Natural Resources s Conservation Service...This manual was funded by a grant from Florida Institute of Phosphate Research 1855 West Main Street Bartow, Florida 33830-7718 (863) 534-7160

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FLORIDA NATIVE SEED PRODUCTIONMANUAL

Written by

Sharon Pfaff, AgronomistMary Anne Gonter, Biological TechnicianClarence Maura, Plant Materials Manager

United States Department of AgricultureNatural Resources Conservation Service

Plant Materials Center14119 Broad Street

Brooksville, FL 34601(352) 796-9600

T. Niles Glasgow, State Conservationist

This manual was funded by a grant from

Florida Institute of Phosphate Research1855 West Main Street

Bartow, Florida 33830-7718(863) 534-7160

Contract Manager: Dr. Steven G. Richardson

Special thanks to

Dr. Jeff Norcini, University of Florida, IFASPete Deal, USDA NRCS

Greg Hendricks, USDA NRCSSuzanne Pugh, USDA NRCS

Lori Aab, Earth Team Volunteer

for editing this manual

June 2002

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs andactivities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs,sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of programinformation (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA�s TARGET Center at(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call(202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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CONTENTS

Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 9Native Seed Production in Florida................................................................................................. 10Choosing a Seed Source ................................................................................................................ 11

Source of Seed........................................................................................................................... 11Classes of Commercial Plant Material Releases ....................................................................... 12

Selecting a Field Site ..................................................................................................................... 12Seedbed Preparation ...................................................................................................................... 13Establishment of Production Fields ............................................................................................... 14

Cover or Nurse Crops................................................................................................................ 14Transplanting verses Seeding.................................................................................................... 14Seeding Equipment and Methods.............................................................................................. 15Row Spacing.............................................................................................................................. 15Seeding Rate.............................................................................................................................. 16Seeding Depth ........................................................................................................................... 17Seeding Dates ............................................................................................................................ 17

Production Field Management....................................................................................................... 17Weed Control ............................................................................................................................ 17Insect and Disease Control ........................................................................................................ 19Residue Management ................................................................................................................ 20Irrigation.................................................................................................................................... 21Fertilization ............................................................................................................................... 21

Seed Harvest .................................................................................................................................. 22Seed Maturity ............................................................................................................................ 22Seed Harvest Equipment ........................................................................................................... 23Post Harvest Drying .................................................................................................................. 24Seed Conditioning Equipment................................................................................................... 24Seed Cleaning Equipment ......................................................................................................... 24Seed Storage .............................................................................................................................. 25

Additional Publications Addressing Native Species Production ................................................... 27Additional Sources of Useful Information..................................................................................... 28Equipment Dealers......................................................................................................................... 29Selected Species............................................................................................................................. 31

Bluestem, Chalky [Andropogon capillipes Nash or Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis(Ell.) C. Mohr]........................................................................................................................... 33Bluestem, Creeping [Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash or Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.)Nash var. stoloniferum (Nash) J. Wipff] ................................................................................... 35Bluestem, Splitbeard (Andropogon ternarius Michx.).............................................................. 37Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.) ................................................................. 39Hairawn Muhly [Muhlenbergia capillaris (Lam.) Trin.] .......................................................... 41Lopsided Indiangrass [Sorghastrum secundum (Elliot) Nash].................................................. 43Pinewoods Dropseed [Sporobolus junceus (Michx.) Kunth] .................................................... 45Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) .......................................................................................... 47Wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana Trin. & Rupr.) ....................................................................... 49Blazing Star, Handsome [Liatris elegans (Walt.) Michx.]........................................................ 51Grassy-leaf Goldenaster [Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt.] ............................................. 53Partridge Pea [Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene] ..................................................... 55

Grass and Forb Characteristics and Seed Production Reference Tables ....................................... 57

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Introduction

For many years, the Florida phosphate industry had attempted to restore native plantcommunities on reclaimed minedlands. Earlier efforts often failed because Florida nativevarieties were not readily available, and no one fully understood how to harvest and plantmost natives on a large scale.

Information about seed and plant adaptation ranges, seed and plant productioncharacteristics, maturity dates, germination rates, seedling vigor, and management practicesto induce flowering was also not available.

Between 1991 and 2002, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service PlantMaterials Center (PMC) at Brooksville, Florida conducted research on native plant speciesunder two agreements with the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research (FIPR). Results ofthese studies were published by FIPR in a technical document called "Development of SeedSources and Establishment Methods for Native Upland Reclamation.�

A native grass seed production manual was recently published for seed growers in theMidwestern United States and Canada. It contained many valuable production guidelines.However, this information needed to be expanded to include native species unique to Florida.

The "Florida Native Seed Production Manual" contains comprehensive informationabout growing Florida native species for seed, including state-of-the-art planting andproduction technology. Planting and collection equipment currently on the market isdiscussed, along with detailed information about seed conditioning equipment.

Several native Florida species are showcased in this manual. All of them haveperformed well on reclaimed minedlands. Each has potential for being included in a nativeupland seed mixture.

The native species featured in this manual should not be considered an all-inclusivelist. Other native species in Florida may be useful for reclaiming uplands, however researchon them is incomplete at this time.

Special thanks to the Florida Institute of Phosphate Research for sponsoring researchand providing grant money to produce this document. Thanks also to the Florida phosphateindustry for providing reclaimed minedland sites for research studies.

Additional information about the Brooksville, Florida Plant Material Center isavailable on the National Plant Materials Program web site at http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Native Seed Production inFlorida

Native seed production is still inits infant stages in Florida. Newproducers in this growing industry facemany challenges.

Economic challenges includeland values that are inflated from urbandevelopment. Native seed markets alsoneed to be expanded.

The phosphate mine industry hasbeen one of the most importantconsumers of native seed. Every year,several thousand acres are revegetatedwith native plants.

The United States Department ofTransportation and the landscapeindustry are also big users of nativeplants. Demand continues to grow as thepublic sees the benefits of plantingnatives.

County, State and Federalagencies are also very interested inrestoring public lands to native habitats.However, some of these prospectivebuyers may insist on native seed sourcesfrom specific geographic areas in theState. Therefore, it is important forproducers to know how a buyer defines"native species.�

The quality and source of nativeseed produced by Florida growers willstrongly influence future consumerconfidence and demand. Following seedcertification standards adds value tonative seed products and increases thepotential for successful establishment.Guidelines exist on a national andregional level for seed certification.Growers need to be aware of the

certification agency for Florida - theSouthern Seed Association - and theguidelines they work under.

Producing native seed is quitedifferent from producing other agriculturalcrops. Native species are often moredrought-tolerant and disease-resistant thanintroduced species. However, weedcompetition is a major concern. Mostproblem weeds are introduced grasses andlegumes. To effectively control weeds, aproducer must incorporate appropriate cropmanagement practices with chemical andmechanical measures.

Florida has a very unique climate.Though many Florida species are foundthroughout the Southeastern United States,Florida ecotypes are highly adapted to localconditions. They often cannot survive inmore northern zones. Therefore, severalspecies can only be produced within thestate.

Florida ecotypes are adapted to conditionssuch as mild temperatures, long growingseasons, periods of high rainfall and severedrought, coarse sandy or heavy clay soilsand often seasonally high water tables.Many of the ecological plant communities inFlorida are also fire-dependant. Periodicburning is important for seed production insome species.

Specialized planting, harvesting andcleaning equipment is necessary for large-scale production. Conventional equipmentcannot handle native seeds that are light andchaffy, or have awns or hairy appendages.

With native seed use gainingpopularity across the United States, manyinnovative types of equipment are becomingavailable. The development of newtechnology has also increased establishmentsuccess and production of native species.

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Native seed production is not aneasy process. If it were, the industrywould already be thriving in Florida.However, it can be very rewarding forthose who enjoy challenges and like towork with native plant species.

Choosing a Seed Source

Source of Seed

Even though demand drives thekinds of species producers will grow, thesource of seed must be carefullyconsidered before a grower startsproduction.

There are generally two schoolsof thought on choosing the right sourcesof seed for reclamation projects. Inpreserves and parks with existingpopulations of native species, many landmanagers believe that plant populationsfound in or near these locations shouldbe used for revegetation projects. In theiropinion, this will avoid contamination ofthe local genotype or what some call"genetic pollution."

On the other hand, where soilstructure and hydrology have beendrastically altered, as on minedlands,genetic sources are not nearly asimportant as plant adaptability. Nativeplants are desired because of what theybrought to the historic landscape andecological communities.

Plant varieties with a broadgenetic range may have greateradaptability on these heterogeneous sitesthan those gathered from smallgeographic areas. In some cases,improved varieties from other regions or

states may be more adaptable than localecotypes.

Most seed growers produce seed forcustomers with less restrictive geneticsource criteria. If a grower does contract togrow seed for a preserve or park, the growerneeds to be fully aware of seed source andproduction criteria. Contracts such as thesecould require the seed producer to grow seedin isolation to prevent geneticcontamination.

Lack of improved varieties haspreviously limited the native seedproduction industry in Florida. It is oftenquite risky to begin large-scale productionwith seed taken directly from the wild.Whether sampling different seed across theState or within a designated community,native species in the wild vary greatly ingrowth and seed production characteristics.

In the past, research agencies havedeveloped cultivars with narrow, highlyselected gene pools. These cultivars oftenexcelled in high forage production and easeof establishment.

Many research agencies, includingthe Plant Materials Center, have begundeveloping varieties with broader geneticbases. Varieties may be developed fromecological regions that span several hundredsquare miles. (An old rule of thumb is thatan ecotype should be planted no more than50 to 300 miles from its original location.However, soil, climate and hydrology maybe more important to plant adaptation thanphysical distances.)

Varieties with broad genetic basesmay not excel in forage production, but theydo have two advantages. First, they maypotentially be more adaptable to a broaderrange of habitats.

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Secondly, native genetic materialis lost daily to urban development andother land conversions. Releases withbroad genetic pools are potentiallypreserving this material for futuregenerations.

Classes of Commercial Plant MaterialReleases

Genetic diversity needs to bebalanced with reliable performance.Some genetic selection can enhance thedependability of seed production andestablishment characteristics. The moreselection a species undergoes, the morepredictable its performance will be in agiven environment.

In the past, it took decades ofselection and testing to developcommercial varieties. Seed stocks werethen increased under a very strictlydefined certification program. Seedcategories included breeder, foundation,registered and certified. To reflectchanging market demands, fouralternative seed certification classes havebeen added. These are:

Source Identified Seed: Seedsfrom a naturally growing populationoccupying a known or defined geo-graphic area. Material sold commerciallymay be collected directly from the site orgrown under cultivated conditions. Noselection or testing has been conductedand seed grown under cultivation shouldbe representative of the entirepopulation.

Selected Seed: Seeds from plantswhich have been through some testing,and show desirable superior traits orshow promise of performance when

compared to other accessions at a commonsite. Performance of this material has not yetbeen proven, as it has not been tested atmultiple sites or for more than onegeneration. Therefore, plants may not breedtrue, and desirable characteristics may notshow up in all offspring.

Tested Seed: Seed from plants thathave been through additional testing formore than one generation. This includestesting on multiple sites with replicated plotsto verify performance and heritability ofdesirable traits. The material has provengenetic superiority or possesses distinctivetraits for which heritability is stable.Complete area of adaptation may not beknown.

Cultivar/Variety Seed: Cultivarshave undergone replicated testing of two ormore generations at multiple sites. Thematerial is clearly distinguished bydocumented characteristics and whenreproduced it will retain these character-istics. Testing has proven and documentedthe heritability of these traits, the superiorityand/or performance, and the range ofadaptation.

Although certified seed is not alwayscommercially available, it should bepurchased whenever possible. Certified seedinsures that the buyer knows the source,genetic integrity, germination, and purity(amount and kinds of weed seed, inertmatter, etc.) of the seed.

Selecting a Field Site

Before planting, producers shouldconsider factors such as climate,precipitation, slope, soil texture, andhydrology, as well as the pH and nutrientlevels in the soils. The State of Florida has

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six �plant hardiness zones,� which rangefrom 8a to 10b. Two of these zones (10aand 10b) rarely experience temperaturesbelow freezing.

Soils in Florida vary widely fromcoarse sands to rich peat. Heavy claysoccur in several regions, either on thesurface or in subsoil layers.

Hydrology varies widely fromdry sandhills to seasonally ponded areas.Average annual precipitation in Floridais 40 to 60 inches per year. Intense rainevents often cause erosion on un-protected soil. Soil erosion is a seriousconcern in some regions of the State.

Despite high rainfall, coarsesandy soils and long, hot, dry weatherpatterns cause many sites to experiencesevere drought during the growingseason. Supplemental irrigation may benecessary to provide extra moistureduring droughty periods.

Many Florida soils are highlyacidic and do not have adequatenutrients for plant growth. High soilacidity causes important nutrients to beless available to plants. Application ofsoil amendments may be necessary toproduce economically viable yields.

Native species often requirespecific conditions for best growth andseed production. They may not do wellwhen placed in environments differentfrom where they originated. Soilmoisture is especially important. Forexample, species growing in sandhillsites may not persist when planted inheavy soils. Lowland species grow bestin soils where moisture is present duringpart of the growing season.

Though some species may prefersaturated soils, fields must also be accessibleto weed control and harvesting equipment.

If producers are growing certifiedseed, they need to make certain fields meetisolation standards for cultivars, and weedseed contamination standards for differentseed classes.

Seedbed Preparation

Since the establishment of nativespecies is a major expense, it is essential tostart with good seedbed preparation. Weedcompetition can substantially reduce standdensity, plant longevity, and seed yields.

For weedy fields, it may benecessary to carry out an intensive weedcontrol program for one to two years prior toplanting. However, two years of intensivetillage is not always economically feasible.In that case, a minimum tillage system thatincludes multiple herbicide and mowingtreatments and almost no soil disturbancemay be effective.

Reducing weed populations to theirlowest possible level prior to planting candramatically reduce future weed controlcosts.

The amount of necessary weedcontrol depends on weed species at theplanting site. Invasive rhizomatous species,such as bermudagrass or cogongrass must becompletely eradicated prior to planting. Ifnot they can quickly reestablish from rootfragments and choke out less aggressivenative species.

Seed banks of annual weeds can besubstantially reduced in one year by not

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allowing emerging seedlings to produceseed.

A combination of tillage andbroad-spectrum herbicides is usually themost effective method of controllingweeds prior to planting.

Bahiagrass pastures have beensuccessfully returned to native vegeta-tion by using herbicide treatments in thespring and fall, along with two to threedisk treatments during the summer. Thissystem is adequate for native siterestoration projects. In the case ofproduction fields, an additional year ofweed control may be necessary toeradicate most invasive weeds.

Producers converting cropland tonative grass or forb seed productionfields will need to make certain thatpreviously applied herbicide residues arenot high enough to injure native species.Oats or other highly sensitive speciescan be used to test for herbicide residuallevels in fields.

Before planting, a seedbed mustbe properly prepared. If deficient, soilamendments such as lime orphosphorous need to be incorporatedinto the soil prior to planting. Unlessusing a no-till system, the seedbedshould be bare mineral soil. If necessary,it needs to be tilled to loosen any crustedsurface layers.

Tilled soil should be smoothedand packed to break up large clods. Thiswill provide an even planting surface. Afirm even seedbed is especiallyimportant when drilling seed. This willhelp the producer to obtain precise seedplacement in the soil.

A good rule of thumb for checkingseedbed firmness is that a footprint leaves animpression no deeper than 1/4 inch.

Good soil moisture helps to insuregood seedling establishment.

Establishment of Production Fields

Cover or Nurse Crops

In cases where soil erosion is aproblem, especially wind erosion, it may benecessary to plant a cover crop prior toestablishment of production fields.

Cover crops should not be allowed toharbor weeds or go to seed. Cover cropsshould be destroyed prior to planting nativeseeds or plants.

In general, nurse or companion cropsare not recommended, because they tend toout-compete natives seeds for moisture,nutrients, and light. If nurse crops areallowed to produce viable seed, they canbecome competitive weed species in futureyears.

Transplanting verses Seeding

If seed is limited or is veryexpensive, it may be more cost-effective toestablish production fields using transplantsverses direct seeding. Although growing andplanting transplants is labor intensive, thismethod has several advantages.

Solid stands can be immediatelyestablished. Spacing between plants can beprecisely controlled. Transplants are morecompetitive with weeds because they are

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larger and more vigorous than emergingseedlings.

Transplants are less susceptiblethan emerging seedlings to drought orwind erosion on coarse soils. Transplantsare less susceptible than emergingseedlings to crusting on heavy soils.

Subsequent seed productionoften occurs more quickly. Many speciestake only a year to become establishedand produce seed.

Seeding Equipment and Methods

Broadcasting and drilling are twoprimary methods of seeding grasses andforbs.

One advantage of broadcasting isthat equipment is often inexpensive. It isalso usually easy to obtain.

Lighter, fluffier, bearded orchaffy seeds can be dispersed fromcertain types of mechanical broadcasterswithout debearding or conditioning.

Conventional seed broadcasterscannot distribute bearded or fluffy seedif they operate on a gravity-flow system.Forced air systems, such as hay blowers,work well to distribute all types of seed.

Modified sprig planters workwell to distribute plant material collectedwith a forage harvester.

Broadcasting does not provideprecise depth and spatial seed placementlike drilling does. If broadcasting isused, it is recommended that seed beplanted at two times the required rate fordrilling.

After broadcasting seed, a fieldshould be lightly packed to incorporate theseed.

Weeds are often more difficult tocontrol in a broadcast field.

In contrast, drilling allows aproducer to control the depth of his seed,row spacing, and spacing between theplants. Although this method is moreexpensive in terms of time, labor andequipment, the drilling method may be morecost-effective because of the reducedseeding rate and precise placement of theseed.

A major disadvantage of drilling isthat the seed of some of the more desirablenative species will not flow through aconventional drill without conditioning.Even then, seed of some species are still toolight and will bridge or fail to flow properlythrough the planter.

Specialized drills that handle lightchaffy seed are available on the market.These drills are equipped with aggressivepicker wheels and stirring rods to overcomebridging problems. Seed must still bedebearded to flow through these chaffy-seeddrills.

A further modification of the chaffy-seed type drill has recently been developedthat can handle fluffy bearded seed. Theseed metering system in this fluffy-seed drillis even more aggressive, and drop tubes arevery short and wide to prevent clogging.

Row Spacing

Seed production fields are planted onwider row spacings than would be used fornative reclamation plantings. Wider row

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spacings are necessary to achieveoptimum seed production.

General recommended pro-duction field row spacings in other partsof the United States range from 12 to 48inches, depending on slope, amount ofprecipitation, and species planted.

Cultivation and harvestequipment also need to be consideredwhen determining row spacing.

As a general rule, the wider therow spacing, the greater the seedproduction. Narrow row widths willincrease plant competition. Widerspacings will increase weed competition.

Research has not yet beenconducted to determine the ideal rowspacing for most Florida natives. Analternative spacing method currentlybeing studied is to plant double rows.

Double rows are spaced 6 to 12inches apart and are placed 36 to 60inches apart from the adjacent sets ofdouble rows. This is an effective way tominimize competition between plants,maximize production and minimizeweed competition.

Double rows provide a moresolid canopy to shade out weeds withinthe rows. They leave space formechanical tillage between wide rowsand allow room for harvest equipment.

Seeding Rate

For native reclamation seedings,the general rule of thumb is that seedmust be applied at a rate of 15 to 30 purelive seed (pls) per square foot to obtain a

satisfactory stand when drilling on favorablesites.

This rate should be increased by 50to 100% on critical or unfavorable sites, toobtain a satisfactory stand. Higher seedingrates should also be used for those speciesthat lack seedling vigor, and do not spreadreadily once established.

The broadcast rate is generally twotimes the drill rate. A seeding rate that is toolow will produce unsatisfactory stands. Aseeding rate that is too high producesunnecessary plant competition and increasesseed costs.

For seed production fields plantedwith a drill, the recommended seeding rate isgenerally 25 to 30 pls per linear foot.

Because natives tend to have verylow seed viability, seeding rates arecalculated on a pure live seed basis. Todetermine the percentage of pure live seed,multiply the percentage of germination bythe percentage of purity for a given seedlot,then divide by 100. For example, if a seedlotof indiangrass has 95 percent purity and 32percent germination, it contains approx-imately 30 percent pure live seed:

95% purity x 32% germ 100

The recommended seeding rate isthen divided by the percent pure live seed todetermine the actual seeding rate. In thiscase, if the recommended indiangrassseeding rate is 5 pounds/acre, then the actualseeding rate would be approximately 16.4pounds/acre:

5 lbs./ac. 0.30 pls

= 16.4 lbs./ac.

= 30.4% pls

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Seeding Depth

The seeding depth is critical insmall seeded native species, especially ifthe soil they are planted in has atendency to crust.

In general, small seeded speciessuch as wiregrass, should be planted nodeeper than 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Mediumsized seed, such as lopsided indiangrass,should be planted no deeper than 1/4 to1/2 inch. Large seed, such as easterngamagrass, should be planted no deeperthan one inch.

Medium and large seed can beplanted 1/2 inch deeper in sandy soils.When planting in heavy clay soils, theseeding depth should be decreased.

Seeding Dates

Florida has an exceptionally longgrowing season. Many native speciescan be seeded year-round, if moistureconditions are favorable. A general rule-of-thumb is to plant just prior to theseason of most dependable moisture. InFlorida, this would be in May or June,just prior to the summer rainy season.

Although the winter rains are notas dependable, late fall/early winterseedings of some native species haveoften been more successful than summerseedings. This may be due to reducedweed competition and cooler soiltemperatures.

Many types of wildflowers, suchas blackeyed susan, require a fall/earlywinter seeding date in order to produceseed by the following summer. Unlessresearch has shown otherwise, the best

time to plant wildflowers may beimmediately after seed harvest.

The least optimum seeding time onFlorida's uplands and sandhill sites is Marchand April. These months are typically verydry with periods of high winds.

On the other hand, spring may be theonly season when seeding equipment can beused to plant flatwoods that undergoperiodic flooding.

When considering seeding date,producers should be aware of how daylength and cold stratification affect somespecies. For example, some types of Liatrismay only germinate during periods of shortday length.

Other species, such as easterngamagrass, may have higher germination ifseeds are planted in the late fall/early winter.This causes the seeds to go through a periodof cold stratification. Cold stratificationstimulates the seeds to rapidly germinate inthe spring.

Production Field Management

Weed Control

Weed control can be difficult innative species, especially in forbs. Nativesare typically less aggressive and do notcompete well with weeds. Very fewherbicides are labeled for use on nativespecies. Additional research is needed todetermine native species tolerance toherbicides.

One of the most effective methods ofcontrolling weeds in native production fieldsis to make seedbeds as weed free as

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possible. Care should be given toplanting weed free seed.

Minor weed infestations shouldbe controlled early before they becomemajor infestations. Major weedinfestations can overtake a field within ayear.

Weeds should also be controlledaround field margins. Several types ofcontrol measures are available to seedproducers. These include:

Cultural Practices: A healthy,vigorous stand is more capable ofcompeting with weeds than a sparsestand. To produce a heavy canopy, usepractices such as planting double rows.It will help to shade out weeds.

For high value crops, such aswildflowers, weed cloth or fiber mulchblankets can be place around transplants.Not all species can tolerate weed barriersthough. Mulching around roots can trapmoisture and increase the activity ofsome soil pathogens.

Banding fertilizer along rowsrather than broadcasting it over the entirefield helps discourage weed growth.Proper irrigation can also reduce weedcompetition.

Mechanical Control: Cultivat-ing between rows is an effective practicefor controlling weed seedlings. A varietyof equipment for this practice isavailable.

Many problem weed species inFlorida can quickly re-root themselvesfrom the nodes or resprout from rootfragments. Aggressive rotary tillers orcultivators are usually more effective in

controlling these types of weeds. Sweeps orshovels are not as effective because theycause less soil disturbance.

Florida natives tend to be shallowrooted, especially forbs. Cultivating tooclose to the rows can disturb root systems.

Herbicides: It is a violation ofFederal law to use herbicides in a mannerthat is inconsistent with label instructions.Read and follow all label directions forworker safety protection and to avoid cropinjury.

It is extremely important to select theappropriate herbicide and apply it at theproper rate and time. Individuals applyingherbicides should consult with theirCooperative Extension Service CountyAgent to obtain the most currentrecommendations for treating specificweeds.

A limited number of herbicides onthe market are useful for controlling weedsin native production fields. Nonselectiveherbicides, such as glyphosate, can be usedto control weeds between rows when appliedduring calm conditions. Natives areextremely sensitive to glyphosate. To avoidplant injury, shielded spraying equipmentshould be used to prevent drift.

Root or germination-inhibiting herb-icides applied to crops after they are wellestablished are good for controlling emerg-ing weeds in some species. Several of thesetypes of herbicides have been tested onnatives in other states with good success.

In some states, atrazine is labeled foruse on warm-season grasses, such asswitchgrass and eastern gamagrass.However, research has not yet beenconducted in Florida to determine how

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atrazine affects native grasses underFlorida conditions.

Post-emergent herbicides can beeffective tools for controlling weeds inproduction fields. Unfortunately few arelabeled for native grasses.

In most cases, 2,4-D can be usedfor broadleaf control in grass productionfields. This herbicide is most effective ifapplied when weeds are young,preferably in the two-leaf stage. Itshould be applied when grass plants arein the active growing, vegetative stage. Itshould not be applied after plants reachthe early boot stage (the stage when theseed head is beginning to emerge but isstill hidden within the leaf sheath).

Fewer post-emergent herbicidesare available for controlling weeds inbroadleaf crops. Imazapic has beeneffective on several species in theMidwest. It is very effective incontrolling some varieties of nut sedge.

Imazapic is currently undergoingtesting in Florida, but is not yet labeledfor use on natives in the State.

It is better to use scientific namesrather than common names to determineif a herbicide is labeled for use on aparticular crop. Common names areoften used to describe entirely differentspecies (e.g. "indiangrass" is thecommon name used for bothSorghastrum nutans and Sorghastrumsecundum, two distinct species).

Herbicide manufacturers mayonly list general categories of grasses orforbs on the label, or only commonnames. In these cases, it is stronglyrecommended that preliminary tests be

conducted on only a few plants. Differentspecies may have very different tolerance toa product.

Hand Weeding: Pulling weeds byhand and hoeing are the most labor-intensivemethods of weed control. However, in somecases, hand weeding may be the only optionavailable for controlling weeds.

Seed certification guidelines prohibitthe presence of many noxious weeds, and settolerance limits for others. Weeds thatcannot be controlled by cultivation or by useof pre- or post-emergent herbicides willhave to be removed manually.

Manual removal is especiallyimportant if the weeds are aggressive orproduce seed that is difficult to remove inthe cleaning process. Manual removal isgood for spot weed control. It may be lesscostly to manually remove a few weeds thanto have to prepare a herbicide solution for asmall area.

Any type of post-emergent weedcontrol should occur before weeds have hadan opportunity to produce seed. Weedsshould be removed completely from thefield, so that they have no opportunity to re-root and contaminate a field again.

Insect and Disease Control

Due to a mild, humid climate,Florida is plagued by a multitude of insectsand plant diseases. Florida eco-types ofnative species generally have good diseaseand insect resistance. Unfortunately, manynatives in Florida have very poor viable seedproduction.

Insects, including a midge, are asuspected cause of poor viable seed

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production. Researchers are working todiscover specific causes for poorviability.

Heavy infestations of aphids arecommonly found on hairawn muhly seedheads, but the amount of damage theycause to seed is unknown. Spider mitescan be a problem in fields of easterngamagrass.

Applying broad-spectrum insect-icides on production fields is notrecommended at this time. These typesof insecticides also destroy beneficialinsects.

Effective management starts withscouting fields and becoming familiarwith different types of insects, their lifecycles, whether they are beneficial ordetrimental to production at differentstages, etc.

The Cooperative ExtensionService and the Florida Department ofAgriculture and Consumer Services haveseveral resources available foridentification and control of crop pests.

Usually, threshold levels ofdetrimental insects are low enough thatcontrol measures are not necessary.Proper residue management inproduction fields and along field borderscan decrease insect habitat and break lifecycles.

Rusts and other pathogens thatcause lesions on leaves are verycommon. This is especially true forforage species, like switchgrass andeastern gamagrass. Some ecotypes areless susceptible to rusts than others.

A type of smut is commonly foundinfesting wiregrass seed heads. The impactof the smut on wiregrass seed production isnot known.

Soil pathogens can cause seriousproblems in native production fields.Natives often have some resistance to soilpathogens. However, species taken from drysandy environments may not persist inmoister environments where there isincreased soil pathogen activity.

Skyblue lupine is one example of anative wildflower that is extremelysusceptible to soil pathogens. Untilresearchers can find disease resistant lines,this species will be difficult to grow undercultivation.

There are no cost-effective chemicalmeasures for controlling soil pathogens atthis time. Cultural practices, such as croprotation, may help to break pathogen lifecycles.

Researchers have had mixed successinoculating plants with beneficial bacteriaand fungi. This practice is more cost-effective in containerized production then infield production.

Residue Management

Proper residue management isimportant for maintaining healthy nativeproduction fields. Old plant residues oftenshade out plant crowns and host harmfulinsects and diseases. This can dramaticallyreduce the longevity of a plant.

Burning and mowing are the mostcommon methods of removing residue.Grazing can also be used in some cases.

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Most, but not all, warm seasongrasses respond well to burning. Often,the best time to burn a production field isbetween January and early March.Removing residue in the fall is usuallynot recommended. Most species benefitfrom having crowns protected withresidue during periods of hard frosts orfreezes.

Late winter burns are beneficialto stands of lopsided indiangrass sincesummer burns cause severe plant injury.Wiregrass, on the other hand, usuallyneeds a growing season burn betweenApril and July to flower and produceviable seed.

Mowing can also be used toremove old residue. Dormant plants canbe mowed lower than those that areactively growing. Active growing tillersshould not be mowed below the growingpoint at the base of the leaf.

Heavy accumulations of residuesshould be removed from a field.

Irrigation

Supplemental irrigation canincrease establishment success and theproductivity of plants. It can also ensurethe longevity of stands, especially duringdry periods. It is better to thoroughly wetthe soil profile periodically than to applyonly a small amount daily.

Shallow surface wateringpromotes weed competition and shallow-rooted plants. Deep watering encouragesdeeper-rooted plants with greaterdrought tolerance.

Production fields should haveadequate moisture in the soil profile whenplants begin to flower. Irrigation should besuspended during pollination, but it can becontinued in the early stages of seeddevelopment, if necessary.

Dry soil conditions during the periodwhen seeds are developing can cause seedkernels to be small and shrunken. Fieldsshould not be irrigated during the laterstages of seed ripening or when seed isready to harvest.

Fertilization

Prior to planting, soil samples shouldbe taken to determine pH levels andavailable soil nutrients. Most CountyExtension Offices provide assistance intesting soil samples.

Liming fields to increase the soil pHis usually not necessary or beneficial, sincemost Florida natives are adapted to acidsoils. Highly acid soils, however, can restrictthe uptake of some soil nutrients.

Applying nitrogen at the time ofplant establishment is not recommended,because nitrogen stimulates weedcompetition. In established fields, fertilizingwith nitrogen will not directly increase seedproduction in most cases. It may actuallyreduce production because it promotesexcess forage growth and lodging.

It may be necessary to apply lowlevels of nitrogen to maintain stands (30 to50 pounds/acre, depending on soil testresults). Most Florida soils have adequatelevels of phosphorus, so they do not requireextra amounts. If soil tests indicate extraphosphorus is needed, it should beincorporated into the soil before planting.

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Levels of potassium and somemicronutrients are often low in Floridasoils. Apply annually, if necessary.

Fertilizer should be applied inearly spring. Applications made later inthe growing season may stimulate forageproduction and reduce production ofreproductive tillers. If possible, fertilizershould be applied in bands along rows.Broadcasting fertilizer over the entirefield will stimulate weed competition.

Seed Harvest

Seed Maturity

One of the more difficultdecisions that seed growers face is whento harvest plants in order to obtainmaximum amounts of ripe seed. Standsof Florida native species often havebroad genetic diversity. This results inuneven seed ripening. In geneticallydiverse populations, seed ripening canvary between plants by several days.Also, many seed ripen from the top ofthe seed head down.

In species like easterngamagrass, seed maturation along asingle seed head can extend for severalweeks. Reproductive tillers continuallyemerge for several months. The timingfor harvesting forbs can also be difficultbecause flowering and seed ripening canoccur simultaneously on a plant forseveral weeks.

Conventional combines onlyallow for a one-time harvest. On theother hand, seed strippers are designedto pull only ripe seed off the seed head.

Fields can be harvested several times as theseed continues to ripen.

Even if a crop is harvested all atonce, some wildflower species may re-flower and produce a second seed crop.Blanketflower and lanceleaf coreopsis aretypical examples.

Seed shatter may also create concernfor producers. In species such as wiregrassor chalky bluestem, seed remains on theplant for several weeks, barring unforeseenhigh winds. This provides a collectionwindow of two to three weeks.

Other grass species, such asswitchgrass, lopsided indiangrass andeastern gamagrass, are very susceptible toseed shatter. These species rapidly releasemature seed from the seedhead. This allowsonly a few days for collection. Forbs,especially legumes or wildflower specieslike coreopsis, are prone to seed shatter.Legume species produce seedpods thatdehisce (or burst open) once they mature.

As harvest time approaches, seedproducers need to regularly walk throughfields and check the stage of seed maturity.For species such as bluestems or lopsidedindiangrass, seed is ready for harvest when itcan be easily hand stripped from the seedstalk.

In other species, like hairawn muhlyor switchgrass, seed maturity is checked byremoving the seed (also called the kernel orcaryopsis) from the seed hull.

As seed kernels ripen, they gothrough 5 stages: milk, soft dough, mediumdough, hard dough and mature. A thumbnailtest can be used to determine the stage ofmaturity. Mature kernels are usually darkerin color and very hard.

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In the hard dough stage, thethumbnail test will leave a slight imprinton the kernel. Long cylindrical shapedseeds such as wiregrass are often brittleand will snap easily when ripe.

For most species, optimumharvest time is usually during the harddough or mature stage. Harvesting tooearly may result in shrunken seed withpoor viability. In cases where stands aremowed or swathed and seed is allowedto remain on the stem for several days,some after-ripening will occur. In theMidwest, switchgrass is often swathedduring the medium dough stage toreduce seed shatter and the amount ofgreen biomass.

Cutting or swathing has not beentested on most Florida species, althoughresearchers have found that wiregrasswill after-ripen on cut stems.

Seed should generally beharvested after the morning dew hasdried and during warm, dry periods ofthe day when humidity is low.Equipment using vacuums and/orbrushes to remove seed does not workwell when seeds are damp.

On the other hand, forageharvesters with flail cutting systemscause less seed shatter if seed is stillslightly damp from the morning dew.Damp seed must be rapidly dried toavoid mold growth or heating.

Seed Harvest Equipment

Conventional three-screen com-bines work well for the harvest ofsmooth, hard-seeded species, such as

eastern gamagrass, switchgrass, partridgepea or lupine.

Combines with special pickup-headattachments are used to harvest species thathave been cut or swathed and placed in awindrow. Cutting or swathing allows timefor green material to dry. This methodmakes it easier to harvest forbs or grassesthat have large amounts of green biomass.

Native species, such as blazing star,wiregrass, lopsided indiangrass andbluestems, have light seed with awns orhairy appendages. These appendages oftenhinder the seed�s flow through conventionalcombines.

Tractor-propelled, seed strippingharvesters have rotating brushes and vacuumsystems. These systems very effectivelycollect bearded seed. In some cases, if brushspeed is set low enough, only ripe seed willbe harvested. Fields can be harvested morethan one time if this equipment is used.

Forage harvesters can be used tocollect native seed if specialized equipmentis not available. Material collected with aforage harvester may have a high moisturecontent. Seed must be rapidly applied to aplanting site or spread out to dry beforeheating lowers the seed viability.

When collecting with a forageharvester, large amounts of inert materialmust be stored, processed or transported tothe planting site. Pure live seed content mayvary widely in bulk material. This makes itmore difficult to obtain a consistent seedingrate.

Some native wildflower species haveseed maturity and physical seedcharacteristics that do not lend themselves toeither a single harvest with a combine, or

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collection by a seed stripper. Newerharvest methods, such as vacuumcollection systems, are being developedto allow multiple harvests.

Post Harvest Drying

Due to high seed moisturecontent and humid conditions in Florida,many native seeds need to be driedbefore they can be cleaned or stored.Drying consists of placing seed on fine-mesh screens, and forcing air over orthrough the screens. The air does notneed to be heated to be effective;however, heated air will speed dryingtime. The temperature of heated airshould not exceed 104o F (40o C).

Seed Conditioning Equipment

Unconditioned native seed can bedifficult to plant, causing increasedestablishment costs and poor plantingresults.

Seed may need conditioning forseveral reasons: To remove largevolumes of green or inert material fromseed; to remove awns or beards fromseeds that inhibit flow through plantingequipment; to break apart pods orremove hulls in preparation for cleaning.

There are several types ofequipment on the market forconditioning seed:

Scalping: In this process, an air-screen cleaner is used immediately afterharvest to remove large volumes ofgreen material, which may causeheating. A scalper can also remove largevolumes of sticks, stems, hulls and other

inert material. Scalping makes othercleaning operations more efficient.

Hammermill: This equipment hasflailing metal arms which are attached to acentral shaft. The shaft rotates inside aperforated metal screen to break off awns,open seedpods, and remove seed hulls. Seedand inert particles are aggressivelyprocessed until they become small enough todrop through the holes of the screen.

Choosing the proper screen sizedetermines the balance between how wellthe material is debearded and how much theseed is cracked. The amount of damage toseed can be reduced by using a hammermillwith a variable speed motor, and byregulating rate of flow.

Debearder: At least two debeardingsystems are available on the market at thistime. One system uses rotary and stationaryarms in a metal drum to stir the material.Awns and other appendages are removedprimarily by the action of seeds rubbingagainst each other. Varying motor speedschanges how aggressively the material isprocessed.

The second system uses a rotating brushinside a wire mesh screen. The brush rubsseeds against each other and against thescreen to remove the beards.

Debearders process seed lessaggressively than hammermills. However,processing time is greater, which may, inturn, cause more damage to brittle seed.

Seed Cleaning Equipment

Determining which seed cleaningsystem to use will depend upon the physicalcharacteristics of the seed, types of weed

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seed present, and the type and amount ofinert material that must be removed.Those raising certified seed must meetdesignated seed purity standards.

A large variety of seed cleanersare commercially available. Descriptionsof those most useful for cleaning nativeseeds are given below:

Air-Screen Cleaners: The air-screen cleaner is the most widely usedsystem for cleaning seed. Models rangein size from two-screen tabletop modelsto six-screen industrial-size models.

Screen sizes vary. Some screensare made of perforated metal whileothers are made of wire mesh. Airflowing over the screens allows thematerial to be separated by size, shape,and weight. Air-screen cleaners havedifficulty processing bearded seed andseparating seeds of similar shapes andsizes.

Gravity Separator: The gravityseparator is an angled oscillating table,with air forced through the perforatedmetal or canvas top.

Table movement and air-flow causeseed to move upslope or down,depending on the seed's density orspecific gravity. Different species ofseed can be separated, or seed can begraded according to weight.

Air Separators: This systemseparates seed from foreign matter bypassing a current of air through a columnof falling material. Air separators can beadjusted to produce a fairly pureproduct, but most models can not handlelarge quantities of material.

Velvet Roll Separator: Thesemachines use velvet covered rollers toseparate seeds by surface texture and shape.They are useful for separating out certaintypes of weed seeds.

Seed Scarifier: This system employsa metal drum with a rough surface on theinside. The machine removes outer hulls orhusks from seed and abrades the surface ofhard seeded species. Scarification is usefulfor promoting germination of hard-seededspecies like legumes.

Seed Storage

Seed storage methods candramatically affect seed viability. High heatand humidity can cause seed to deterioraterapidly. If stored in an air-conditionedbuilding, many species will maintain theirviability in Florida for several years. This isespecially true for species with hardimpermeable seed coats.

In order to maintain maximumviability over a longer period of time, seedneeds to be stored under highly controlledconditions. Storing seed in a room wheretemperature and humidity is strictlycontrolled can extend shelf life.

As a rule of thumb, the sum of the airtemperature (Fahrenheit) and relativehumidity should equal less than 100 in long-term seed storage units.

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27

Additional Publications Addressing Native Species Production

Development of Seed Sources and Establishment Methods for Native UplandReclamation. 2002. USDA NRCS Brooksville Plant Materials Center and the FloridaInstitute of Phosphate Research.Provided by: Florida Institute of Phosphate Research, 1855 West Main Street,Bartow, Florida 33830-7718.

Eastern Gamagrass Technology Update. 2000. NRCS Plant Materials Center.Provided by: NRCS Jamie L. Whitten Plant Materials Center, 2533 County Road 65Coffeeville, MS 38922-2652.

Native Grass Seed Production Manual (including Selected Forbs). USDA NRCS PlantMaterials Center Program, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Manitoba Forage SeedAssociation and the University of Manitoba.Provided by: Ducks Unlimited Canada, Stonewall Box 1160, Oak Hammock Marsh,Manitoba, Canada, ROC 2Z0; or Natural Resources Conservation Service, PO Box1458, Bismarck, ND 58502

Native Plant Propagation Techniques for National Parks, Interim Guide. 1993. USDANRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center and US Dept. of Interior National ParkService.Provided by: Rose Lake Plant Materials Center, 7472 Stoll road, East Lansing, MI48823

Proceedings of the Second Eastern Native Grass Symposium (held in Baltimore, MDNov. 17-19, 1999). 2000. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and NRCSPlant Materials Program, USDA Agriculture Research Service, and NationalAssociation of Conservation Districts.Provided by: ARS and NRCS, Beltsville, MD. Electronic copies obtained fromhttp://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/BCS/PMC/eng/eng.html

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Additional Sources of Useful Information

Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Provides helpful information on crop pestidentification and control. Contact information for county extension agents are listedon their website: http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/www/extension/ces.htm

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Provides assistance withidentification and control of crop pests. Contact Division of Plant Industry, P.O. Box147100, Gainesville, FL 32614-7100. Phone: (352) 372-3505. Florida Department ofAgriculture website: http://doacs.state.fl.us/

Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. Has numerous publications on minedlandreclamation research, including research publications on the development and seedingof native species, and on the effect of imazapic herbicide on native species. ContactFIPR, 1855 West Main Street, Bartow, Florida 33830-7718, (863) 534-7160.Website: http://www.fipr.state.fl.us

National Plant Materials Program Website. Contains information on past and presentresearch being conducted by the 26 Plant Materials Centers in the US along withinformation on plant releases. Many publications are in electronic format and can bedownloaded: http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/

Native Plants Network Protocol Database. Contains information on growing natives:http//nativeplants.for.uidaho.edu/network/search.asp

Non-Native Plant Species Restricted by Federal, State, or Local Law in Florida.Compiled by K. Craddock Burks, Botanist,Provided by: Bureau of Invasive Plant Management, Florida Department ofEnvironmental Protection, Tallahasee, FL 32399. Phone: (850) 487-2600

Plants National Database Website. A website maintained by the NRCS National Plant DataCenter. An excellent source of standardized information about US plant species:http://plants.usda.gov/

Southern Seed Certification Association. (Florida's seed certification agency.) PO Box2619, Auburn, AL 36831, Phone: (334) 844-4995, (334) 821-7400, FAX: (334) 844-4901, Contact: Robert Burdett: (205) 477-6565; [email protected]://www.ag.auburn.edu/ssca/

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Equipment Dealers

Dealers who sell equipment in the Southeast are listed below. This list is intended to helpproducers in their search for equipment. The USDA - NRCS Plant Materials Program doesnot endorse any manufacturer, dealer, or piece of equipment. Use of this equipment does notguarantee successful results.

Seed Strippers

Hand held and pull type seed strippers:Contact: Prairie Habitats Inc., Box 1, Arglye MB, Canada ROC OBO, Phone:(204)467-9371, Website: www.prairiehabitats.com

Tractor mounted seed strippers:Contact: Ag-Renewal, Inc., 2605 East Main, Weatherford, OK 73096, Phone: (405)772-7059

Seed Planters

Fluffy bearded seed drills:Contact: Chuck Grimes, Rt. 1 Box 56 Hennessey, OK 73742, Phone: (405) 853-2607

Chaffy debearded seed drills and broadcasters:Contact: Truax Company, Inc., 4821 Xerxes Ave. North, Minneapolis, MN 55430,Phone: (763) 537-6639, Website: www.truaxcomp.com

Contact to find local dealers: Tye Company, Box 218, Lockney, TX 79241, Phone:(806) 652-3367

Seed Cleaning Equipment

Manufacturer of several types of cleaning equipment including an industrial size debearder:Contact for local dealers: The Clipper Co., 805 S. Decker Dr., P.O. Box 256,Bluffton, IN 46714, Phone (219) 824-3400

Manufacturer of seed cleaning equipment:Contact for local dealers: Westrup Inc., 1400 Preston Road, Plano, TX 75093, Phone:(214) 985-7887

Many types of seed cleaning equipment:Contact: Seedburo Equipment Company, 1022 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607,Phone: 1-800-284-5779, Website: www.seedburo.com

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SELECTED SPECIESSEED PRODUCTION GUIDELINES

The technical information in these guidelines is based on research conducted onreclaimed minedlands in central Florida, and at the Brooksville Plant Materials Center.

Seed characteristics and plant performance vary widely within a species. Guidelinesare based on averages rather than single ecotypes.

Unless otherwise stated, seeding rates are based on 30 pure live seed per linear foot,planted in 12" rows. This is a standard seeding rate for irrigated fields under ideal conditions.

Research still needs to be conducted on most Florida species, to determine optimumrates and planting dates under a broad spectrum of conditions.

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Bluestem, Chalky [Andropogon capillipes Nash or Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis (Ell.) C. Mohr]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Warm season perennial bunchgrass; leaf blades are 20 to 25 inches longand covered with a conspicuous white chalky residue; seed stalks are 3 to 5 feet tall; adaptedto flatwoods, sloughs and margins of freshwater ponds or marshes throughout Florida. Willnot survive on droughty uplands without supplemental irrigation. A prolific seed producerthat readily colonizes moist disturbed areas. Provides cover for wildlife and is highlypalatable to livestock.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 1,513,000/lb (3,333,000/kg) (bearded).2,270,000/lb (5,000,000/kg) (debearded)

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)1 lb/ac (bearded), 0.75 lb/ac (debearded) for 12" rows; divide by 2, 3 or 4 for 24", 36" or 48"rows.

SEEDING DEPTH: 1/4" or less.

ROW SPACING: 24" to 48" (Narrower rows may be used but seed production may be reduced).

PLANTING DATE: Successful plantings were made in central Florida in early January and earlyAugust. May be planted throughout growing season with adequate moisture.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Hand weeding and cultivation. In preliminary tests, dicamba causedplant injury, but 2,4-D did not. Some preemergent herbicides may stunt growth. Furtherstudies will need to be conducted before any herbicides can be recommended.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: No serious pests observed under cultivation.

FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended for direct-seeded stands. Fertilization may bebeneficial to transplants if soil tests indicate nutrients are lacking.Established Stand: Fertilize according to soil test recommendations. In nitrogen deficientsoils 30 to 50 lbs nitrogen/ac may be applied in the early spring to maintain stands.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Keep soil profile moist during stand establishment.Established Stand: Cannot survive on uplands without supplemental irrigation. Irrigateduring the growing season if rainfall is not adequate to meet plant needs. Good soil moistureis necessary for seed production. However, stands should not be irrigated when plants arepollinating or during the final stages of seed ripening.

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Bluestem, Chalky continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: November through early December.Collection Window: Several weeks, barring high winds. Seeds cling together on plant evenafter they have been released, until they are dispersed by the wind.

Stripping: Preferable; harvest seed during the warmest, driest time of the day.Stage: When seed is released from plant -- hard dough to mature seed.Brush Speed: 800 to 900 rpm for 1 harvest or 400 to 600 rpm for multiple harvests.

Forage Harvester: Adequate, although a large percentage of seed is lost by air movement.Direct Combine: N/A

Lodging: ModerateShattering: No

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Stripped Seed: Air-dry 5 to 10 days if necessary.Forage Harvest: Immediately air-dry for 5 to 10 days as necessary.

PROCESSING:Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill, immediately after harvest while seed is damp

Top screen only: 32 roundDebearding: Yes, if drilling

Clipper debearder: 300 rpm for 60 minutesHammer mill: 1-8 round screen at 60 rpm

First Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 1/16 x 1/12Bottom screen: 1/18 x 1/4Air: Closed

Final Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 6 x 34Bottom screen: 50 x 50Air: Closed

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: A year-old stand at the Brooksville PMC produced 17 lbs pure seed/ac with 52%germination. Yields may be higher in more mature stands that undergo multiple harvests.

STAND MANAGEMENT: In late winter just prior to spring regrowth, remove old residue bymowing plants to a stubble height of 4 to 8" with a rotary mower or bush hog. Burning oldresidue is not recommended, as it severely injured or killed plants in preliminary tests.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands of selected accessions persisted at theBrooksville PMC for 4 years and are expected to remain productive for 10 years or more ifproperly maintained.

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Bluestem, Creeping [Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash or Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var.stoloniferum (Nash) J. Wipff]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: A warm season perennial rhizomatous grass; leaf blades up to 24 incheslong; seed stalks 2 to 6 feet tall; adapted to flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and longleafpine-turkey oak sandhills throughout Florida. It has superior forage production and is grazedby livestock. Because it is a sod-former, it is important for erosion control.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 756,000/lb (1,667,000/kg) (bearded).

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)2 lb/ac (bearded seed) for 12" rows; divide by 2, 3 or 4 for 24", 36" or 48" rows.


ROW SPACING: 24" to 48" (Narrower rows can be used, but seed production may be reduced).

PLANTING DATE: Winter (December, January). Only winter plantings were successful in centralFlorida; May plantings had poor seedling emergence.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Hand weeding and cultivation. Currently, no herbicides can berecommended.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: Viable seed production varies widely between years andgenotypes in this species and is often very low. Insects that harm the seed, such as midges,may be one cause, however researchers have yet to confirm this. Currently, no pesticides canbe recommended that improve viable seed production.


IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Flatwoods types need moist conditions and will tolerate soils with highwater tables. Upland types do not require supplemental irrigation except on coarse droughtysands. Irrigate during the growing season if rainfall is not adequate to meet plant needs. Goodsoil moisture is necessary for seed production. However, stands should not be irrigated whenplants are pollinating or during the final stages of seed ripening.

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Bluestem, Creeping continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Late November through early December.Collection Window: Several weeks, barring high winds, which disperses the seed. Seedsripen on the spikelets from the top down, and are released over several weeks.

Stripping: Preferable; harvest seed during the warmest driest time of the day.Stage: When seed is released from plant -- hard dough to mature seed.Brush Speed: 800 to 900 rpm for 1 harvest or 400 to 600 rpm for multiple harvests.


Lodging: Varies widely depending on genotype.Shattering: No


PROCESSING: Methods of conditioning seed have not yet been developed. Seed is light, but hasless pubescence than other types of bluestem, and should flow through a fluffy-seed drilldesigned to plant bearded seed.Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill

Top screen only: 32 round

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: A sandhill type produced 52 lb/ac pure seed with 8% germ under irrigation at theBrooksville PMC. Production varies widely between genotypes.Dryland: The sandhill type produced 43 lb/ac pure seed with 8% germ without irrigation.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow stands in late winter prior to spring regrowth, or in thespring/early summer (May-June). Summer burns may increase viable seed production overwinter burns.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands of selected accessions persisted at theBrooksville PMC over 10 years. If rows become sod-bound, they may need to be renovatedusing tillage or herbicides.

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Bluestem, Splitbeard (Andropogon ternarius Michx.)

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Warm season perennial bunchgrass; plants are 3 to 8 inches tall or taller;seed stalks 1 to 3 feet tall with paired spikelets. On moist fertile soils, plants can double ortriple in size. Adapted to droughty sandhill soils; this species is grazed by livestock, but oneof its greatest potential uses is as a natural nurse crop/erosion control plant on coarse drysoils, when planted in conjunction with wiregrass.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 200,000/lb (440,000/kg) (bearded),350,000 (770,000/kg) (debearded)360,000/lb (800,000/kb) (dehulled)

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)6 lb/ac (bearded), 4 lb/ac (debearded), 3.75 lb/ac (dehulled) for 12" rows, divide by 2, 3 or 4for 24", 36" or 48" rows.



PLANTING DATE: Winter (December, January) may be optimum, however plantings made in Mayin central Florida were successful if adequate moisture was available.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Hand weeding, cultivation and labeled broadleaf herbicides. Currently,no other herbicides can be recommended.


FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended for direct-seeded stands. Fertilization may bebeneficial to transplants if soil tests indicate nutrients are lacking.Established Stand: Fertilize according to soil test recommendations. In nitrogen deficientsoils 30 to 50 lbs nitrogen/ac may be applied in the early spring to maintain stands. Highlyfertile soils may encourage lodging.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Can tolerate dry conditions, and stands may actually persist longer ondryland sites. Will not tolerate saturated soils or high water tables. If irrigation is availableand conditions are droughty, stands can be irrigated between pollination and the final stagesof seed ripening. However, precipitation is usually adequate to meet plant needs.

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Bluestem, Splitbeard continued

HARVEST:Harvest Date: Late November.Collection Window: Approximately 2 - 4 weeks barring high winds. Seed ripens from thetop of the spikelet down and is dispersed by wind after it is released.

Stripping: Preferable; harvest seed during the warmest driest time of the day.Stage: When seed is easily hand stripped from the stalk - hard dough to mature stage.Brush Speed: 400 to 600 rpm and harvest several times as seed ripens.


Lodging: Moderate; varies widely depending on fertility and field moisture conditions.Shattering: Low

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Stripped Seed: Immediately air-dry 3 to 7 days as necessary.Forage Harvest: Immediately air-dry for 3 to 7 days as necessary.

PROCESSING:Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill immediately after harvest when seed is damp.

Top screen only: 32 roundDebearding: Yes (seed is readily dehulled in hammermill)

Clipper debearder: 300 rpm for 60 minutesHammer mill: 1-8 round screen at 60 rpm

First Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 6 x 22 wire meshBottom screen: 50 x 50Air: Closed

Final Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 1/16 round (and then 1/16 x 1/2 slotted if necessary)Bottom screen: 50 x 50

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: A sandhill ecotype produced 90 lb/ac pure seed with 18% germ at the BrooksvillePMC.Dryland: The same accession produced 86 lb/ac pure seed with 36% germ on dryland.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow stands to 2 inches stubble height in late winter; or mow to6 to 8 inches (above growing point) in the summer (June- early July). Summer burning didnot injure plants in native stands, but effect on seed production has not yet been tested.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persisted 5 years on dryland and irrigated sitesat the PMC if they were properly managed. Expected stand life is 10 years. Irrigated plotsthat were not fertilized and did not undergo any residue management only persisted 3 years.

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Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.)

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: A robust warm season perennial bunchgrass; 3 to 8 feet tall; seed stalks 2to 6 feet or taller; seed heads 6 to 10 inches long, with the upper portion being the male partof the flower and the lower portion, where the seeds are formed, the female part. Adapted tofertile soils in wet flatwoods and prairies throughout Florida. Produces large quantities ofhigh quality livestock forage. It is also valuable for wildlife food and cover, and as a buffer toreduce soil and nutrient runoff from fields.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 2,800/lb (6,230/kg) (for Florida types, which are 2x larger than 'Pete').

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Good seed, in which the fruitcase contains a viable kernel)13, 10, and 8 lb/ac for 36", 48" and 60"rows respectively (2.5 seed/ft of row). Gamagrassseed is prone to dormancy. To break dormancy, seed is soaked in water for 12 - 24 hours andchilled for 6-10 weeks at 35-45o F. A more effective method is to soak seed in a solution ofgibberellic acid (105 mg/L water) and chill for approx. 4 weeks. Seed should be plantedimmediately after being treated or it will slowly return to a dormant state.

SEEDING DEPTH: 1/2" to 1 1/2".

ROW SPACING: 36" to 60". For production purposes, row width should allow equipment to passthrough without damaging plants. On moist fertile soils, plant bases can reach 2-3 feet in diameter.

PLANTING DATE: A dormant winter planting (November-January) allows the seed to undergonatural stratification. Plantings in January, June and September were all successful in Florida,as long as moisture was adequate.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed. Gamagrass is similar to corn, and corn herbicides, such as atrazine, arenot known to cause injury. Few herbicides are currently labeled specifically for use ongamagrass, however more are being developed.Established Stand: Hand weeding, cultivation and labeled broad leaf herbicides whilestands are young. Mature plants can generally out-compete most weeds.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: Spider mites have caused substantial leaf injury on stands at theBrooksville PMC. Mowing off infected foliage adequately controlled the disease.

FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended for direct-seeded stands. Fertilization may bebeneficial to transplants if soil tests indicate nutrients are lacking.Established Stand: Fertilize according to soil test recommendations. In nitrogen deficientsoils 50 to 100 lbs nitrogen/ac may be applied in the early spring to support plant growth.Over-fertilization or fertilizing later in the season will encourage forage production and mayreduce seed production.

40

Eastern Gamagrass continued

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Prefers moist soil conditions and will tolerate high water tables. Cantolerate periods of drought in the fall and winter. Good soil moisture is necessary for seedproduction.

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Seeds develop and ripen continuously May - September. Highest viable seedproduction for large-seeded Florida types usually occurs between July 15 and August 15.Collection Window: Seeds slowly ripen from the top of the seed head down, with thetopmost seeds shattering 1-2 weeks before lower seeds are ripe.

Stripping: N/AForage Harvester: N/A.Direct Combine: Preferred method.

Stage: Ripe seed are dark brown to bronze in color, and readily release at the joints.

Lodging: Varies depending on genotype. Most types experience some lodging, especiallyunder high fertility conditions.Shattering: Very high.

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Unless there is a large amount of green material, seed does not need drying.

PROCESSING:Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill

Top screen: 20 roundBottom screen: 11 roundAir: full

Final Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 16 roundBottom screen: 12 roundAir: Full

Gravity Separator: To separate viable seed from empty fruitcases.

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: Two Florida types in 36" rows yielded 28 and 36 lb/ac (with approx. 60% beinggood seed) at the Brooksville PMC. Yields may possibly be increased with wider rowspacings.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow stands in winter (January - March) to remove old residue.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Properly managed stands can persist over 15 years.

41

Hairawn Muhly [Muhlenbergia capillaris (Lam.) Trin.]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: A warm season perennial bunchgrass; plants 1 to 3 feet tall; seed stalks 2to 5 feet tall, a very showy pink to purple color; adapted to the backside of dunes, cabbagepalm hammocks, saline flats, marl prairies and marshy areas throughout Florida; some typesalso grow in sandhills. Vegetatively, very similar to wiregrass, and useful for wildlife coverand fine fuels for understory burn management programs.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 2,522,000/lb (5,560,000/kg) (bearded).

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)0.75 lb/ac (bearded seed) for 12" rows; divide by 2, 3 or 4 for 24", 36" or 48" rows.

SEEDING DEPTH: 1/8"


PLANTING DATE: Not yet tested; winter (December, January) is most likely the best planting time.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Hand weeding and cultivation, and labeled broadleaf herbicides.Currently, no other herbicides can be recommended.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: Blooms can become heavily infested with aphids during theearly stages of seed development, especially in the milk stage. The amount of damage theycause is unknown and insecticides have yet to be tested. Large numbers of beneficial insects,such as ladybug beetles, have also been observed. Increasing their numbers may be a naturalmeans of biological control.


IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Some types may be fairly drought tolerant. Irrigate during the growingseason if rainfall is not adequate to meet plant needs. Good soil moisture is necessary forseed production. However, stands should not be irrigated when plants are pollinating orduring the final stages of seed ripening.

42

Hairawn Muhly continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Late October through November, depending on genotype.Collection Window: One to 2 weeks at most, barring high winds.

Stripping: Preferable; harvest seed during the warmest driest time of the day.Stage: When seed is released from plant - hard dough to mature seed.Brush Speed: 700 to 900 rpm.

Forage Harvester: Adequate, although a large percentage of seed is lost due to shattering.Direct Combine: UntestedLodging: Varies depending on genotype.Shattering: High


PROCESSING:Debearding: Yes

Hammer mill: 1-8 round screen at 60 rpm.Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill

Top screen:6 x 21 wire meshBottom screen: 50 x 50Air: Closed

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: Unknown - viable seed production varies widely between ecotypes.Dryland: Unknown.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow stands in late winter to remove old residue.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands of selected accessions persisted at theBrooksville PMC over 10 years.

43

Lopsided Indiangrass [Sorghastrum secundum (Elliot) Nash]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: A short-lived warm season perennial bunchgrass; leaf blades 12 to 24inches long; seed stalks 3 to 6 feet tall with seed hanging on one side; adapted to a widevariety of soils from drier flatwoods to droughty sandhills throughout Florida; useful forlivestock forage, wildlife cover and as an erosion control plant.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 252,000/lb (556,000/kg) (debearded).

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)5 lb/ac for 12" rows, divide by 2, 3 or 4 for 24", 36" or 48" rows.



PLANTING DATE: Winter (December, January) may be the optimum time to seed, howeverplantings made throughout the year in both the panhandle and central Florida were successfulif adequate moisture was available.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Hand weeding and cultivation. Some herbicides, such as 2,4-D, labeledfor grass seed production fields may be used to control broadleaf weeds. In tests on reclaimeduplands, imazapic applications at low to medium rates caused plant injury.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: Plants older than 3 years appear to be susceptible to soilpathogens, especially nematodes, however no economical chemical controls are currentlyavailable.


IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Can tolerate dry conditions, and stands may actually persist longer ondryland sites. If irrigation is available and conditions are dry, stands can be irrigated afterpollination up to the final stages of seed ripening.

44

Lopsided Indiangrass continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Late October.Collection Window: Approximately 1 week, barring high winds. Seed rapidly drops fromplant once it is ripe.

Stripping: Preferable; harvest seed during the warmest driest time of the day.Stage: When seed is easily hand stripped from the stalk - soft to medium dough stage.Brush Speed: 500 to 800 rpm.

Forage Harvester: Adequate, although a large percentage of seed is lost by shattering.Direct Combine: N/A

Lodging: Moderate, varies widely depending on genotype.Shattering: Moderate to High

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Stripped Seed: Immediately air-dry 3 to 7 days as necessary.Forage Harvest: Immediately air-dry for 3 to 7 days as necessary.

PROCESSING:Debearding: Yes

Clipper debearder: 300 rpm for 60 minutesHammer mill: 1-8 screen at 60 rpm

Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen only (to remove awns): 6 x 32 wire mesh (3x). Use squeegee toperiodically clean seed off of screen.

Final Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 12 roundBottom screen: 10 roundAir: Full open

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: A sandhill type produced 75 lb/ac pure seed with 26% germ under irrigation at theBrooksville PMC the second year after establishment. Production had dropped dramaticallyby the third year.Dryland: Yields on dryland may be similar to irrigated yields if precipitation is adequate tomeet plant needs.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow stands to 2 inches stubble height in late winter; or mow toapproximately 6 to 8 inches (just above growing point) in the summer (June- early July). Donot burn in the summer as it severely injures plants.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persisted 3 years under irrigation and up to 4years on dryland at the Brooksville PMC. This species is a short-lived perennial, even in thewild. Proper residue management may increase stand longevity.

45

Pinewoods Dropseed [Sporobolus junceus (Michx.) Kunth]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: A small warm season perennial bunchgrass that looks very similar towiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana); leaves threadlike 4 to 6 inches long; seed stalks 1 to 2 feettall, having a small distinctive seed head, with branches forming a whorled pattern around thestem. Adapted to a variety of sites from flatwoods to sandhills. The foliage is grazed bylivestock when it is young, provides wildlife food and cover, and also fine fuels for pineforest understory burn management programs. This species fills the same role as wiregrassbut is easier to plant with conventional equipment.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 1,134,000/lb (2,500,000/kg).

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)1.25 lb/ac for 12" rows, divide by 2 or 3 for 24" or 36" rows.



PLANTING DATE: Winter (December, January) optimum; plantings made in January in centralFlorida were successful, while May plantings were not.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Hand weeding, cultivation and labeled broadleaf herbicides. Currently,no other herbicides can be recommended.


FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended for direct-seeded stands. Fertilization may bebeneficial to transplants if soil tests indicate nutrients are lacking.Established Stand: Fertilize according to soil test recommendations. In nitrogen deficientsoils 30 to 50 lbs nitrogen/ac may be applied in the early spring to maintain stands. Thisspecies is highly tolerant of low fertility conditions.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Can tolerate very droughty conditions once established, but also thriveson well-drained irrigated sites. If necessary, stands can be irrigated between pollination andthe final stages of seed ripening to promote seed production.

46

Pinewoods Dropseed continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Usually in May or June, but can occur during July; seed ripening variesgreatly between genotypes, locations and weather conditions.Collection Window: Seed ripens from the top of the seed head down, over a period of 2 ormore weeks and rapidly drops from the plant once it is ripe.

Stripping: N/AForage Harvester: N/ADirect Combine: Preferred.

Stage: Medium dough to mature. Mature seed is black or blue in color.

Lodging: LowShattering: Very high

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Combined Seed: Immediately air-dry 3 to 7 days if necessary.

PROCESSING: Cleaning methods have not yet been developed.

SEED YIELD: Unknown.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow stands to 2 inches stubble height in late winter (earlyFebruary); or burn in the summer after seed production.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persisted 5 years on well-drained irrigated sitesat the Brooksville PMC. Expected stand life is 10 years or more under favorable conditions.

47

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: A robust warm season perennial bunchgrass; two types occur in Florida--bunch types are larger (up to 5 feet tall), more robust and slightly rhizomatous; rhizomatoustypes are smaller (1-2 feet) and usually highly rhizomatous; seed stalks 2 to 6 feet tall; seedheads are multi branched panicles. Adapted to a broad range of sites from brackish andfreshwater marshes, flatwoods to dry sandy uplands and the backside of coastal dunes. Bunchtypes produce a large volume of high quality forage for livestock; switchgrass also provideswildlife food and cover, is useful for erosion control plantings and in buffer strips.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 567,000/lb (1,250,000/kg) (weight varies between different varieties).

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)2.5 lb/ac for 12" rows, divide by 2, 3, 4 or 5 for 24", 36", 48" or 60" rows.


ROW SPACING: 36" to 60" (Narrower rows are not recommended for robust bunch types, andwider rows may encourage greater seed production over the long term).

PLANTING DATE: Planted year round with adequate moisture; successful plantings were made incentral Florida in early January and early August; May plantings were not as successful.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Hand weeding, cultivation and labeled broadleaf herbicides.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: Some types are prone to rust on the leaves, but there are nocontrol measures available.

FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended for direct-seeded stands. Fertilization may bebeneficial to transplants if soil tests indicate nutrients are lacking.Established Stand: Fertilize according to soil test recommendations. In nitrogen deficientsoils 30 to 50 lbs nitrogen/ac may be applied in the early spring to maintain stands. Overfertilizing or fertilizing later in the growing season will encourage vegetative growth andreduce seed yields. It may also encourage lodging.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Some types are very tolerant of dry conditions, but irrigation isrecommended on dry uplands for consistent seed production. Other types can grow inseasonally ponded sites. Irrigate during the growing season if rainfall is not adequate to meetplant needs. Good soil moisture is necessary for seed production. However, stands should notbe irrigated when plants are pollinating or during the final stages of seed ripening.

48

Switchgrass continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Late September through October, depending on genotype.Collection Window: Approximately 1 week. Harvest when seeds at the top of the seed headhave dropped and seeds at the bottom are just coming ripe.

Stripping: N/AForage Harvester: N/ADirect Combine: Preferable

Stage: Hard dough to mature.

Lodging: Medium to high depending on genotype, fertility and field moisture conditions.Shattering: High

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Combined Seed: Drying usually not necessary.

PROCESSING:Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill

Top screen: 9 roundBottom screen: 7 roundAir: Closed

Debearding: Yes (to remove seed hulls)Hammermill: 70 rpm, 1/8 screen, moderately fast flow.

Final Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 7 roundBottom screen: 6 x 32 wire meshAir: Closed

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: For unknown reasons, it has been difficult to obtain consistent switchgrass seedyields in Florida. Yields of various cultivars at the Brooksville PMC have ranged between 60and 120 lb/ac with 5 to 40% germination. In the Midwest, yields range between 200 and 700lbs/ac. Florida varieties with higher seed production are currently being developed.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow stands to 6-8 inch stubble height in late winter just prior tospring regrowth. Burning or mowing during the summer will severely injure plants.Removing old residue in the fall will make stands susceptible to winterkill.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persisted 10-15 years on both dryland andirrigated sites at the Brooksville PMC with proper management. However, seed productiondrops as plants mature and stands become denser. Seed production fields may need to berenovated or replanted after 5 or more years. Initially planting wider rows may increaseproductive stand life.

49

Wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana Trin. & Rupr.)

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Warm season perennial bunchgrass; leaf blades are narrow and rolledinward (wire-like), 12 to 20 inches long; seed stalks are 1 to 3 feet tall. Adapted to a widevariety of soils from flatwoods to droughty sandhills throughout Florida. Primary use is as afine fuel for pine forest understory burn management programs; also an important source ofnesting cover for upland game birds; livestock graze foliage after a burn when it is tender.


SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)2 lb/ac for 12" rows, divide by 2, 3 or 4 for 24", 36" or 48" rows.


ROW SPACING: 24" to 48" [Planting double rows (6-12" spacings) within main rows is highlyrecommended to form a heavy canopy that will shade out weeds].

PLANTING DATE: Winter (November-January) plantings were successful in central Florida andthe panhandle. Plantings during other seasons generally had lower stand densities.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed.Established Stand: Weeds can be a problem in this species because it is slow growing andshallow rooted. Spacing rows to allow for cultivation is recommended. Also hand weedingand labeled broadleaf herbicides can be used. In tests on reclaimed uplands, imazapicapplications at low to medium rates did not injure seedlings or mature plants.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: Seeds commonly infected with smut-like fungus. Amount ofdamage to viable seed unknown; no known control measures available.

FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended for direct-seeded stands. Fertilization may bebeneficial to transplants if soil tests indicate nutrients are lacking.Established Stand: Fertilize according to soil test recommendations. In nitrogen deficientsoils 30 to 50 lbs nitrogen/ac may be applied in the early spring to maintain stands. Wiregrassshows very little response to nitrogen fertilization, but it may be important for standpersistence.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Requires good soil moisture during establishment.Established Stand: Highly tolerant of droughty conditions once established. Irrigate duringthe growing season, if necessary, to keep plants vigorous. Good soil moisture is necessary forseed production. However, stands should not be irrigated when plants are pollinating orduring the final stages of seed ripening.

50

Wiregrass continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Late November to early December.Collection Window: Approximately 1 to 2 weeks, barring high winds. Ripe seed is looselyheld on seed head until it is dispersed by wind.

Stripping: Preferable; harvest when conditions are warm and dry; damp seed won't strip off.Stage: When seed is easily hand stripped from the stalk - mature viable seed is verybrittle and snaps when pressed with thumbnail.Brush Speed: 700 to 900 rpm.

Forage Harvester: Adequate.Direct Combine: N/A

Lodging: LowShattering: Low

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Stripped Seed: Usually not necessary if harvested during the dry period of the day.Forage Harvest: Immediately air-dry for 3 to 7 days as necessary.

PROCESSING:Specialized Cleaning instructions: Debearding not recommended, as seed is brittle andeasily cracked. Stripped seed can be scalped to remove large stems.Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill

Top screen only: 32 roundPreparation for Planting with a Hay Blower: (To break up large stems.)

Hammer mill: 1/4 round

SEED YIELD:Irrigated: On research plots at the Brooksville PMC, production varied between 13 and 28lb/ac pure seed with 17 to 29% germ. Yields may be increased with proper management andimproved varieties.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Seed head production is influenced by the amount of light reaching thecrown. Burn plants in the spring/early summer (May - July) or mow to 1 - 2 inch stubbleheight to remove old biomass. Burning or mowing in August will injure plants if they havealready begun to flower. Plants do not need to be burned every year to produce seed,although viable seed production may be lower on unburned plants. Burning annually willreduce plant vigor, but proper fertilization may compensate for biomass removal.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persisted 6 years under irrigation at theBrooksville PMC. However annual biomass removal without fertilization severely reducedplant numbers after 4 years. Proper management will increase stand longevity.

51

Blazing Star, Handsome [Liatris elegans (Walt.) Michx.]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Hardy perennial herb. One to several long upright spikes (3 feet tall ormore) arise from a tuber (woody corm). Stems that have been damaged or grazed mayproduce multiple spikes. Leaves are alternate, gradually decreasing in length from the base ofthe stem upward. Many lavender or purple colored flowers are produced on the spikes in thefall. Adapted to extremely coarse droughty soils, such as long leaf pine - turkey oaksandhills. Grazed by deer; flowers are favored by butterflies and bees.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 103,000/lb (227,000/kg) (bearded)189,000/lb (417,000/kg) (debearded)

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)12.5 lb/ac (bearded), 7 lb/ac (debearded) for 12" rows, divide by 2, 3 or 4 for 24", 36" or 48"rows.Can also be established using corms planted on 6-8" within row spacings.

SEEDING DEPTH: 1/4 to 1/2".

ROW SPACING: 24" to 48" [Planting double or triple rows (6-8" spacings) within main rows ishighly recommended to reduce weed competition].

PLANTING DATE: Fall/Winter (October-February); Liatris species appear to be sensitive to daylength and do not normally emerge from summer seedings (stratifying seed or priming withgrowth hormones may overcome dormancy during periods of long day length).

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed. It is very important that broadleaf weeds be controlled before planting.Established Stand: Weed control can be a problem because this species has a very opencanopy. Spacing rows to allow for cultivation is recommended, along with hand weeding.

INSECT/PATHOGEN CONTROL: Appears to be susceptible to unknown soil pathogens in moistsoils.

FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended.Established Stand: Not recommended, as it will encourage weed competition.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: This species is able to emerge under dry winter conditions betterthan most other native species. Some soil moisture is required during establishment. Irrigatenew stands only in cases of severe drought.Established Stand: Prefers dry coarse soils and will not persist in moist soils. Irrigate duringthe growing season only in cases of extreme drought. Summer precipitation is usuallyadequate for seed production.

52

Handsome Blazing Star continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: November.Collection Window: Approximately 1 week, barring high winds. Seed ripens from the topdown, ripening between different plants is very uneven, lasting approximately a month.

Stripping: Preferable; slower brush speeds allow for multiple harvests.Stage: When seed is easily hand stripped from the stalk - hard dough stage.Brush Speed: 400 to 600 rpm.

Forage Harvester: N/A.Direct Combine: N/A

Lodging: HighShattering: Medium

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Stripped Seed: May require drying for 3 to 5 days.

PROCESSING:Debearding: Yes (although debearding may reduce seed viability because it strips the seed

out of the hull). Cleaning methods are currently undergoing further testing.Hammermill: 55 rpm, 1-8 round screen, moderately slow feed.

First Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 6 x 21 wire meshBottom screen: 6 x 32 wire meshAir: Closed

Final Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 8 roundBottom screen: 6 x 32 wire meshAir: Closed

SEED YIELD:Dryland: On research plots at the Brooksville PMC, production varied between 20 and 300lb/ac pure seed with 45 to 70% germ. Extreme drought conditions reduced seed production.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Cutting off tips of spikes during the growing season (June - July) to aheight of 10 - 16 inches encourages development of multiple seed stalks. Ideal clippingheight has yet to be determined. Unclipped spikes are likely to lodge. Mow off old seedstalks in late winter.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persisted 3 years on extremely dry soils at theBrooksville PMC. With proper management, they are expected to survive 6 or more years.

53

Grassy-leaf Goldenaster [Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Nutt.]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Hardy perennial herb, up to 3 feet tall, rhizomatous. Multi-branchingstems with silvery colored narrow leaves, covered with silky hairs. Many yellow flowers areproduced generally in the fall. Adapted to a variety of sites from drier flatwoods to drysandhills throughout Florida. Grazed by livestock and wildlife; rhizomatous growth habituseful for controlling erosion on uplands.


SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)2.5 lb/ac (bearded) for 12" rows, divide by 2, 3 or 4 for 24", 36" or 48" rows.


ROW SPACING: 24" to 48".

PLANTING DATE: Winter (December-January) seedings were more successful than summer (May)seedings in central Florida.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed. It is very important that broadleaf weeds be controlled before planting.Established Stand: Spacing rows to allow for cultivation is recommended, along with handweeding.


FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Not recommended.Established Stand: Fertilize according to soil test recommendations. In nitrogen deficientsoils 30 to 50 lbs nitrogen/ac applied in the early spring might help maintain stands.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Good soil moisture is required during establishment.Established Stand: Can tolerate dry conditions once established, but also thrives on well-drained irrigated sites. Good soil moisture is necessary for production of viable seed, sodryland stands may have lower production. If necessary, stands can be irrigated betweenpollination and the final stages of seed ripening to promote seed production.

54

Grassy-leaf Goldenaster continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: November/December.Collection Window: Flowering and seed ripening occur simultaneously on the same plantover approximately 1 month. Once seed is ripe it is readily dislodged by the wind.

Specialized Harvest - Vacuum system: Experimental vacuum systems have worked wellwith this species, as they allow for multiple harvests.Stripping: Can be used; slower brush speeds may allow for multiple harvests.

Stage: When seed is easily hand picked from the plant. Ripe viable seed is dark incolor.Brush Speed: 400 to 600 rpm.

Forage Harvester: N/A.Direct Combine: N/A

Lodging: MediumShattering: High

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Vacuumed or Stripped Seed: May require drying for 3 to 5 days.

PROCESSING: Cleaning procedures have not yet been developed for this species.

SEED YIELD: Currently unknown.

STAND MANAGEMENT: Burn or mow off old residue in the late winter (January - February). Innative stands, waiting to burn until the summer (May - July) encouraged more uniformflowering in the fall, but plants do not need to be burned to produce flowers. Stand densitiesmay increase over time because of the rhizomatous growth habit of this species, andtherefore require occasional renovation.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persisted 3 years on a dryland site at theBrooksville PMC. With proper management, they are expected to survive 10 or more years.

55

Partridge Pea [Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene]

SPECIES DESCRIPTION: Warm season annual legume; feather-like leaves composed of manyleaflets; multi branching stems; bright yellow pea-like flowers; seed are contained in a pod.Adapted to dry sandy sites and open disturbed areas. Partridge pea seed is an importantsource of food for many species of wildlife; foliage is preferentially grazed by livestock anddeer; being a legume, it provides a sustainable source of nitrogen to native systems.

AVERAGE SEED/LB (KG): 45,000/lb (100,000/kg).

SEEDING RATE-DRILLED: (Pure live seed)10 lb/ac for 6 - 12" rows. Scarify seed to increase germination. Inoculate with appropriaterhizobial bacteria.

SEEDING DEPTH: 1/2 to 3/4".

ROW SPACING: 6 to 12". Wider rows encourage more weed competition.

PLANTING DATE: Winter through spring as long as there is good moisture. Planting time needs tobe early enough in the year to allow plants to mature and produce seed.

WEED CONTROL:Prior to Establishment: Use herbicides and/or cultivation for 1 to 2 years to obtain a cleanweed-free seedbed. Controlling weeds before planting will greatly reduce the amount ofweed control needed after establishment.Established Stand: Hand weed. No herbicides are specifically labeled for use on partridgepea at this time.


FERTILIZATION:During Establishment: Apply phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients according to soiltest recommendations.Established Stand: Usually not necessary.

IRRIGATION:During Establishment: Good soil moisture is required during establishment.Established Stand: Can tolerate dry conditions once established, but good soil moisture isnecessary for production of viable seed. If necessary, stands can be irrigated betweenpollination and the final stages of seed ripening to promote seed production.

56

Partridge Pea continued

HARVEST:Harvest Dates: Late September through early November.Collection Window: Flowering and seed ripening occur simultaneously on the same plantover approximately 1 month, so collection must be timed to obtain the greatest amount ofmature seed. Dried pods dehisce within a few days after reaching maturity.

Stripping: N/AForage Harvester: N/A.Direct Combine: Preferred

Stage: Hard dough to mature stage

Lodging: LowShattering: High

PRECLEANING TREATMENT/STORAGE:Combined: Mature material typically does not require additional drying.

PROCESSING:Dehulling: May be necessary to break up pods.

Hammermill: 60 - 70 rpm, 5-16 screen, medium feed.Scalping: Clipper 2 screen fanning mill

Top screen: 10 roundBottom screen: 1/16 x 1/2 wire meshAir: 1/2 open

Final Cleaning: Clipper 2 screen fanning millTop screen: 1/16 roundBottom screen: 1/18 roundAir: 1/2 open

SEED YIELD: This crop has not been grown on a large scale in Florida; only wild stands have beencollected. In Texas, stands of partridge pea yield 500 to 2000 lbs/ac, depending on availablemoisture and fertility.

EXPECTED PRODUCTIVE STAND LIFE: Stands persist only 1 year unless a large seed bank isbuilt up in the soil. Stands may naturally reseed the following year, however, seeds are highlydormant and a large percentage will not germinate the first year. Weed competition can alsobecome a problem in reseeded stands.

57

GRASS AND FORB CHARACTERISTICS AND SEED PRODUCTIONREFERENCE TABLES

58

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hizo

mat

ous,

sod-

form

ing;

shor

t to

med

ium

; see

d he

ads 2

to 3

'W

et a

reas

incl

udin

g fla

twoo

ds, s

hallo

wde

pres

sion

s and

dra

inag

eway

sB

lues

tem

, Cha

lky

(And

ropo

gon

capi

llipe

s)Y

esB

unch

gras

s; v

igor

ous m

ediu

m to

tall;

seed

head

s 3 to

5'

Moi

st a

reas

such

as f

latw

oods

and

aro

und

fres

hwat

er m

arsh

esB

lues

tem

, Cre

epin

g(S

chiza

chyr

ium

stol

onife

rum

)Y

esR

hizo

mat

ous,

form

ing

dens

e co

loni

es;

med

ium

to ta

ll; se

ed h

eads

3 to

5'

Ada

pted

to w

et fl

atw

oods

and

dro

ught

ysa

ndhi

llsB

lues

tem

, Elli

ott

(And

ropo

gon

gyra

ns)

Yes

Bun

chgr

ass;

shor

t to

med

ium

; see

d he

ads 1

to 3

'D

rier u

plan

ds

Blu

este

m, S

plitb

eard

(And

ropo

gon

tern

ariu

s)Y

esB

unch

gras

s; sh

ort t

o m

ediu

m; s

eed

head

s 2to

6'

Dro

ught

y sa

ndhi

lls

East

ern

gam

agra

ss(T

ripsa

cum

dac

tylo

ides

)Y

esB

unch

gras

s with

shor

t rhi

zom

es; t

all a

ndro

bust

; see

d he

ads 4

to 8

'Fe

rtile

moi

st si

tes

Hai

raw

n m

uhly

(Muh

lenb

ergi

a ca

pilla

ris)

Yes

Bun

chgr

ass;

med

ium

to ta

ll; se

ed h

eads

3to

5'

Ada

pted

to a

wid

e va

riety

of s

ites i

nclu

ding

dry

sand

y so

ils, m

arsh

es a

nd sa

line

flats

Lops

ided

indi

angr

ass

(Sor

ghas

trum

secu

ndum

)Y

esB

unch

gras

s; m

ediu

m to

tall;

seed

hea

ds 3

to 6

'; ve

ry sh

ort l

ived

Wid

ely

adap

ted,

from

drie

r fla

twoo

ds to

drou

ghty

sand

hills

Pine

woo

ds d

rops

eed

(Spo

robo

lus j

unce

us)

Yes

Bun

chgr

ass;

shor

t, of

ten

form

s den

seco

loni

es; s

eed

head

s 1 to

2'

Ada

pted

to a

wid

e va

riety

of s

ites f

rom

wet

flatw

oods

to d

roug

hty

sand

hills

Purp

le lo

vegr

ass

(Era

gros

tis sp

ecta

bilis

)Y

esB

unch

gras

s with

shor

t rhi

zom

es; s

hort

tom

ediu

m; s

eed

head

s 1 to

2'

Wid

ely

adap

ted,

esp

ecia

lly to

sand

y up

land

s

Purp

leto

p(T

riden

s fla

vus)

Yes

Bun

chgr

ass;

med

ium

to ta

ll; se

ed h

eads

3to

5'

Ferti

le m

oist

low

land

s and

ham

moc

ks

Spik

e ch

asm

anth

ium

(Cha

sman

thiu

m la

xum

)Y

esR

hizo

mat

ous,

ofte

n fo

rmin

g so

lid c

olon

ies;

shor

t to

med

ium

; see

d he

ads 2

to 4

'Fe

rtile

wet

land

and

upl

and

ham

moc

ks;

pref

ers s

hady

con

ditio

nsSw

itchg

rass

(Pan

icum

virg

atum

)Y

esB

unch

gras

s, so

me

type

s rhi

zom

atou

s, fo

rmde

nse

colo

nies

; tal

l; se

ed h

eads

3 to

6'

Wid

ely

adap

ted,

from

fres

h an

d sa

ltwat

erm

arsh

es, f

latw

oods

to d

roug

hty

sand

y si

tes

Toot

hach

egra

ssCt

eniu

m a

rom

atic

um)

Yes

Bun

chgr

ass;

med

ium

to ta

ll; se

ed h

eads

2to

4'

Wet

are

as su

ch a

s fla

twoo

ds a

nd g

rass

ybo

gsW

ireg

rass

(Ari

stida

bey

richi

ana)

Yes

Bun

chgr

ass;

shor

t to

med

ium

; see

d he

ads 1

to 3

'W

idel

y ad

apte

d, fr

om m

oist

flat

woo

ds to

drou

ghty

sand

hills

60

Tab

le 2

. Gra

ss g

ener

al e

stab

lishm

ent g

uide

lines

.A

vera

ge S

eedi

ng R

ate2

Seed

Wei

ght

Dri

lled

Bro

adca

stSe

edin

g3

Com

mon

Nam

eC

ondi

tion1

(see

d/lb

)(s

eed/

kg)

(lb/a

c pl

s)D

ate

Seed

ing

Met

hod4

Bea

ked

pani

cum

Deh

ulle

d1,

134,

000

2,50

0,00

01.

251.

5-2.

5W

Dril

l, B

road

cast

See

der

Blu

este

m, C

halk

yB

eard

ed1,

513,

000

3,33

3,00

01

1-2

W, S

uB

low

er, F

luff

y-Se

ed D

rill

Deb

eard

ed2,

270,

000

5,00

0,00

00.

751-

1.5

W, S

uC

haff

y-Se

ed D

rill,

Bro

adca

st S

eede

rB

lues

tem

, Cre

epin

gB

eard

ed75

6,00

01,

667,

000

22-

4W

Blo

wer

, Flu

ffy-

Seed

Dril

lB

lues

tem

, Elli

ott

Bea

rded

567,

000

1,25

0,00

02.

53-

5W

Blo

wer

, Flu

ffy-

Seed

Dril

lB

lues

tem

, Spl

itbea

rdB

eard

ed20

0,00

044

0,00

06

6-12

W, S

p, S

u, F

Blo

wer

, Flu

ffy-

Seed

Dril

lD

ebea

rded

350,

000

770,

000

44-

8W

, Sp,

Su,

FC

haff

y-Se

ed D

rill,

Bro

adca

st S

eede

rD

ehul

led

360,

000

800,

000

3.75

4-8

W, S

p, S

u, F

Dril

l, B

road

cast

See

der

East

ern

gam

agra

ssFr

uitc

ase

2,80

06,

230

13*

N/A

W, S

p, S

u, F

Dril

lH

aira

wn

muh

lyB

eard

ed2,

522,

000

5,56

0,00

00.

751-

2W

Blo

wer

, Flu

ffy-

Seed

Dril

lLo

psid

ed in

dian

gras

sD

ebea

rded

252,

000

556,

000

5*5-

7*W

, Sp,

Su,

FC

haff

y-Se

ed D

rill,

Bro

adca

st S

eede

rPi

new

oods

dro

psee

dD

ehul

led

1,13

4,00

02,

500,

000

1.25

1.5-

2.5

W, S

p, S

uD

rill,

Bro

adca

st S

eede

rPu

rple

love

gras

sD

ehul

led

6,50

0,00

014

,300

,000

0.25

-11-

2W

Dril

l, B

road

cast

See

der

Purp

leto

pH

ulle

d45

4,00

01,

000,

000

33-

6W

Cha

ffy-

Seed

Dril

l, B

road

cast

See

der

Spik

e ch

asm

anth

ium

Hul

led

284,

000

625,

000

4.75

5-10

WC

haff

y-Se

ed D

rill,

Bro

adca

st S

eede

rSw

itchg

rass

Deh

ulle

d56

7,00

01,

250,

000

2.5

3-5*

W, S

p, S

u, F

Dril

l, B

road

cast

See

der

Toot

hach

egra

ssH

ulle

d41

2,00

090

9,00

03.

54-

7U

nkno

wn

Cha

ffy-

Seed

Dril

l, B

road

cast

See

der

Wir

egra

ssB

eard

ed90

7,00

02,

000,

000

23-

4*W

Blo

wer

, Flu

ffy-

Seed

Dril

l

1 Con

ditio

n: S

ome

spec

ies h

ave

hairy

app

enda

ges.

Thes

e ne

ed to

be

rem

oved

unl

ess s

peci

aliz

ed p

lant

ing

equi

pmen

t suc

h as

the

fluff

y-se

ed d

rill i

s use

d.2 A

vera

ge S

eedi

ng R

ate:

For

irrig

ated

fiel

ds u

nder

idea

l con

ditio

ns. I

ncre

ase

rate

by

2 - 3

x fo

r dry

unf

avor

able

con

ditio

ns. D

rill r

ates

bas

ed o

n 30

pls

/ftof

row

at a

12"

row

spac

ing;

div

ide

by 2

, 3 o

r 4 to

find

rate

s for

24"

, 36"

or 4

8" ro

w sp

acin

gs re

spec

tivel

y. B

road

cast

rate

s are

bas

ed o

n 30

- 60

pls

/ft2 .

An

"*"

indi

cate

s tha

t rat

es a

re b

ased

on

rese

arch

find

ings

inst

ead

of g

ener

al g

uide

lines

.3 Se

edin

g D

ate:

Opt

imum

pla

ntin

g tim

e fo

r cen

tral F

lorid

a an

d ba

sed

on re

sults

from

stud

ies o

n re

clai

med

min

edla

nds n

ear B

arto

w. D

ates

hav

e ye

t to

bede

term

ined

for t

he F

lorid

a Pa

nhan

dle.

Man

y sp

ecie

s may

be

plan

ted

year

roun

d if

adeq

uate

moi

stur

e is

ava

ilabl

e. W

(Win

ter)

: Dec

. - F

eb. (

may

be

ado

rman

t pla

ntin

g, d

epen

ding

on

loca

tion)

; Sp

(Spr

ing)

: Mar

. - M

ay; S

u (S

umm

er):

June

- A

ug; F

(Fal

l): S

ept.

- Nov

.4 Se

edin

g M

etho

d: T

he d

iffer

ent t

ypes

of e

quip

men

t use

d fo

r see

ding

nat

ive

spec

ies a

re d

iscu

ssed

in d

etai

l in

the

first

sect

ion

of th

is m

anua

l.

61

Tab

le 3

. Gra

ss se

ed h

arve

st g

uide

lines

.

Com

mon

Nam

ePr

efer

red

Har

vest

Met

hod1

Ave

rage

Har

vest

Dat

e2Se

ed M

atur

itySt

age3

Lodg

ing

Pote

ntia

l4Sh

atte

rPo

tent

ial

Bea

ked

pani

cum

Dire

ct c

ombi

nem

id-N

ovha

rd d

ough

to m

atur

elo

wm

ediu

mB

lues

tem

, Cha

lky

Seed

Stri

pper

mid

-Nov

hard

dou

gh to

mat

ure

med

ium

low

Blu

este

m, C

reep

ing

Seed

Stri

pper

late

-Nov

mat

ure

med

ium

low

Blu

este

m, E

lliot

tSe

ed S

tripp

erea

rly-D

echa

rd d

ough

to m

atur

em

ediu

mlo

wB

lues

tem

, Spl

itbea

rdSe

ed S

tripp

erm

id-N

ovha

rd d

ough

to m

atur

em

ediu

mlo

wEa

ster

n ga

mag

rass

Dire

ct c

ombi

nela

te-J

uly

mat

ure

med

ium

high

Hai

raw

n m

uhly

Seed

Stri

pper

mid

-Nov

hard

dou

gh to

mat

ure

med

ium

high

Lops

ided

indi

angr

ass

Seed

Stri

pper

late

-Oct

soft

to m

ediu

m d

ough

med

ium

high

Pine

woo

ds d

rops

eed

Dire

ct c

ombi

neM

ay/J

une

med

ium

dou

gh to

mat

ure

low

high

Purp

le lo

vegr

ass

Seed

Stri

pper

mid

-Nov

mat

ure

low

high

Purp

leto

pD

irect

com

bine

mid

-Nov

hard

dou

gh to

mat

ure

low

low

Spik

e ch

asm

anth

ium

Dire

ct c

ombi

neea

rly-D

ecm

atur

em

ediu

mm

ediu

mSw

itchg

rass

Dire

ct c

ombi

nela

te-S

ept

hard

dou

gh to

mat

ure

med

ium

high

Toot

hach

egra

ssSe

ed S

tripp

erea

rly-D

ecm

atur

em

ediu

mlo

wW

ireg

rass

Seed

Stri

pper

early

-Dec

mat

ure

low

low

1 Pref

erre

d H

arve

st M

etho

d: M

any

nativ

e sp

ecie

s are

ver

y di

ffic

ult t

o ha

rves

t bec

ause

of p

lant

or s

eed

char

acte

ristic

s. Eq

uipm

ent l

iste

d un

der h

arve

stm

etho

d w

as c

hose

n be

caus

e it

is m

ost c

apab

le o

f han

dlin

g th

e ty

pe o

f see

d pr

oduc

ed b

y th

e pl

ant.

Alte

rnat

ive

harv

est m

etho

ds a

re li

sted

und

erin

divi

dual

spec

ies d

iscu

ssio

ns.

2 Ave

rage

Har

vest

Dat

e: H

arve

st in

form

atio

n w

as g

athe

red

prim

arily

from

the

Bro

oksv

ille

PMC

. Act

ual h

arve

st d

ates

will

var

y ac

cord

ing

to w

eath

erco

nditi

ons,

loca

tion

and

culti

var.

3 Seed

Mat

urity

Sta

ge: A

full

desc

riptio

n of

the

diffe

rent

stag

es o

f see

d rip

enin

g is

incl

uded

in th

e fr

ont s

ectio

n of

this

man

ual.

4 Lod

ging

Pot

entia

l: Th

is tr

ait v

arie

s wid

ely

betw

een

diff

eren

t cul

tivar

s with

in a

spec

ies,

and

is a

lso

depe

nden

t upo

n av

aila

ble

nutri

ents

and

clim

atic

cond

ition

s.

62

Tab

le 4

. For

b gr

owth

cha

ract

eris

tics a

nd si

te a

dapt

atio

n.C

omm

on N

ame

(Sci

entif

ic N

ame)

Flow

erin

gTi

me

Gro

wth

Cha

ract

erist

ics

Site

Ada

ptat

ion

Bla

zing

star

, Fin

e-le

af(L

iatr

is te

nuifo

lia)

Fall

Pere

nnia

l; lo

ng u

prig

ht sp

ikes

ext

endi

ngfr

om la

rger

leav

es a

t bas

e; 2

to 3

' tal

l or

mor

e; m

ultip

le ro

se o

r pur

ple-

colo

red

flow

ers a

long

spik

e.

Dry

flat

woo

ds a

nd u

plan

ds

Bla

zing

star

, Han

dsom

e(L

iatr

is el

egan

s)Fa

llPe

renn

ial;

long

upr

ight

spik

es w

hich

will

form

mul

tiple

bra

nche

s if t

ips a

re d

amag

ed;

3' ta

ll or

mor

e; m

ultip

le la

vend

er-c

olor

edflo

wer

s alo

ng sp

ike.

Dry

upl

ands

Car

phep

horu

s, La

rge-

head

ed(C

arph

epho

rus c

orym

bosu

s)Fa

llPe

renn

ial;

basa

l ros

ette

with

seed

stal

ks 3

'ta

ll or

mor

e; p

ink

to p

urpl

e m

ultip

leflo

wer

s on

flat c

row

ned

seed

hea

d.

Dry

upl

ands

Gra

ssy-

leaf

gol

dena

ster

(Pity

opsis

gra

min

ifolia

)Fa

llPe

renn

ial;

rhiz

omat

ous;

long

nar

row

silv

ery

leav

es li

ke g

rass

bla

des c

over

edw

ith lo

ng si

lky

hair;

seed

stal

ks a

re m

ulti

bran

ched

with

a m

ultit

ude

of sm

all y

ello

wflo

wer

s, 1

to 3

' tal

l.

Dry

flat

woo

ds a

nd u

plan

ds

Part

ridg

e pe

a(C

ham

aecr

ista

fasc

icul

ata)

Sum

mer

, Fal

lA

nnua

l leg

ume;

mul

ti br

anch

ed b

ushy

grow

th h

abit;

3' t

all o

r mor

e; y

ello

wflo

wer

s; se

eds i

n po

ds.

Dry

flat

woo

ds a

nd u

plan

ds

Sky-

blue

lupi

ne(L

upin

us d

iffus

us)

Late

Win

ter,

Sprin

gA

nnua

l or p

ossi

bly

bien

nial

legu

me;

woo

dybr

anch

ed w

ith la

rge

silk

y-ha

ired

leav

es;

seed

stal

k 1'

to 2

' tal

l with

mul

tiple

blu

e-co

lore

d flo

wer

s; se

eds i

n po

ds.

Dry

sand

y si

tes

63

Tab

le 5

. For

b ge

nera

l est

ablis

hmen

t gui

delin

es.

Ave

rage

See

ding

Rat

e1

Seed

Wei

ght

Dri

llB

road

cast

Seed

ing

Com

mon

Nam

eC

ondi

tion

(see

d/lb

)(s

eed/

kg)

(lb/a

c pl

s)D

ate

Seed

ing

Met

hod

Bla

zing

star

, Fin

e-le

afB

eard

ed28

0,00

061

7,20

04.

755-

9F,

WB

low

er, F

luff

y-Se

ed D

rill

Bla

zing

star

, Han

dsom

eB

eard

ed10

3,00

022

7,00

012

.513

-25

F, W

Blo

wer

, Flu

ffy-

Seed

Dril

lD

ebea

rded

189,

000

417,

000

77-

14F,

WD

rill,

Bro

adca

st S

eede

rC

arph

epho

rus,

Larg

e-he

aded

Bea

rded

300,

000

660,

000

4.5

5-9

WB

low

er, F

luff

y-Se

ed D

rill

Gra

ssy-

leaf

gol

dena

ster

Bea

rded

570,

000

1,25

0,00

02.

53-

6W

, Su

Blo

wer

, Flu

ffy-

Seed

Dril

lPa

rtri

dge

pea

Deh

ulle

d45

,000

100,

000

10*

10-2

0*W

, Sp,

Su

Dril

l, B

road

cast

See

der

Sky-

blue

lupi

neD

ehul

led

22,0

0048

,000

55-

10*

W, S

p, S

uD

rill,

Bro

adca

st S

eede

r1 Se

e fo

otno

te u

nder

Tab

le 2

for a

n ex

plan

atio

n of

how

seed

ing

rate

s are

der

ived

. An

"*"

indi

cate

s tha

t rat

es a

re b

ased

on

rese

arch

find

ings

inst

ead

ofge

nera

l gui

delin

es.

Tab

le 6

. For

b se

ed h

arve

st g

uide

lines

.

Com

mon

Nam

ePr

efer

red

Har

vest

Met

hod

Ave

rage

Har

vest

Dat

eSe

ed M

atur

itySt

age

Lodg

ing

Pote

ntia

lSh

atte

rPo

tent

ial

Bla

zing

star

, Han

dsom

eSe

ed S

tripp

erla

te-N

ovha

rd d

ough

to m

atur

ehi

ghm

ediu

mB

lazi

ng st

ar, F

ine-

leaf

Seed

Stri

pper

late

-Nov

hard

dou

gh to

mat

ure

med

ium

med

ium

Car

phep

horu

s, La

rge-

head

edSe

ed S

tripp

erla

te-N

ovha

rd d

ough

to m

atur

em

ediu

mm

ediu

mG

rass

y-le

af g

olde

nast

erSe

ed S

tripp

er,

Vac

uum

Har

vest

erla

te-N

ovha

rd d

ough

to m

atur

em

ediu

mhi

gh

Part

ridg

e pe

aD

irect

Com

bine

Oct

hard

dou

gh to

mat

ure

low

high

Sky-

blue

lupi

neD

irect

Com

bine

late

-May

hard

dou

gh to

mat

ure

low

high

65

ADDENDUM

NATIVE SEED AND PLANT PHOTOGRAPHS

66

Beaked Panicum Chalky BluestemPanicum anceps Andropogon capillipes

67

Creeping Bluestem Elliot BluestemSchizachyrium scoparium Andropogon gyrans

68

Splitbeard Bluestem Eastern GamagrassAndropogon ternarius Tripsacum dactyloides

69

Hairyawn Muhly Lopsided IndiangrassMuhlenbergia capillaris Sorghastrum secundum

70

Pinewoods Dropseed Purple LovegrassSporobolus junceus Eragrostis spectabilis

71

Purpletop Spike ChasmanthiumTridens flavus Chasmanthium laxum

72

Switchgrass ToothachegrassPanicum virgatum Ctenium aromaticum

73

WiregrassAristida beyrichiana

74

Fine-leaf Blazing Star Handsome Blazing StarLiatris tenuifolia Liatris elegans

75

Large-Headed Carphephorus Grassy-leaf GoldenasterCarphephorus corymbosus Pityopsis graminifolia

76

Partridge Pea Sky-blue LupineChamaecrista fasciculata Lupinus diffusus

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Natural Resources s Conservation Service...This manual was funded by a grant from Florida Institute of Phosphate Research 1855 West Main Street Bartow, Florida 33830-7718 (863) 534-7160