The yield and quality of phalaris seed harvested prior to maturity

Authors:
  • JMJR McWilliam
    JR McWilliam
  • HSHe Schroeder
    He Schroeder
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Abstract
Harvesting inflorescences of phalaris earlier than 27–30 days after the onset of anthesis results in lighter seed with reduced viability and inferior seedling performance. Delaying the harvest improves the quality of the seed but causes a marked reduction in yield due to seed shattering. These results suggest that the widespread practice of cutting and windrowing, or direct heading of phalaris seed crops prior to maturity to reduce the effects of seed shattering, is contributing to a reduction in the yield and quality of the seed, and is at least partly responsible for the poor record of establishment of this species. Spraying inflorescences with a quick-setting plastic lacquer just prior to seed maturity reduces shattering and represents a promising technique to improve both the yield and quality of harvested seed.