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Title: Germination characteristics of Andropogon virginicus L

Conference · · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5315121

The natural occurrence of broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.) as a pioneer species on orphan strip mines with acid soils (pH 3.0-4.0) and other areas of low fertility suggests that it may have value in revegetation systems for disturbed sites. This study was conducted to delineate seed dormancy and germination characteristics important to developing seeding procedures. Freshly collected seed from east Tennessee germinated to about 50 percent under light at 20-30/sup 0/C, but did not germinate at lower temperatures. If stored in a low-humidity, low-temperature environment, seed developed a deeper dormancy, which was broken by moist chilling. This chilling first enabled germination at high temperatures and in light; as chilling time increased, seed developed a capability for germination in the dark and at low temperatures. In a preliminary seeding trial on an acid (pH 4.0) minesoil, broomsedge survived and grew better than commonly used species such as Festuca arundinacea and Eragrostis curvula.

Research Organization:
Tennessee Valley Authority, Norris
OSTI ID:
5315121
Report Number(s):
CONF-801263-
Journal Information:
Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States), Conference: Symposium on surface mining hydrology, sedimentology and reclamation, Lexington, KY, USA, 1 Dec 1980
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English