Effects of Time and Method of Harvest on Seed Germination in Bromegrass, \u3ci\u3eBromus Inermis\u3c/i\u3e Leyss

This experiment was conducted on the Foundation Seed Farm operated by the University of Nebraska, at Genoa, Nebraska, in the summer of 1952. The data presented in this paper relates to the production of high quality Foundation or Certified bromegrass seed. Data are presented on the rate of caryopsis elongation in bromegrass and starch accumulation in the bromegrass fruits. Results are also presented on the effects of stage of maturity and different methods of harvest on the germination percentage of bromegrass seed. Germination tests run on bromegrass seed samples that were hand collected indicated that the viability of the seed increased rapidly as the caryopsis developed. Germination tests revealed that machine-harvested samples, after 6 months of storage, yielded seed of good enough germination to meet Foundation seed germination requirements. The direct combine-harvesting method of harvest produced the cleanest seed as it came from the machine. The germination percentage of seed produced by swathing and bundling was as high as that obtained by direct combine-harvesting but required more careful cleaning. Advisor: L. C. Newell