Seeding Date Effects Dormant Seeding Success of Buffalograss.

Dormant seeding in late fall and winter allows buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.] to take full advantage of warming soil temperatures in the following spring, as well as improves seed-soil contact due to soil heaving and cracking during winter. However, buffalograss burs contain growth-inhibiting oils which prevent the absorption of water and gases required for germination. This study was conducted to determine the effect of commercial KNO₃ and chilling seed treatment on ‘Cody’ buffalograss germination when seeded at various dates in winter and spring. Buffalograss seeds were placed in aluminum screen packets and buried in soil to cover in the third week of each month from November to April. In May, packets were transferred to a greenhouse and germination monitored.  The commercial seed treatment did not improve spring germination over untreated seed in dormant seedings made in November. Seed treatment did improve germination over untreated seeds when seeded in Dec through May, especially in seedings made in Feb through May.