Matric priming of Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue seeds benefits seedling emergence

Matrically priming seeds of common Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and 'SR8300' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in fine, exfoliated vermiculite (-1.5 MPa, 20 degrees C, 4 days) increased subsequent germination rate but did not increase germination percentage or synchrony. The lowest seed : vermiculite ratio (dry weight basis) to provide full priming benefit for seeds of Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue was 1:10 and 1:20, respectively. Storing Kentucky bluegrass seeds primed in 1:10 (seed:vermiculite) in moist vermiculite for 10 days at either 5 or 20 degrees C did not reduce germination rate in comparison to primed seeds that were not stored. Primed tall fescue seeds could be stored in moist vermiculite (1:20, seed:vermiculite) for up to 10 days at 5 degrees C with no loss of priming benefit, but storage for only 2 days at 20 degrees C resulted in germination. Primed seeds of Kentucky bluegrass (stored for 0 or 10 days at 5 or 20 degrees C) or tall fescue (stored 0 or 10 days at 5 degrees C or 2 days at 20 degrees C) resulted in more rapid germination and seedling emergence, and greater seedling shoot fresh and dry masses than was the case for nonprimed seeds.