EFFECT OF STORAGE TEMPERATURE DURING DORMANCY ON THE GERMINATION OF OPLISMENUS HIRTELLUS SSP. UNDULATIFOLIUS (ARD.) U. SCHOLZ.

Abstract

The effect of temperature during dormancy on percent germination and mean germination time (MGT) was investigated in the exotic, invasive grass, Oplismenus hirtellus ssp. undulatifolius (Ard.) U. Scholz, commonly known as wavyleaf basketgrass (WLBG). Seeds of WLBG were harvested in October 2011 from two sites within Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland. The seeds were subjected to four different storage regimens after being stored dry for 27 weeks: room temperature, outdoor, cold (2- 8°C) and frozen (<0°C). The MGT between seeds stored at room temperature and other treatments were significantly different. There was no interaction effect between treatment and seed site, and there was no significant difference in the seed germination percentage between the two sampling locations. Storage temperature during dormancy significantly affects percent germination. Percent germination was significantly higher for seeds stored at room temperature compared to other treated seeds. Percent germination was significantly different between seeds treated outdoors and frozen.