Date of Defense

Spring 4-1972

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Leo C. VanderBeek

Second Advisor

Richard D. Brewer

Keywords

prairies, grasslands, temperature

Abstract

Germination of Silphium terebinthenaceum was enhanced by a post-stratification most-heat treatment at 80°C. Tested seeds of four other perennial herbs common to midwestern prairies (Andropogon scoparius, Sorghastrum nutans, Eryngium yuccifolium, and Solidago rigida) showed little adverse or beneficial effects of the heat treatment. Heat treatments alone had little effect on the seeds; the length of stratification periods necessary to effect maximal germination varied. The significance of these findings is examined in the light of related literature on grassland fire ecology.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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