Seed Quality of Windmillgrass Ecotypes in Two Locations of South Texas

Abstract

Hooded and shortspike windmillgrasses are native perennial grasses with potential for planting on highly erodible sites. However, both species display unfilled seed and seed dormancy resulting in poor seed quality. This study examines variations in filled seeds, viability, and germination response in windmillgrass ecotypes. Germination conditions were 12 hr dark, 68°F and 12 hr light, 86°F. Percent of seeds filled was superior (P<0.05) in Beeville with 21, 22, 24, and 29% compared to Kingsville with 5, 8, 12, and 15% for S-260, S-283, H-301, and H-313, respectively. No significant differences (P>0.05) in seed viability were found among production sites with values of 75, 64, 72, and 67% in Kingsville and 84, 70, 85, and 75% in Beeville for S-260, S-283, H-301, and H-313, respectively. The germination response was different (P<0.05) between production sites and species with germination in Beeville of 72 and 99% compared to Kingsville with 59 and 90% for shortspike and hooded windmillgrasses, respectively. Filled seed and germination in windmillgrass were better in Beeville than Kingsville. The seed viability of the filled seed of windmillgrass was not affected by production site.