Germination of mechanically scarified neoteric switchgrass seed

Abstract

Stand establishment from neoteric switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) seed can be hindered due to dormancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical scarification on germination and seedling emergence of neoteric (1- to 19-month-old) switchgrass seed. Scarification for 15 or 30 seconds in a Forsberg cylinder scarifier significantly increased 14-day germination percentage for 1- to 5-month-old seed of 5 cultivars. The magnitude of increase in seedling emergence due to scarification varied across cultivars. Four-month- and 18-month-old seed lots of 'Sunburst' and a North Dakota ecotype (NDE) exhibited significant increases in germination and seedling emergence after scarification. Scarification increased overall mean germination percentage for 3 lots of Sunburst and 2 lots of NDE by 73%. Field studies are needed to determine the usefulness of mechanical scarification as a preplant treatment for neoteric seed.