GERMINATION OF SAWGRASS, CLADIUM JAMAICENSE CRANTZ, UNDER VARYING HYDROLOGIC CONDITIONS

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of three hydr ologic treatments (saturated, shallowly inundated, and deeply inundate d) on sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense Crantz) germination. In addition, g ermination of sawgrass was evaluated under two different sowing treatm ents. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in germination of sawgrass seeds between the three hydrologic treatments. However, there was no significant difference in germination between different sowing treatments. Germination was highest in saturated samples (average 30. 2%), intermediate in shallowly inundated samples (average 16.3%), and lowest in deeply inundated samples (average 9.3%). Faster growth and h igher survival of sawgrass seedlings occurred under saturated conditio ns than under inundated conditions, There was also a distinct seasonal germination pattern in all samples, showing a surge of germination in mid-October to early-November.