Germination characteristics of Andropogon virginicus L

Conference · Sun Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1980 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5315121

Farmer, Jr, R E; Cunningham, M; Brown, J E

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), Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States); ISSN UKOBD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
550100 -- Behavioral Biology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
CHEMISTRY
COAL MINING
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FIELD TESTS
GERMINATION
GRASS
GROUND COVER
GROWTH
LAND RECLAMATION
MINING
PH VALUE
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
REVEGETATION
SOIL CHEMISTRY
SPOIL BANKS
SURFACE MINING
TESTING
VERNALIZATION