Observations on Seed Propagation of 5 Mississippi Wetland Species

Abstract

Viability of seeds under short-term storage and subsequent seedling growth on moist or saturated growing medium varied among 5 Mississippi wetland species. Woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus L. Kunth [Cyperaceae]) and softstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (K.C. Gmel.) Palla [Cyperaceae]) retained seed viability best under dry or moist storage conditions; seeds germinated best on saturated growing medium but seedlings grew better on nonsaturated medium. Powdery thalia (Thalia dealbata Fraser ex Roscoe [Marantaceae]) was similar to these species, but seeds germinated better on nonsaturated medium. Two Sagittaria species, longbeak arrowhead (Sagittaria australis (J.G. Sm.) Small [Alismataceae]) and bulltongue (Sagittaria lancifolia L.), retained seed viability better under moist conditions or immersed in water; seed germination and seedling growth was better on saturated growing medium.