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Effects of temperature, stratification, scarification, and seed origin on the germination ofScirpus acutus Muhl. seeds for use in constructed wetlands

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Abstract

Procedures to maximize seed germination ofScirpus acutus (hardstem bulrush) from two geographic locations were studied in the laboratory. Pregermination conditions included scarification and stratification at 4±1°C for 0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks while submerged in water. Following the treatments, seeds were placed in night/day temperature regimes of 10/25°C or 18/22°C under a 14-hour photoperiod (≈200 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD). A stratification period of at least 2 weeks significantly enhanced germination. Germination was significantly greater at 10/25°C than at 18/22°C. Maximum germination percentages of 97.5 and 92.5 were achieved for seed lots exposed to a 10/25°C temperature regime following a 12-week cold period. Germination percentages of seeds from the two geographic locations did not differ significantly (P <0.05).

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Thullen, J.S., Eberts, D.R. Effects of temperature, stratification, scarification, and seed origin on the germination ofScirpus acutus Muhl. seeds for use in constructed wetlands. Wetlands 15, 298–304 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03160710

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