The effect of fire on germination in five common veld grasses.

Abstract

The effect of fire on the germination of Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus, Panicum maximum, Aristida junciformis and Sporobolus africanus was investigated. Seeds exposed directly to the fire were destroyed in all species. The germination of seeds buried (7 to 9 mm) when exposed to fire was depressed in T. triandra (P < 0.01), stimulated in H. contortus (P < 0.05) and unaffected (P < 0.05) in the other species.

Keywords: aristida junciformis; effect of fire; fire; germination; grasses; heteropogon contortus; panicum maximum; seeds; south africa; sporobolus africanus; themeda triandra