Germination of Two Seed Types from Three Dalea Species

Abstract

Abstract Dalea species are legumes that often are included in seed mixtures used for prairie restorations. Three Dalea species (D. foliosa, D. candida, and D. purpurea) exhibit two different types of seeds: plump (well-rounded larger) and dented (wrinkled smaller) seeds. Differences in germination and viability of these two types of seeds have not been reported. Our objectives were to compare seed mass, germination and viability between these types of seeds for three Illinois Dalea species. Fruits were collected for D. foliosa from 1998–2001 (Will County) and for D. candida and D. purpurea from 2001–2003 (Kankakee, Tazewell and Will Counties). For each species, seed mass, germination and viability were determined per seed type (plump or dented). Seed mass was significantly higher for plump than dented seeds for all three species. For D. foliosa and D. candida, germination of dented seed exceeded that of plump seed in some years. For D. purpurea, germination was significantly greater for plump seeds in bot...