Publication Date
1997
Description
An experiment was initiated to investigate the post harvest changes in the seed quality of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). The aim of the study was to find out the causes of poor germination of locally produced Rhodes grass seed. Random samples (72) were taken from a seed lot grown at Golden Valley Research Station. Seventy-two random samples were subdivided into groups of twelve and were stored at six locations. Half the samples were stored at room temperature and the other half were stored in the refrigerator for a period of one to six months. The germination test was conducted on one sample packet each from the two temperature regimes. The Irish and strong germination test procedures were followed. The treatments were arranged in a split plot design with temperature as the main plot and germination test method as subplot. The treatments were replicated six times. In both the Irish and Strong germination test methods, temperature and storage period affected germinability of Rhodes grass. There was a curvilinear response with the germination reaching a peak at four months of seed storage. The results suggest that Rhodes grass should be tested 4 months post harvest and that in the short term should be stored at room temperature to enhance germination.
Citation
Kawonga, K C., "The Effects of Storage Period on the Germinability of Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana)" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 8.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session28/8
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Effects of Storage Period on the Germinability of Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana)
An experiment was initiated to investigate the post harvest changes in the seed quality of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). The aim of the study was to find out the causes of poor germination of locally produced Rhodes grass seed. Random samples (72) were taken from a seed lot grown at Golden Valley Research Station. Seventy-two random samples were subdivided into groups of twelve and were stored at six locations. Half the samples were stored at room temperature and the other half were stored in the refrigerator for a period of one to six months. The germination test was conducted on one sample packet each from the two temperature regimes. The Irish and strong germination test procedures were followed. The treatments were arranged in a split plot design with temperature as the main plot and germination test method as subplot. The treatments were replicated six times. In both the Irish and Strong germination test methods, temperature and storage period affected germinability of Rhodes grass. There was a curvilinear response with the germination reaching a peak at four months of seed storage. The results suggest that Rhodes grass should be tested 4 months post harvest and that in the short term should be stored at room temperature to enhance germination.
