Dormancy and germination properties of Broomsedge (Andropogon verginicus L.) seed

Abstract

Dormancy, germination temperature and light requirement of broomsedge (Andropogon verginicus L.) seeds collected from the turf fields of the Agricultural Experimental Farm Station of Utsunomiya University in Moka City, Tochigi Pref. were examined by a petridish test. The results were summarized as follows: i) Broomsedge seeds pre-dispersed from mother plants exhibited a dormancy during Oct. to Dec. in 2003. However, the dormancy was broken under the low temperature (5°C) and water saturated conditions, and became shallow as the season became late, ii) minimum, maximum and optimum germination temperatures of the seeds were 15-20°C, 40-45°C and 30-35°C, respectively, and the seeds were induced into a environmental dormancy under the low temperature conditions (<15°C), and iii) the seeds did not require the light for germination.