Seed Size Effects on Performance of Dryland Grasses

Genetic vs. Environmentally Induced Variation in Medusahead (Taeniatherum Asperum [Simokai] Nevski)

“…Except among species with seed dormancy, large, plump seeds generally have higher viability, germinate faster, and produce more vigorous seedlings than small seeds of the same species or variety Few studies, however, have been conducted in which effects of variation in seed quality have been followed into later stages in the life cycles of annuals and perennials. Kittock and Patterson ( 1962) found in 10 forage grass varieties that heavy seed not only resulted in higher emergence rates than small seeds, but also produced plants with greater forage production. Kaufmann and McFadden ( 1963) reported higher barley yields among four varieties when 1 Received August 7, 1969;accepted September 17, 1969. grown from large seed than when grown from small seed.…”

“…The influence of seed quality on germination and establishment of plants is well known and need not be reviewed in detail here. The subject has been adequately reviewed by Kneebone ( 1956), Kittock ( 1957), Kittock andPatterson ( 1962), andHunt andMiller (1965). Except among species with seed dormancy, large, plump seeds generally have higher viability, germinate faster, and produce more vigorous seedlings than small seeds of the same species or variety Few studies, however, have been conducted in which effects of variation in seed quality have been followed into later stages in the life cycles of annuals and perennials.…”

Germination Response of Russian Wildrye to Variations in Seed Mass at Fluctuating Temperatures

“…In studies with Russian wildrye seed mass (size) has been correlated with seedling vigor (McKell 1972) as expressed by seedling emergence (Asay and Johnson 1980, Berdahl and Barker 1984, Limbach and Call 1995a and seedling establishment in the field (Kittock andPatterson 1962, Limbach andCall 1995b). Heavy seed mass has been correlated with seedling vigor of other grass species such as bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicatu L&e , var inerme), intermediate wheatgrass (A. inrermedium (Host) Beauv.…”

“…ex Steud. ), and sheep fescue (Fesrucu ovinn L.) (Kittock and Patterson 1962, Hunt and Miller 1965, Carren et al 1987, Zhang and Maun 1990.…”

Emergence and development of Russian wild ryegrass seedlings as influenced by seed source, seed mass, and seeding depth in an artificial medium

“…Heavy seeds have also produced larger plants of Agropyron inerme (Kittock and Patterson 1962), A. intermedium (Kittock and Patterson 1962), A. psammophilum (Zhang and Maun 1990), B. gracilis (Carren et al 1987) Table 2.…”