Enhancement of seed germination in common carpetgrass and centipedegrass seed

Priming or presoaking seed of common carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis Chase) a nd centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides Munro. (Kunz)] increased germinat ion percentage and decreased mean time of germination (MTG) at 20, 25, and 30 degrees C. The effect of presoaking and priming was dependent on grass s pecies and temperature. The optimum seed germination temperature for both o f these warm-season species was 30 degrees C. Maximum effect on common carp etgrass or centipedegrass seeds was achieved by priming in 2% KNO3; higher concentrations did not improve germination percentage or MTG, and 4% was in some cases detrimental. Germination was higher and MTG lower at 20 and 30 degrees C than at 15 degrees C, Presoaking common carpetgrass and centipede grass seeds was the most efficient seed enhancement treatment for germinati on at 30 degrees C.