Winter establishment of Eastern Gamagrass in the Southern Piedmont

摘要: Eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.)] has the potential to contribute as a warm-season component in grazing systems and conservation plantings, but its seeds exhibit strong dormancy that reduce germination successful stand establishment. A 3-yr study was conducted on Typic Hapudult soils determine influence of fungicide seed treatment [Captan (N-trichloromethylthio-4-cyclo-hexene-1,2-dicarboximide), 5.6 g a.i, kg -1 seed] winter planting date (November-February) germination, establishment, herbage mass eastern gamagrass. planted with without at monthly intervals between November May. The May plantings (stratified nonstratified seeds) served controls. Fungicide had no effect initial or subsequent stands Winter resulted were equal superior established from stratified (5.9 vs. 3.4 plants m 2 , respectively). Significant carry-over effects observed spring (April May) an average 8.8 seedlings -2 germinating second year compared 1.7 for treatments. Herbage (March, April, depressed up 75% plantings. Planting November, December, January is effective alternative southern Piedmont.