Effects of Selected Seed Treatment on Germination Rates of Five Range Plants

Abstract

Effects of various treatments on germination rates were determined for Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees), 'Cochise' lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees × Eragrostis tricophora Coss & Dur), Boer lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula var. conferta Nees), blue panicgrass (Panicum antidotale Retz.) and four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt.) seeds. Rates were approximations of time to 50% germination, and seed treatments included applications of potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, gibberellic acid, and heat desiccation. Germination rates could be increased, but treatment effects were not uniform between seed lots within a species or among species. Desiccation at 70 degrees C for 24 hours was particularly effective in increasing germination rates of Boer and Lehmann lovegrass seeds. Increased rates of germination of certain species might aid in establishment of range seedings made under limited moisture conditions of the Southwest.