THE EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM STORAGE ON THE VIABILITY OF S23 PERENNIAL RYEGRASS SEED AND ON SUBSEQUENT PLANT DEVELOPMENT |
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| Authors: | D J Griffiths R A D Pegler |
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| Institution: | Welsh Plant Breeding Station, Aberystwyth |
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| Abstract: | Eight lots of seed of S23 perennial ryegrass which had been artificially dried to different moisture levels and stored for 20 years were tested for germinating capacity, and the effects of long-term storage on subsequent plant development were studied. The results of the germination tests indicated a continuation of the downward trend in viability previously reported. Observations on the derived mature plants revealed no difference between lots in general growth habit; a few seedlings showed symptoms of some retardation in growth but most plants manifested the high tillering and prostrate growth typical of S23 perennial ryegrass. Pollen fertility was markedly reduced in 38% of all the plants sampled. The seed-setting capacity was affected to an even greater extent, 44% of the plants giving seed-set values decidedly below those obtained for plants grown from new seed. Where pollen fertility had been much reduced, seed-setting also was usually low, but there were some instances of satisfactory pollen fertility associated with a low seed set. |
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