Seed Germination of Danthonia Spicata a Native Low Maintenance Turf Option.

The genus Danthonia is comprised of more than 100 species that are primarily native to temperate regions of the southern hemisphere where they are important forage grasses.  Approximately six species of Danthonia are native to the U.S with Danthonia spicata (poverty oatgrass) being the most widespread.  D. spicata is a grayish-green mat forming species commonly found growing in dry, poor quality soils. The objective of this research is to explore the factors effecting seed germination of D. spicata.  Seed collections of D. spicata were made from native stands in the spring of 2009 and 2010.  This seed was used in experiments to determine the influence of different environmental factor on germination of D. spicata.  Treatment factors are length of storage and storage temperature conditions, varying night/day lengths and temperatures during germination, KNO3 treatment, and growth regulator treatments.  Initial germination percentages from 2009 collected seed are low around 30 to 40%.  Tetrazolium tests are being conducted to determine the seed viability and immature embryos will be collected in 2010 to determine the earliest seed can be harvested to overcome seed shatter issues.  The results will improve our understanding of the turf potential of this native grass species.