Seed germination and emergence of <i>Setaria pallidefusca</i> and <i>Pennisetum pedicellatum</i> (Cyperales: Poaceae) in Nigeria

Abstract

Seed weight, viability, gennination and emergence of Setaria pallidefusca and Pennisetum pedicellatum were determined under controlled conditions. The seeds of S . pallidefusca and P. pedicellatum had 97% and 94% víability respectively. Optimum gennination ofall seeds occurred at 25°C. Maximum seedling emergence occurred at the soil surface, there was a progressive decrease at greater depth. Maximum depth for emergence were 5 cm (S . pallidefusca) and 7 cm (P. pedicellatum). Seeds of both species germinated well under varied light conditions. However, there was less gennination under continuous light or darlmess conditions than under altemating day and night conditions