Effects of simulated drought by polyethylene glycol on bahiagrass germination
1996
Mullahey, J.J. | West, S.H. | Cornell, J.A. (University of Florida, Immokalee (USA). Southwest Florida Research Education Center, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department)
The influence of accelerated aging (AA-48h and 41 deg C/100 % humidity) and simulated drought on the germination of Argentine and Tifton 9 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge.) was studied. Seeds were subjected to AA and germinated in 0, -0.23, -0.32, -0.43, -0.50, and -0.52-MPa water solutions of poyethylene glycol to simulate variations in available soil moisture. Tifton 9 seeds had higher germination than Argentine seeds, especially with the AA treatment. Higher (P 0.01) total germination occurred with AA seeds compared to the check for Argentine (38.1 % vs 30.0 %) and Tifton 9 (72.3 % vs 34.8 %). For total germination, both grasses responded quadratically to increasing moisture stress. Accelerated aging also increased the rate of germination for both grasses compared to the check seed. Highest predicted rate of germination for treated Tifton 9 seed was 5.1 d at an osmotic pressure of -0.06 MPa. The Tifton cultivar appeared less sensitive to simulated drought than did the Argentine cultivar. Earlier, more uniform germination could be expected under field conditions for AA treated bahiagrass seed. More favorable germination of treated seed in dry soil conditions may allow an increase in the period of the year for which bahiagrass planting could be recommended
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon Research Station