Winterfat Seeds Undergo After-Ripening

Abstract

Seed characteristics of winterfat are being investigated because this shrub species has value in revegetation. Seeds collected 4 consecutive years in New Mexico were tested for viability at 1- to 4-week intervals after collection. After-ripening was completed within 10 weeks for all except one collection, which required 25 weeks. Variation in the after-ripening process among years probably resulted from differences in environmental conditions during seed formation. Seed technologists and others working with winterfat need to be aware of the after-ripening requirement.