Effects of Moisture Stress on Germination of Alkali Sacaton, Galleta, and Blue Grama

Abstract

Seeds of alkali sacaton, galleta, and blue grama were germinated in media representing moisture tensions of 0, 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16 atm. Alkali sacaton germination was most severely affected by moisture stress, which helps to explain, at least in part, why alkali sacaton plants are confined mainly to areas that are frequently flooded. In contrast, galleta and blue grama are less affected by moisture stress and, therefore, can become established and survive on the drier upland sites.