Indian ricegrass seed damage and germination responses to mechanical treatments

Abstract

Indian ricegrass [Oryzopsis hymenoides (Roem. and Schult.) Ricker] is a valuable forage species in the western United States; however, low fresh-seed germination has limited its use in rangeland revegetation. Seed damage and germination effects were evaluated on 2 seedlots of 'Nezpar' Indian ricegrass exposed to 3 mechanical treatments. The air-gun scarifier and the Quaker Oats dehuller improved germination whereas the Forsberg dehuller decreased germination. Disruption of the seed coat before storage appears to be a practical method of reducing storage time required for improved germination of freshly harvested seed.