Tuesday, November 6, 2007 - 1:45 PM
168-4
Does Seed Coating Affect Bermudagrass Germination?.
In recent years, many improved seeded bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] cultivars have become available to the green industry. Bermudagrass seed is marketed with a coating that is unique to each seed company. The objectives of this study were to determine coating effects on germination and compare germination among cultivars. Five bermudagrass cultivars were evaluated for differences in germination response at six temperature regimes in which seeded bermudagrass is planted. Coated and uncoated samples of Arizona Common, Princess-77, Riviera, Transcontinental, and Yukon were investigated. When considered across all temperature regimes and cultivars, coating failed to produce a significant effect on germination. Within cultivars, coating effects were demonstrated at certain temperatures. For Princess-77 and Transcontinental, a significant positive coating effect was observed at the two highest temperature regimes (45°/35°C, 40°/30°C). Coated Riviera exhibited a significant reduction in germination at 25°/15°C, and Arizona Common displayed a significant increase in germination for uncoated samples at 35°/25°C. However, Yukon showed no significant differences regarding coating at any of the six temperature regimes. Total seed germinated across the six temperature regimes resulted in significant differences among cultivars with Arizona Common displaying the highest germination and Riviera the lowest.
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