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Seed Drying and Viability in Dallisgrass¹

Dallisgrass seed was harvested 14, 21, and 28 days after the peak of flowering. They were then dried for 8, 16, 24, 36, and 72 hours, at temperatures of 38, 43, 49, 54, and 60 C (100, 110, 120, 130, and 140 F). These seed and their enclosing glumes contained over 35% moisture which dropped rapidly thereafter. A very rapid loss of moisture occurred at each of the five temperatures used for the first 8-hour drying period.

The viability of mature seed from all harvests was good when dried at all temperatures. Lower germination of seed harvested 14 days after flowering was due to the presence of immature embryos.

Seed dried at 60 C germinated equal to or better than seed of the same maturity dried at 38 C. This suggests that drying at high temperatures may stimulate the germination of dallisgrass seed.

Revisions in time and method of harvesting dallisgrass seed are suggested from the results of seed drying as well as the rate of importance of seed shattering.

Key Words: Dallisgrass • Seed drying • Seed Viability • Seed shattering • Seed harvesting • Grass seed

² Agent, Research Agronomist, Crops Research Division, ARS, USDA and Mississippi Agricultural Experiment Station; and Assistant Agronomist (deceased) Mississippi Agricultural Experiment Station.

Received for publication February 9, 1968.