Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 15, 2000
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract:
Switchgrass seed often have a stratification requirement resulting in poor plant stands. A source of non-dormant seed is needed. We performed four cycles of recurrent selection for low dormancy in Alamo switchgrass seed. Seed was harvested from 126 individual plants of the fourth cycle (Fall, 2000), and germination was evaluated. Unselected Alamo plants served as a source of control seed. Alternating (30C, 15C) and constant (30C) germination temperatures were compared. Germination was much higher in the alternating temperature environment, but overall results were comparable. Differences between control and cycle 4 plants were more pronounced at constant temperature. Although germination of some cycle 4 plants was no greater than the control, one third of the selected plants had significantly higher germination than Alamo. This germplasm should exhibit more rapid and complete germination in field plantings and consequently result in better stand establishment.
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