Accelerated germination of hard-seeded arid plants allows maximization of the effectiveness of various seed mixes with potential use in restoration scenarios.� Statistical analyses of laboratory germination tests (P values <.0001 for all comparisons in LS Means) of Astragalus utahensis seed inoculated with Aspergillus spp. (Asp) and Alternaria spp. (Alt) fungi indicate accelerated germination, Alt inoculation over Asp by 55%, and Asp over the control by 22%.� This study delineates the viability of this positive germ response in more complex environments involving interactions with soil media.� Tests are conducted in growth chamber and greenhouse environments by a randomized complete block design.� One week after seedlings begin emerging, replications conducted in a growth chamber show strong positive emergence, labeled the peak survival interval, with mean emergence for Asp, Alt and Control at 42, 32 and 20% respectively.� Greenhouse tests show similar results.� Seedling survival of Asp and Alt was compromised by seedling mortality at this peak survival interval.� Damping off was common among seedlings with the survival response surface showing similarities between treatments indicating disease infestation not related to test fungi.� Control seedlings show die-off coordinated with peak emergence though not as extreme as treatment responses.