Publication Date
1997
Description
Inter-specific relationships between mean seed weight (MSW), coleoptile and mesocotyl length and width, shoot strength and emergence from 15 mm sowing depth were examined for six temperate pasture grass species ranging in MSW from 0.34 - 10.4 mg. For all species, coleoptile + mesocotyl length was greater for emerged than non-emerged seedlings. Across species, emergence % was not significantly correlated with coleoptile + mesocotyl length but it was significantly correlated with mean seed weight and coleoptile and mesocotyl width. Shoot strength increased with increased coleoptile width. It is proposed that decreased emergence % with decreased seed weight across species at 15 mm sowing depth is due primarily to decreased coleoptile and mesocotyl width resulting in decreased shoot strength and hence a reduced ability to penetrate the substrate.
Citation
Andrews, M; Andrews, M E.; Watson, C; and Percival, S M., "Emergence of Small and Large Seeded Grasses: Importance of Shoot Strength" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 13.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session22/13
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Emergence of Small and Large Seeded Grasses: Importance of Shoot Strength
Inter-specific relationships between mean seed weight (MSW), coleoptile and mesocotyl length and width, shoot strength and emergence from 15 mm sowing depth were examined for six temperate pasture grass species ranging in MSW from 0.34 - 10.4 mg. For all species, coleoptile + mesocotyl length was greater for emerged than non-emerged seedlings. Across species, emergence % was not significantly correlated with coleoptile + mesocotyl length but it was significantly correlated with mean seed weight and coleoptile and mesocotyl width. Shoot strength increased with increased coleoptile width. It is proposed that decreased emergence % with decreased seed weight across species at 15 mm sowing depth is due primarily to decreased coleoptile and mesocotyl width resulting in decreased shoot strength and hence a reduced ability to penetrate the substrate.
