Analysis of Seed Germinating Vigor, Germination Speed and Peak Time in 9 Fescues under Alternative and Natural Conditions at the Room Temperature

This study was initiated to investigate seed germinating vigor, germination speed, and establishment characteristics of Festuca species under natural conditions (5-25°C). Germination rate was 62.0% in CRF ‘Audubon’ to 97.0% in TF ‘Olympic Gold’. It was greater with TF over fine-type fescues, being TF>SF>CF, HF>CRF. The germination speed, measured as days to seed germination of 50% through 80%, was fastest with TF, medium to high with CF, medium with HF and SF, and slowest with CRF. However, it was approximately 4 days slower under natural conditions, as compared with that under alternative conditions (15-25°C). Germination peak time was much faster with TF. It ranged from 0.73 to 1.84 days with TF, being 1.45 days in average. But it varied with 2.16 to 11.75 days among fine-type species. The peak time was longer in order of SFCF>SF>HF>CRF. conditions represent alternative conditions of 8-hr light at 25°C and 16-hr dark at 15°C and natural conditions at the room temperature of 5 to 25°C, respectively. Data under alternative conditions were adapted from Kim (2015). Mean separation was made by Duncan’s multiple range test at P =0.05.