Responses of Crested Wheatgrass Seeds to Environment

Abstract

Characteristic of crested wheatgrass that favors establishment on harsh rangeland sites is the ability to germinate under conditions of low temperature and of intermittent drought. Subsequent germination was hastened as a result of exposure of seeds to favorable moisture and a temperature of 2 C. Subsequent germination was also hastened as a result of exposure of seeds to water potentials as low as -40 bars. During severe drought, seeds retained much of the advantage they had gained during periods of favorable moisture. After drought, seeds made rapid gains when moisture again became favorable.