EFFECT OF MATRIC-PRIMING DURATION AND PRIMING WATER POTENTIAL ON GERMINATION OF 4 GRASSES

In this study, a matric-potential control system was used to determine the effect of matric-priming duration and priming water potential on the germination response of Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr., Cenchrus ciliaris L., Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees, and Panicum coloratum L. Seeds were primed at water potentials of -1.5 to -7.7 MPa for up to 14 d. Optimum germination generally occurred in treatments primed at high water potential for the shortest period. Germination of seeds primed at lower water potential and for longer periods exhibited a negative germination response relative to the control. Seeds were not redried after the priming treatment. Seed-water uptake measurements suggest that a reduction in the lag time of imbibition accounted for at least some germination-rate enhancement in the positive-priming treatments.