Germination of Themeda triandra (Kangaroo grass) as affected by different environmental conditions and storage periods

Abstract

Low rainfall in range areas restricts germination, growth and development of majority of range grasses. However, germination and establishment potential of forage grasses vary and depends on environmental conditions.

Themeda triandra is an excellent known grass to grow under different environmental conditions. T. triandra naturally grows over an extensive geographical range on many soil types. Germination of T. triandra is the key factor in its establishment or re-establishment because its germination varies widely which is also affected by storage periods of seed. Germination response of Themeda to storage period was conducted in the laboratory. Four storage periods (Fresh seed, 6, 12 and 18 months old) seeds were sown in laboratory in germination trays placed in growth chamber in completely randomized design. Germination was counted till 40 days after sowing and percentage calculated thereafter. The 12 month old seeds gave the maximum 84% germination. On the basis of laboratory experiment, 12 months seeds were sown at 3 diverse locations (Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Talagang) with 4 spacing treatments (20, 30, 40 and Broadcast) in completely randomized block design. Germination was recorded for 40 days after sowing (DAS) and the maximum germination was observed in 25 - 30 DAS depending on the environmental conditions of experimental sites. Closer plant spacing (20 cm) gave the maximum (79%) germination at high rainfall area (Rawalpindi) while the least (52%) was recorded for the wider plant spacing at low rain fall area (Talagang).