Overcoming germination barriers in guinea grass seeds

Dormancy in freshly harvested seeds of guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq cv. PGG-19) was found related primarily to the inhibitory influence of husks. Mechanical or acid dehusking markedly increased the germination percentage. Germination was further augmented when the acid dehusking was followed by soaking treatments with KNO₃, GA₃ or phthalimide. The maximum response was seen in case of KN03 in combination with either GA₃ or phthalimide. Phthalimide effectively mimicked the effect of GA₃.