Abstract
One factor that must be considered when reconstructing a prairie is how the prairie seeds being planted need to be prepared for germination. The probability of successful germination of these seeds is dependent on many factors, including exposure to cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time. To explore this idea, we collected seeds from 13 species of forbs and grasses, both native and non-native, and stored them at various temperatures for several weeks. We predicted that the germination of the seeds of native grassland species would be enhanced by cold stratification, while non-natives (especially forbs common to flower gardens) could be negatively affected by cold stratification, especially if they are native to an area with less-extreme winters. We also predicted that seeds stored at -80°C (a temperature much lower than they would experience in nature) would respond negatively to the treatment and be unable to germinate. We found that four species (Sow Thistle, Penstemon, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Yellow Foxtail) were significantly affected by the seeds being chilled or frozen, with non-native sow thistle and yellow foxtail responding negatively to being frozen and native foxglove penstemon germinating best at -80°C.
Included in
The Effect of Cold Stratification on the Germination of Grassland Seeds
One factor that must be considered when reconstructing a prairie is how the prairie seeds being planted need to be prepared for germination. The probability of successful germination of these seeds is dependent on many factors, including exposure to cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time. To explore this idea, we collected seeds from 13 species of forbs and grasses, both native and non-native, and stored them at various temperatures for several weeks. We predicted that the germination of the seeds of native grassland species would be enhanced by cold stratification, while non-natives (especially forbs common to flower gardens) could be negatively affected by cold stratification, especially if they are native to an area with less-extreme winters. We also predicted that seeds stored at -80°C (a temperature much lower than they would experience in nature) would respond negatively to the treatment and be unable to germinate. We found that four species (Sow Thistle, Penstemon, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Yellow Foxtail) were significantly affected by the seeds being chilled or frozen, with non-native sow thistle and yellow foxtail responding negatively to being frozen and native foxglove penstemon germinating best at -80°C.