Emergence of Medusahead and Other Grasses from Four Seeding Depths

Abstract

Emergence of 23 medusahead (Taeniatherum asperum(Sim.) Nevski) selections from four seeding depths in two soils was investigated and compared with that of other grasses. Increased depth markedly reduced total emergence of medusahead and variability among selections. Selections of intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium(Host) Beauv) and pubescent wheatgrass (Agropyron trichophorum(Link) Richt.) and downy brome (Bromus tectorumL.), among other grasses, greatly exceeded medusahead in emergence from all depths. Standard crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum(Fisch. ex Link) Schult.) had less emergence than medusahead from all depths. The 3 and 4-inch planting depths exceeded the coleoptile length of medusahead. When medusahead emerged from these depths, the first true leaf was recurved and chlorotic.