A “seed gun” for high throughput percussion scarification of New Mexico locust: a model for hard-seeded species

Abstract

New Mexico locust (Robinia neomexicana A. Gray [Fabaceae]) is an important pioneer and reclamation species in the southwestern US. The species requires scarification to facilitate germination. Current scarification techniques (for example, hot water or percussion) are designed for small batch treatments and are not amenable to continuous feed operations. The “seed gun” technique we demonstrate allows for large-scale continuous feed treatment suitable for reclamation efforts on extensive areas. Advantages and disadvantages of this system are compared to the percussion and hot-water scarification techniques.