Technical Notes: Germination of 2 legumes in leachate from introduced grasses

Abstract

Kleberg bluestem [Dichanthium annulatum (Forsk.) Staph and buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciIiaris L.) may produce pbytotoxic chemicals that inhibit germination and growth of legumes planted in seeding mixtures with grasses. We determined the effects of leachate from these introduced grasses on seed germination of Illinois bundleflower [Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacM.] and partridge pea (Cassia fasciculata Michx.). Percent germination of Illinois bundleflower seeds on substrata moistened with Kleberg bluestem root or buffelgrass leaf leachate was lower than that of seeds placed on substrata moistened with distilled water. Buffelgrass root Ieachate reduced germination of partridge pea more than did root leachate from Kleberg bluestem or leaf leachate from Kleberg bluestem or buffelgrass. Results of these laboratory experiments indicate that field studies are warranted to determine the effects of buffelgrass on establishment of partridge pea and Illinois bundleflower in order to help land managers select the optimum combination of species for rangeland seeding.