Field establishment of little bluestem populations selected for improved laboratory seed germination in simulated dry conditions

Successful field establishment begins with superior plant genetics, quality seeds, land preparation, sowing depth, weed control, and moisture. Our research examined the field-establishment density of six populations little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] three selection generations at locations over a 3-yr period. Recurrent was used to develop C1 C2 from improved C0 (NU1, NU2, UC1, UC2, UO1, UO2). In Cycle 1, open-pollinated seeds each population were geminated in water −0.8 MPa potential for 7 d. For population, that germinated d selected create populations. 2 identical except Plant (number plants m‒2) determined using frequency grid method 30, 60, 90 after planting (DAP). The varied location (L), (P), generation (G), DAP, L × P, G, P DAP interactions (P < .01). Averaged averaged 7.6, 6.6, 6.5, 7.1, 7.1 m‒2 among NU1, UO2, respectively. 5.9, 8.2 C0, C1, C2, Thus, recurrent increased laboratory seed germination simulated dry conditions results greater densities bluestem.