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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Survey of viability of indigenous grasses, forbs, and shrubs: techniques of initial acquisition and treatment for propagation in preparation for future land reclamation in the Fort Union Basin. Annual progress report, June 1, 1976--May 31, 1977

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5374087
Seed maturation phenology was collected on 25 indigenous species. Seed collections were made from 219 species along with pertinent information on methods. Germination research on 46 species is essentially complete. Seed production and fill data was obtained on 35 important species. Cuttings were taken from two grasses and seven shrubs and vegetative propagation potential evaluated. Seed production in 1976 was reduced below that of 1975 and broad areas existed where no natural seed were produced. The majority of species appear to germinate readily under cool temperatures although 21 species were found to have significant dormancy characteristics. Most species exhibit after ripening such that year old seed shows higher germination percentage and often a faster germination rate. Mechanical scarification (sand) has proven best for species with hard seed coats such as the legumes. Fall cuttings produced viable tublings in less than half the species examined.
Research Organization:
Montana Univ., Missoula (USA)
OSTI ID:
5374087
Report Number(s):
RLO/2232/T2-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English