Establishment of Eastern Gamagrass from Seed and Vegetative Propagation

Abstract

The actual pure seed content of eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) was determined efficiently and rapidly by air separation at an air valve setting of 70 degrees with a South Dakota blower. The pure seed fraction separated in this manner contained 5 to 27% empty seed units. Germination potential of the air-blown seed was between 72 and 95%. Seeds separated by visual means contained 32 to 48% empty seed units. Chilling seeds for 6 weeks at 5 to 10 C on moist substrate before germination significantly increased germination over the check. Natural prechilling in moist soil may greatly reduce the risks of stand failure. Salt solutions of KNO3, sodium hypochlorite, and ethylene chlorohydrin did not promote germination. Fall seedings in either October or November were found to be more desirable than spring seedings. Difficulties in establishing stands of eastern gamagrass may have been in part due to the inability to separate true seeds from nonviable inert material. When seed of known quality is planted in the fall, good to excellent stands can be obtained.