Tropical pasture establishment, 6. Treatment of Seca stylo [Stylosanthes scabra] seed to reduce hard seed content. [Workshop paper]
1993
Hopkinson, J.M. (Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries, Walkamin (Australia). Walkamin Research Station) | Paton, C.J. (Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries, Gayndah (Australia). Brian Pastures Research Station)
Two approaches were investigated for the reduction in hard seed content of Seca stylo (Stylosanthes scabra). One was to cause strophiole-breaching through imposition of brief high temperatures by contact with a heated metal plate, and the other scarification of the testa by hammer milling. Heat treatment, besides killing some seeds, weakened survivors and further reduced the numbers of seedlings emerging from soil. Despite its effectiveness in softening seed, it was judged to be too unreliable for practical use. Hammer milling, by comparison, was simple and effective. The extent of dehulling could be controlled at about 50 percent, with germination of dehulled seeds raised to over 60 percent, and no effect on those remaining intact. Scarification is not a complete substitute for strophiole-breaching, but currently there is no way to produce breached seed commercially other than by expensively suction-harvesting fallen, already weathered seed.
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