The Effects of Seed Treatments (solid-matrix priming, PGRs, and hydrocharging) on Germination, Establishment and Survival of Zoysia Japonica L. , Poa Pratensis L. and Agrostis Stolonifera l.

Germination, establishment and survival of warm- and cool-season turfgrasses under sub-optimal temperatures is a major problem for turf managers. Seed treatments such as priming and plant growth regulators (PGRs) have been shown to improve germination, establishment and survival under sub-optimal conditions for agronomic and horticultural crops. Seed treatments were applied to one cultivar of zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.), three cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and three cultivars of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) using solid-matrix priming or primed with PGR-A, PGR-B, or PGR-C. A separate hydro-charging treatment was applied to each treated seed.  Digital imagery and percent cover data were collected and analyzed with Sigma Scan Pro 5.0. Preliminary laboratory studies using a thermal gradient block were conducted in June 2010 – April 2011; additional growth chamber and greenhouse studies were conducted June 2010 - August 2011. Field trials were conducted in August and September 2011 at the John Seaton Anderson Turfgrass Research facility near Mead, NE, and will be repeated for Summer 2012. Preliminary results have shown improved germination and survival under sub-optimal conditions primed- and PGR-treated seed for zoysiagrass and creeping bentgrass and hydro-charged seed improved establishment in Kentucky bluegrass.  Field results from Summer 2011 will be discussed.