grazing and rabbit herbivory. (Meinke 1982). Range improvement projects (Meinke 1982). Off-road vehicle traffic. (Meinke 1982). Mineral exploration and extraction (NNHP 2001). Private property development (NNHP 2001). Poor seed set and l

9 sites in Oregon. Two sites have two populations each, for a total of 11 populations. Population sizes range from 12 to 6,900-but many have not been surveyed since 1980. Most occurrences are on State land, a few on BLM (ONHPDB 2000). In Nevada, there are about 30 occurrences with a total of 160,000 individuals estimated. Most Nevada occurrences are on BLM land, a few on private (NNHP 2001b).

Germination trials at The Berry Botanic Garden. 40% germination was obtained by direct placement in a 68F (20C) chamber. Alternating 50F/69F (10/20C) temperatures yielded 20% germination. When seeds were first cold stratified for 8 weeks, 20% germinated in the 68F (20C) chamber and none germinated in the alternating 50F/69F (10/20C) chamber (BBG File). Germination trials (Florance 1994). Pollinators were observed and identified. Insect visitors appeared to be relatively faithful to Eriogonum crosbyae and were not observed visiting nearby closely-related species such as E. prociduum and E. ovalifolium (Kaye et al. 1990). Eriogonum crosbyae and E. prociduum were compared using 14 morphological characteristics. They are very similar morphologically. Five traits were consistent and useful in distinguishing the two species. Some traits varied between populations of the same species (Kaye et al. 1990). Genetic analysis utilizing isozymes to detect if Eriogonum crosbyae and E. prociduum have hybridized, to detect the amount of genetic diversity within and between populations of the same species, and to determine if such genetic analysis could be an effective method of distinguishing the two species. There was no evidence of hybridization, however, there were no alleles that were unique to any one species, so results were not definitive. Researchers found relatively high genetic diversity in E. crosbyae compared to other plant species (Kaye et al. 1990).

Seeds collected from 4 locations stored at the Berry Botanic Garden. Inventories conducted in 1989 throughout the known range in Oregon resulted in no new sites (Kaye et al. 1990). Species management guide drafted and finalized in 1989. Several sites on land designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) managed by the Bureau of Land Management (Surprise Valley BLM). Transplantation for mitigation and restoration project at a mine site where they would have otherwise been destroyed. Transplants were largely successful. Descriptive signage was installed to inform visitors. Plants were monitored from 1988 to 1993 (Surprise Valley BLM). Fencing and signage to prevent disturbance of habitat by vehicles and heavy mining equipment at a nearby mining pit (Surprise Valley BLM).

Research the reasons for low seed set. Pollination studies, embryo dissections, and genetic studies should be employed (Kaye et al. 1990). Conduct genetic studies to determine the mechanisms that give this species relatively high genetic diversity (Kaye et al. 1990). Preserve large populations rather than many small populations to preserve the inherent genetic diversity (Kay et al. 1990). Conduct long-term monitoring to detect long-term seed production trends and seedling recruitment over time (Kaye et al. 1990). Suggest emergency listing under the Endangered Species Act if mining operations directly threaten large numbers of plants (Kaye et al. 1990).

Collect and store seeds from across the range. Determine optimum germination requirements. Determine propagation and reintroduction protocols.