From the Editor

Yes, we're open for business. I'm glad I can still say that. It's been a rough year to stay focused on the actual editorial content of the journal. The abrupt closure of the University of Idaho Press left a tangle of loose threads to deal with, but fortunately the team at Indiana University Press is enthusiastic about the journal, supportive, and organized—I look forward to a rewarding relationship with them.

This issue has an emphasis on genetics. I don't know about you, but at times genetics seems like a foreign language to me. I'm sure we can all agree, however, that a basic understanding is paramount to our business of growing and planting native species. So, with this issue, we'll ease some of you into the topic with a genetics primer that helps define some of the basic terminology, and then provide all of you with some manuscripts that deal with important genetic issues. In an attempt to be pragmatic, we're also publishing some seed transfer guidelines to show that genetic research is making a difference on the ground. The Spring 2005 issue will have a second installment of genetics articles dealing with more terminology and associated practical aspects, seed transfer guidelines, and speciation.

In addition to the genetics articles, this issue contains a broad representation of other topics gathered from across North America. You can read about using native legumes in the central US, revegetating the Sonoran Desert with container stock and drip irrigation, using compost to grow Florida natives, making compost and inoculating it with beneficial microorganisms in Mexico, storing acorns, and propagation protocols for sagebrush and oak. And, a couple of books are reviewed as well.

The Native Plant Network website has a new look at http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org. Articles from the first 10 issues of this journal are available in a searchable database, as well as roughly 2000 propagation protocols for North American native plants.

I send a hearty thank you to Rob Kalmbacher and Sandra Wilson who managed to send me important information about their manuscripts even as their lives were disrupted by the hurricanes in Florida. A special thank you to Gabriela Buamscha for her translation work. And finally, a well-deserved thank you to the following individuals for reviewing manuscripts. Their efforts are most appreciated.

Joseph Albano John Brissette Rodney Busby Michelle Cram Douglass F Jacobs Robert L James Thomas A Jones Stuart Hardegree John T Harrington Valerie Hipkins Greg Hoss Rita L Hummel

Nabil Khadduri L Katherine Kirkman Pamela Kittelson Sherry Kitto Jay Kitzmiller David Kolotelo Ross E Koning Douglas D McCreary Cynthia McKenney Jeff G Norcini Anh Phan Gerry L Posler

Christopher Richards John Rutter James C Sellmer Jeff Sibley Tim L Springer Mack Thetford Robert R Tripepi Raymond Wallace Barbara Wilson Truman P Young