Track 2‐7‐1: Seed Production, Storage, Quality, Testing, Quarantine and Marketing Systems

Description

Anjan grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is native to tropical, sub-tropical Asia and Africa. It can grow on wide range of soils varying from sandy to harder heavy textured soils with annual rainfall of 350- 800 mm and up to an altitude of 1000 m. Among different rangeland grasses, it is considered palatable and nutritious grass for all kinds of grazing animals. It contains high percentage of protein (8-10%). One of the reasons for low production of pasture is poor plant density which might be due to low seed germination. The seed dormancy in range grasses hampers in establishment of pastures. Dormancy is the state in which a viable seed does not germinate, although placed in conditions of moisture, temperature, light and oxygen concentration appropriate to do so. Germination of freshly harvested seed of Cenchrus grass is very low without any treatment but it starts to increase after 6 month of harvesting up to 18 months. Germination (minimum) standard for foundation and certified seed in anjan grass is 30%. Application of some physical, chemical and mechanical treatments to the seed are helpful in overcoming the dormancy. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of pre soaking treatments on germination and seedling parameters of fresh seed of C. ciliaris. It will help for evaluating the seed lot for germination before six month of harvest.

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Effect of Pretreatments on Seed Dormancy and Seedling Growth in Anjan Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)

Anjan grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is native to tropical, sub-tropical Asia and Africa. It can grow on wide range of soils varying from sandy to harder heavy textured soils with annual rainfall of 350- 800 mm and up to an altitude of 1000 m. Among different rangeland grasses, it is considered palatable and nutritious grass for all kinds of grazing animals. It contains high percentage of protein (8-10%). One of the reasons for low production of pasture is poor plant density which might be due to low seed germination. The seed dormancy in range grasses hampers in establishment of pastures. Dormancy is the state in which a viable seed does not germinate, although placed in conditions of moisture, temperature, light and oxygen concentration appropriate to do so. Germination of freshly harvested seed of Cenchrus grass is very low without any treatment but it starts to increase after 6 month of harvesting up to 18 months. Germination (minimum) standard for foundation and certified seed in anjan grass is 30%. Application of some physical, chemical and mechanical treatments to the seed are helpful in overcoming the dormancy. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of pre soaking treatments on germination and seedling parameters of fresh seed of C. ciliaris. It will help for evaluating the seed lot for germination before six month of harvest.