Plant Adaptation and Conservation Strategies

The video discusses the role of USDA plant material centers in selecting and developing plants to address natural resource issues, with a focus on climate change. It highlights efforts at the Cape May center to adapt plants for coastal and transitional areas affected by rising sea levels and changing climates. Key plants like Seashore Milo and Sea Oats are explored for their ecosystem services and potential uses in biofuel production and dune stabilization.

What is the primary focus of the plant material centers operated by USDA?

• Selecting plants for conservation to solve natural resource problems

• Creating genetically modified crops

• Breeding ornamental plants

• Developing plants for urban landscaping

What is the main goal of the plant selection at Kate May in relation to climate change?

• To create new plant species

• To select plants that can adapt to heat, drought, and salt conditions

• To develop plants that can grow in colder climates

• To focus on ornamental plant breeding

Which plant is being used as a transition plant between wetlands and uplands?

• Salt Metal Cord Grass

• Prairie Core Grass

• Coastal Panic Grass

• Seashore Milo

What are some potential uses of Seashore Milo?

• As a food crop

• For biofuel production and as a pollinator plant

• As a decorative plant

• For timber production

Which crops are being considered for areas affected by sea level rise?

• Switch grass and Coastal Panic grass

• Rice and wheat

• Cactus and succulents

• Corn and soybeans

What is the purpose of moving Salt Meadow Cord Grass production further inland?

• To prevent it from being drowned by rising sea levels

• To increase its aesthetic value

• To enhance its growth rate

• To use it as a food source

What plant is being developed for dune stabilization?

• Sea Oats

• Cape American Beach Grass

• Seashore Milo

• Salt Metal Cord Grass

Why is Sea Oats being considered for commercial production?

• It is resistant to pests

• It is a high-yield food crop

• It has adaptability to the climate and can stabilize dunes

• It is a popular ornamental plant

What challenge is Cape American Beach Grass facing due to climate change?

• Competition from invasive species

• Increased pest attacks

• Inability to thrive in hotter and drier climates

• Overgrowth in cooler climates

What is the focus of the plant collection work at Kate May in light of climate change?

• To enhance plant resilience and adaptability to changing climates

• To develop new ornamental plant varieties

• To focus on indoor plant cultivation

• To increase the aesthetic value of plants