Root and Shoot Growth Following Preplanting Treatment of Grass Seed

Abstract

Seeds in the crested wheatgrass complex were placed under favorable germination conditions for periods of 10 to 90 hr, superficially dried and then planted in a greenhouse. Root lengths 3 to 6 days after planting indicated a 1 to 2-day advantage from preplanting treatment. On the basis of present data, near maximum response should result from treatments at 50 to 70F for as much as 40 to 70 hr duration. There was considerable variation in the response of different seed sources.