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Effects of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination and Emergence of Smutgrass (Sporobolus indicus) Varieties

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Neha Rana ,
Barton J. Wilder ,
Brent A. Sellers ,
Jason A. Ferrell  and
Gregory E. MacDonald
Neha Rana
Affiliation:
Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3401 Experiment Station, Ona, FL 33865
Barton J. Wilder
Affiliation:
Agronomy Department, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110500, Gainesville, FL 32611
Brent A. Sellers*
Affiliation:
Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 3401 Experiment Station, Ona, FL 33865
Jason A. Ferrell
Affiliation:
Agronomy Department, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110500, Gainesville, FL 32611
Gregory E. MacDonald
Affiliation:
Agronomy Department, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110500, Gainesville, FL 32611
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: sellersb@ufl.edu
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Abstract

Smutgrass is an invasive warm-season perennial bunch-type grass native to tropical Asia. The two varieties of smutgrass prevalent in Florida are small smutgrass and giant smutgrass. Laboratory seed germination experiments were conducted on both smutgrass varieties to determine the effect of various environmental factors on germination and emergence. The average germination rate for both varieties was 88% at 30/20 C day/night temperatures. Seed germination for both varieties was greater under simulated temperature flux than at constant temperatures. Seed of both varieties germinated at four simulated Florida temperature fluxes (22/11, 27/15, 33/24, and 29/19 C day/night), although the germination of small smutgrass and giant smutgrass was reduced at 33/24 and 22/11 C, respectively. Germination of small and giant smutgrass under dark conditions was 27 and 53%, respectively. Both smutgrass varieties germinated over a wide range of pH values. Small and giant smutgrass germination was inhibited at water potentials below −0.2 MPa and when small smutgrass seed was placed below the soil surface. Emergence of giant smutgrass seed did not occur below 3 cm. Both smutgrass varieties germinated over a broad range of environmental conditions, indicating their capability of year-round germination; however, germination is only likely to occur under field conditions during the summer growing season when rainfall is prevalent. These results indicate that both species have the ability to germinate over a wide range of environmental conditions but that germination is inhibited by moisture stress and depth of burial. Considering that giant smutgrass prefers higher temperatures than small smutgrass, the advent of rainfall from June through September is conducive for germination. Practices that focus on the germination pattern of smutgrass could lead to better long-term management of smutgrass in Florida.

Keywords

Smutgrass, Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. SPZINsmall smutgrass, Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. indicusgiant smutgrass, Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. pyramidalis (P. Beauv.) VeldkampDepth of burialpHtemperature fluxwater potentialWest Indian dropseed
Type
Weed Biology and Ecology
Information
Weed Science , Volume 60 , Issue 4 , December 2012 , pp. 558 - 563
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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Footnotes

Current address: Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Alachua County Extension, Gainesville, FL 32609.

References

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