4637:
Seed Treatments for Enhanced Germination of Paspalum Vaginatum 'seaspray' Seed

Monday, August 2, 2010
Springs F & G
Dexter Fontenot , School of Plant Environment & Soil Science, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, LA
Edward Bush , School of Plant Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University, AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA
Charles E. Johnson , Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Jeffrey S. Beasley , School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge
Four temperatures, 20,25,30, and 35°C were tested to determine the optimum temperature for seed germination of Paspalum vaginatum 'Seaspray' seed. Results indicated that Paspalum vaginatum germination percentage was greatest at 30°C. Three seed enhancement treatments were applied to Paspalum vaginatum seed to determine improvements in germination percentage and MTG of the seed. Potassium nitrate, GA, and soaking seed in distilled water yielded greater germination percentages than the dry control. Seeds subjected to enhancement treatments had significantly faster MTG rates than the dry control seeds. Seeds also had higher germination percentage with exposure to light when compared to seeds that germinated in conditions not exposed to light. MTG was not significantly different.