Abstract
We conducted a series of experiments to determine an optimal seed priming treatment for four fescue species: 'SR5100' chewings fescue (Festuca rubra L. spp. commutata Gaud.); 'Pennlawn' creeping fescue (F. rubra L. spp. rubra); 'SR3100' hard fescue (F. longifolia (Thuill.); and, 'SR8300' tall fescue (F. arundinacea Schreb.). Priming in a solid matrix (exfoliated vermiculite No. 5) at - 1.5 MPa and 20°C for 4 days resulted in superior post-priming seed germination than priming in polyethylene glycol or sodium nitrate, at higher water potentials, lower temperatures, or for longer durations. This priming treatment increased the germination rate at 15°, 25° and 35°C but most markedly at 15°C. The treatment also increased germination synchrony at 35°C and increased germination percentage under stressful conditions of high temperature and reduced water availability (35°C and - 0.6 MPa). More rapid seedling emergence from the primed seeds compared to non-primed seeds led to greater seedling shoot dry weights.
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