A METHOD TO ENHANCE GERMINATION OF EASTERN GAMAGRASS

Present recommended stratification procedures for the germination of e astern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides, L.) fail to provide consisten t and uniform results. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and co mpare the effectiveness of our present laboratory germination procedur es and the traditional field stratification procedure on seed germinat ion. Samples treated with 30% H2O2 for 2 hours were observed to have s uperior germination values with frequencies in the range of 44 to 80%. Comparison of germination frequencies between 30% H2O2 treated seed a nd wet-cold stratified seed yielded similar results. Seed treated with 30% H2O2 typically demonstrated an average 40-45.5% increase in germi nation over the other treatments during the 14 day evaluation period.