Preplanting Treatment to Hasten Germination and Emergence of Grass Seed

Abstract

Seeds in the crested wheatgrass complex were placed under conditions favorable for germination for periods of 10 to 90 hr, superficially dried, and then planted on a greenhouse bench. The most effective treatment was at 63 F for 60 to 70 hr. Seedlings resulting from this treatment emerged about 40 hr ahead of untreated seeds. The study suggests that if field tests yield similar results, pretreatment of seed may contribute towards greater success in range seeding.