TY  - JOUR
AU  - Achio, D.
AU  - Evans, E.
AU  - Repreza, N.
PY  - 2012
TI  -  Germination rate, length, and weight differences in native and nonnative  Ratibida pinnata  and  Sorghastrum nutans  seeds
JF  - Tillers; Vol 6 (2009)
KW  - 
N2  - An important aspect of tallgrass prairie reconstructions is the origin of the seeds being planted. Our experiment questions whether or not there is a difference in the lengths, weights, and rates of germination in native and non-native  Ratibida pinnata  (Gray-headed Coneflower) and  Sorghastrum nutans  (Indiangrass) seeds. We collected samples from the Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) near Kellogg, Iowa, which we then measured, weighed, and incubated to test their rates of germination. The results showed that the total weight and length of the non-native  S. nutans  was significantly greater, and the total weight of the non-native  R. pinnata  was significantly higher, but the mean length and germination rates of the latter were not significant. The significant variations in seed length and total seed weight support conservationists’ claims that only local seeds should be used in tallgrass prairie reconstruction.
UR  - https://ojs.grinnell.edu/index.php/tillers/article/view/46