PROCESSING OF PENSACOLA BAHIAGRASS SEED

SILMAR T. PESKE; ALBERT H. BOYD

 

Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) seed lots were graded according to: (a) three widths, (b) two lengths, (c) four specifïc gravity classes, and (d) separated into up to six sizes before processing on a gravity table. Width-grading signifïcantiy affected (1) germination, where the class small had higher percentage than the medium, and (2) speed of germination, where the small class germinated the fastest. Most of the weed seeds tended to be concentrated in the small class. Bulk density increased as width decreased. Length separation significantly affected only physical purity. The short class showed higher purity than the long. Most of the weed seeds were in the long class. Bulk density increased as length decreased. Specific gravity grading presented significant effects on (1) germination and speed of germination where the heavy and very heavy classes had the highest performance; (2) firm seeds and physical purity where the very light class had the lowest percentage; and (3) dead-firm seeds where the heavy and very heavy classes had the lowest percentage. Weed seeds tended to be removed with the very light class. Bulk density increased from the lowest to the highest point on the gravity table. Grading into up to six size classes did not give any significaint benefit different from the ungraded seeds when further processed on the gravity table. In view of the results of this study, an air-screem cleaner, followed by a gravity table, should be sufficient equipment for processing Pensacola bahiagrass. A cylinder separator before the gravity table would be beneficial only if large quantities of weed seeds are present.



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