the influence of mechanical scarification using a Forsberg sandpaper-lined electric scarifier on seed germination and vigor of Illinois bundleflower and showy ticktrefoil. Materials and Methods Single seed lots of ‘NE Ecotype’ Illinois
in uhaloa seeds. Scarification was conducted in a Forsberg seed scarifier with a 1/3-horsepower electric motor (Forsberg, INC., Thief River Falls, MN). Sandpaper coarseness is classified with a Coated Abrasive Manufacturers Institute grit designation
invasive plant, there is rather limited knowledge about T. radicans germination patterns. Two prior studies suggest that T. radicans drupes require scarification to initiate seedling germination. One study focused on T. radicans seed dispersal by
, landscape restoration, and turfgrass alternatives. However, researchers, agriculturalists, and others have discovered the challenges in reliable seed germination of warm-season grasses, many of which are also native to the Great Plains region ( Baskin and
irrigation ( De Lange and Boucher, 1993 ). Light et al. (2009) reported that smoke from burning plant material stimulated seed germination of numerous species worldwide. Thus, smoke-water may be acting on the seedcoat in a way similar to scarification, by
above temperatures (excluding 5 °C) was also tested. Seeds were also collected in Aug. 2013 from the same wild plants and stored at room temperature. Three months after harvesting, seeds were scarified either using sandpaper (suitable for metal surfaces
( Hasing et al., 2012 , 2013 ; Whitaker et al., 2012 ). Controlled pollinations were conducted in the greenhouse; when ripe, the achenes were removed from the receptacle using an electric blender. Seeds were allowed to dry overnight and stored in vials at