The effect of seed age and treatment by Proradix method on germinability and initial growth of selected meadow grass (Poa pratensis) varieties

Abstract

The goal of the study conducted in 2008 and 2010 at the Research Forage Production Station in Vatín was to investigate the influence of seed age and seed treatment by Proradix method on the germination dynamics, total germinating capacity and initial growth rate of selected meadow grass varieties. The testing was carried out in controlled conditions on the germinator. Our results indicate that the age of seed significantly affects both the germination dynamics and the total germinating capacity. On day 7 after the establishment of the trial, a significantly higher germinating capacity was observed in the 4-year old seed (33.3%) as compared with the 2-year old seed (17.4%). Nevertheless, from day 13, higher germination values were recorded in the younger seed and its total achieved germinating capacity was significantly higher too (+7.2%). Interesting was a finding that the older seed of most varieties showed a more readily oncoming germination, which may play a quite important role in some cases namely in meadow grass, which is known by slow initial growth. The older seed exhibited significantly lower values of both above-ground biomass and the biomass of roots. The Proradix method appeared as efficient in boosting the total germinating capacity. It significantly increased germination rate as well as total germinating capacity. At the same time, a positive effect was observed of treatment by this method on the length of both shoot and root parts; the difference was statistically insignificant though.

Keywords

• <i>Poa pratensis</i>
• germinability
• seed age
• seed treatment
• Proradix