Reproductive Characteristics of Redberry Juniper

Abstract

A relatively high moisture level (0 to 4 atm) and a relatively low temperature (18°C) were found to be most favorable for germination of redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchoti) seeds. Shallow planting depths (0 to 2 cm) favored seedling emergence. Seed germination was not affected appreciably by passage through animals. Cutting of seedling tops above the axils of the cotyledons allowed 58% survival, while cutting 1- to 12-year-old plants at ground line, which removed the meristematic stem tissue, produced 99% mortality. Moderate and heavy blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) competition severely limited redberry juniper seedling growth compared to no competition. It severely reduced shoot length, root length, number of shoot and root branches, and plant dry weight. These results indicated that the maintenance of a good grass cover coupled with a top removal agent such as fire or cutting at ground level will prevent encroachment of redberry juniper, a resprouting species, on grassland.