Initial germination trials at the Berry Botanic Garden indicated a preference for alternating temperatures. Seeds were subjected to four treatments: Either direct placement into 68F (20C) or alternating 50/68F (10/20C) or 8 weeks of cold stratification followed by 68F (20C) or 50/68F (10/20C). Treatments placed in alternating 50/68F showed 40% germination while both treatments placed in 68F showed 20% germination. Cold stratification had no effect. These results are not conclusive as seed numbers were low (BBG File).

Genetic studies of Mirabilis macfarlanei utilizing isozymes. M. macfarlanei has lower genetic diversity compared to other plant species with similar life histories. Gene flow was found to decrease as the distance between populations increased. The different populations were found to have relatively high levels of genetic differentiation and small populations were found to have alleles (genes) that were not present in larger populations (Barnes et al. 1994). Genetic analysis, using isozymes, of the genetic diversity between and among 8 populations and the extent of clonality in 4 populations from Idaho (Barnes et al. 1997).

Long term monitoring of three populations. Population numbers appear to be stable (Kaye et al. 1990, Kaye and Meinke 1992, and Kaye 1995). Preliminary monitoring on the effects of cattle on Mirabilis macfarlanei. Two plots at one location were placed inside a cattle exclosure (non-grazed) and three were placed outside (grazed) to compare. Plant height was significantly greater in plots inside the cattle exclosure than outside. However, plant diameter and number of inflorescences did not differ with grazing treatment (Kaye 1995).Determination of breeding system. Inflorescences were bagged before flowers opened. Seed was collected from both bagged and un-bagged inflorescences. Bagged flowers did produce seed, indicating that the species is self-compatible. Seed set was slightly greater in un-bagged inflorescences than in bagged, indicating that insects do pollinate the flowers and contribute to higher reproduction levels than obtained through selfing (Kaye et al. 1990)

It was threatened by many things, including: trampling, grazing, disease, insect damage and horticultural collecting.

A narrow endemic of the canyon slopes above the Snake, Salmon, and Imnaha Rivers in western Idaho and extreme northeastern Oregon. The species' global range is approximately 46 km by 28.5 km. Fewer than 20 occurrences are currently known, and these vary in population size from a few to over 1000 plants. Most sites are less than 4000 square meters in size. The majority of the populations face few or no direct serious threats. However, canyon grassland communities at most sites have been degraded by past management, land use, and invasive species. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (2009) states that major threats are indirect effects of domestic livestock grazing and invasion of exotic plants with the subsequent increase in wildfires. Minor threats include human trampling, off-road vehicle use, construction, pest damage, maintenance of roads and trails, and roadside herbicidal treatments.

Grazing and trampling by native and domestic animals. Invasion of exotic (non-native) plants (USFWS 2000). Collection for horticultural use (Meinke 1982). Damage to plants and habitat from human trampling, Off-road vehicle (ORV) use, construction a

Currently 11 populations in Idaho and Oregon with a total population and estimated 8,000 to 9,000 individuals (based on 39,00 to 44,000 stems) (Craig Johnson in litt. 1999 in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2000). Because of clonality, it is difficult to determine the number of genetic individuals (Barnes et al. 1997).

Long term monitoring of three populations. Population numbers appear to be stable (Kaye et al. 1990, Kaye and Meinke 1992, and Kaye 1995). Preliminary monitoring on the effects of cattle on Mirabilis macfarlanei. Two plots at one location were placed inside a cattle exclosure (non-grazed) and three were placed outside (grazed) to compare. Plant height was significantly greater in plots inside the cattle exclosure than outside. However, plant diameter and number of inflorescences did not differ with grazing treatment (Kaye 1995). Determination of breeding system. Inflorescences were bagged before flowers opened. Seed was collected from both bagged and un-bagged inflorescences. Bagged flowers did produce seed, indicating that the species is self-compatible. Seed set was slightly greater in un-bagged inflorescences than in bagged, indicating that insects do pollinate the flowers and contribute to higher reproduction levels than obtained through selfing (Kaye et al. 1990). Genetic studies of Mirabilis macfarlanei utilizing isozymes. M. macfarlanei has lower genetic diversity compared to other plant species with similar life histories. Gene flow was found to decrease as the distance between populations increased. The different populations were found to have relatively high levels of genetic differentiation and small populations were found to have alleles (genes) that were not present in larger populations (Barnes et al. 1994). Genetic analysis, using isozymes, of the genetic diversity between and among 8 populations and the extent of clonality in 4 populations from Idaho (Barnes et al. 1997). Initial germination trials at the Berry Botanic Garden indicated a preference for alternating temperatures. Seeds were subjected to four treatments: Either direct placement into 68F (20C) or alternating 50/68F (10/20C) or 8 weeks of cold stratification followed by 68F (20C) or 50/68F (10/20C). Treatments placed in alternating 50/68F showed 40% germination while both treatments placed in 68F showed 20% germination. Cold stratification had no effect. These results are not conclusive as seed numbers were low (BBG File).

One new transplanted population was established by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) (USFWS 2000). Habitat Management Plans have been developed and monitoring has occurred for several populations in Idaho by the BLM (USFWS 2000). Several sites on Forest Service land have been fenced to exclude cattle (USFWS 2000). Seed from sites in Idaho and Oregon stored at The Berry Botanic Garden. Approximately 400 rhizomes were transplanted from an area of land slides and road construction to a Research Natural Area in 1998 and 1999 (USFWS 2000). 60 rhizomes were transplanted to a fenced exclosure within a Research Natural Area (RNA) in 1988 (USFWS 2000).

Route recreational trails and facilities away from populations (Meinke 1982). Fence populations to prevent grazing (Meinke 1982). Monitor Mirabilis. macfarlanei population trends and habitat conditions (USFWS 2000). Conduct surveys in potential habitat areas. Manage and protect any newly discovered populations (USFWS 2000). If warranted, establish and maintain new populations on areas where Mirabilis macfarlanei has been extirpated (USFWS 2000). Random samples of soil should be gathered to test for the presence of a soil seed bank (Kaye et al. 1992). Study the relative contribution of sexual versus vegetative reproduction further (USFWS 2000). Control invasive Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) (USFWS 2000). Manage herbicide and pesticide use (USFWS 2000). Conduct demographic monitoring if populations decline by more than 25% over a 3 year period (USFWS 2000). Conduct research on pollinators (USFWS 2000). Conduct inventory of suitable habitat, especially on the Oregon side of the Snake River, to locate new populations.

Collect and store seeds from populations across the range. Determine optimum germination procedures.