Germination of seeds of robust needlegrass

Abstract

Robust needlegrass (Achnatherum robustum [Vasey] Barkw.) is a native perennial that has great promise for use in erosion control, restoration, and ornamental plantings. Seed dormancy can be a problem in developing new native grass cultivars, especially in species of Achnatherum and related genera. Germination response to a wide range of constant and alternating incubation temperatures is also a key parameter in interpreting seedbed ecology of potential planting material. Our purpose was to investigate the germination of robust needlegrass at 55 constant or alternating incubation temperatures from 0 through 40 degrees C. Seeds of robust needlegrass germinate over a wide range of incubation temperatures with maximum observed germination over 75%. In terms of restoration ecology, this means that in contrast to many related grass species, severe seed dormancy is not a limiting factor in seeding technology. Optimum germination occurred with 15 to 20 degrees C warm periods alternating with 0 to 20 degrees C cool periods. The only constant temperature to produce optimum germination was 20 degrees C. The highest germination occurred at what we consider moderate seedbed temperatures, but some germination occurred at 76 to 89% of the temperature regimes tested.