Seed production and germination in blue couch, Digitaria didactyla

Abstract

Two seed harvests of Digitaria didactyla in January and November 1971 yielded 103 and 98 kg clean seed ha-1 respectively. These yield levels are considered sufficiently high for commercial seed production. The seed retained viability over a two-year storage period at 15°C, and germination percentages up to 80 per cent were obtained. Dehulling the seed severely reduced germination and may damage the caryopsis.