Racquets, Hoppers, and Felt Boards—Low-tech Devices for Processing Seeds

Abstract

In Utah, racquets and hoppers are used to collect small lots of long-leaf hawksbeard (Crepis acuminata Nutt. [Aster-aceae]) and pale mountain dandelion (Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. [Asteraceae]). These seedlots are often contaminated with squirreltail (Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey [Poaceae]) and cheatgrass (Broumus tectorum L. [Poaceae]). We toss the mixed seeds at a large piece of plush felt—the composite seeds fall to a collection container but the appendages on the grasses stick to the felt.