Technical
Seed germination is one of the most fundamental processes of nature. It is a source of immense debate on how to achieve optimum establishment when sowing grass seed mixtures. You only need to look at the thread of comments and observations on the Pitchcare message board to see that it is something that concerns many turf managers who experience variable results.
By Simon Taylor UK Sales & Marketing Manager and Bjarne Frølund European Turf Product Manager, Euro Grass BV
Germination Summed Up
process that’s been taking place for millions of years without our intervention. By understanding a seed’s basic requirements, we can then utilise or adapt environmental conditions that support germination and seedling development.
T Seed Structure and Germination
That dry husky thing, that arrives every year as your seed mixture, holds far more than its appearance would convey. Locked inside every seed is the blueprint to producing a quality turf, but only if given the correct conditions to fulfil that potential. Without the combination of adequate oxygen, temperature and water, the process cannot take place. This may sound fairly obvious, but it is usually one of these key factors that are missing if you’re having trouble in getting your seed to germinate
During seed germination the seed has to absorb water, which swells the seed to break the outer husk and trigger the embryo into producing the hormone gibberellin (GA). This growth regulating
hormone activates the aleurone layer which, in turn, secretes amylase for the hydrolysis of starch and proteins into the endosperm. The breakdown of the starchy endosperm then supplies sugars, which are consumed by the emerging radicle extension from the seed and feed early roots and first leaf
development. It is at this
Euro Grass Seed Testing Laboratories
“Locked inside every seed is the blueprint to producing a quality turf, but only if given the correct conditions to fulfil that potential”
104 PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012
point, when the seedling has exhausted the food reserves within the seed, that germination
ends and establishment starts. This is a critical phase in the life of the grass plant when they are most vulnerable to mechanical damage, water stress and disease. The seed has now done its job and no longer has any influence on further development. It is then external environmental conditions which determine how successful establishment is.
here are no real mysteries about germination, although some would have you believe that all kinds of potions are required for grass seed to germinate. It’s a
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