Perigynium Removal and Cold, Moist Stratification Improve Germination of Carex nebrascensis (Nebraska Sedge)

Abstract

For 2 populations of Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis Dewey [Cyperaceae]), removal of the perigynium, the saclike structure around mature achenes, either with forceps or sandpaper, provided sufficient scarification to significantly increase total germination about 50% compared with that of nonscarified achenes. We also found that a combination of scarification and 32 d of cold, moist stratification resulted in 25% higher total germination than stratification alone. Stratification of scarified achenes with sphagnum peat moss resulted in 17% more germination than when scarified achenes were stratified in distilled water only. Our results indicate Nebraska sedge can be efficiently germinated in nurseries if perigynia are removed by scarification and achenes stratified 32 d at 3 °C (37 °F) with a sphagnum peat moss substrate.