(Bouteloua eriopoda)

GENERAL STANDARDS -- The standards on this sheet are in part condensed and apply to black grama. For greater detail and additional provisions, see the General Standards.

PLANTING STOCK -- In most varieties Breeder seed must be planted to produce Foundation seed. Foundation seed must be planted to produce Registered seed. Registered seed must be planted to produce Certified seed. In varieties where there is no Registered class, Foundation seed must be planted to produce Certified seed.

APPLICATION -- Applications should be submitted electronically on CCIA’s website (Application to grow and certify seed) as soon as possible and no later than three (3) weeks after planting. New applicants should contact the CCIA office for instructions on obtaining access to the online application system.

FIELD HISTORY -- Land must not have grown or been seeded to any Bouteloua species during previous five years to be eligible to produce Foundation or Registered seed. Land must not have grown or been seeded to these Bouteloua species during the previous two years to produce Certified seed unless the previous crop was of the same released material and of a class equal or higher to that of the crop seed. Black grama must be planted in distinct rows. Exceptions must be approved by the Seed Certification Office prior to planting.

ISOLATION -- Fields or portions of fields producing seed must be isolated the following distances:

FIELD INSPECTION -- Include a seedling and a seed crop inspection.

Off-Types -- Every field should be rogued to remove any plants of another crop or variety, including volunteers. Off-types or varieties cannot always be differentiated at field inspection. When differences can be distinguished, the maximum mixture of other varieties or definite off-types permitted is as follows:

Weeds -- Fields must be free of any prohibited noxious weeds. Restricted noxious weeds and common weeds difficult to separate must be controlled. Prohibited and Restricted noxious weeds are listed in the California Seed Law/CA Code of Regulations/Sections 3854 and 3855. See California Seed Law - Prohibited and Restricted Noxious Weed List.

Fields may be refused certification due to unsatisfactory appearance caused by weeds, poor growth, poor stand, disease, insect damage, and any other condition which prevents accurate inspection or creates doubt as to identity of the variety.

SEED STANDARDS – Minimum Sample Size – ½ pound.

Updated: September 2023