[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Improved forage and turf management




TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

We have recently obtained a US patent for inducing dormancy in nondormant
seeds including grasses (ryes, fescues, red top, etc) and legumes (clovers)
by means of GA inhibitors. We are now exploring if the dormancy based
technology can be applited to better manage or to improve forages and
turfs.

The growth response of the treated seeds is dose-dependent. Various levels
of dormancy can be induced in grass seeds by altering either the soak
duration or dosage of the inhibitors applied thus obtaining  a range of
growth rates, from complete dormancy to differing rates of seedling growth.
The time required for seedlings to resume normal growth following the
treatment varies depending upon the intensity of the dormancy induced. By
altering the seedling growth rate of either the legume or the  grass seed,
it may be possible to seed them at the same time. Most of our studies to
date have been with cool season grasses, such as perennial and annual ryes,
fescues and red top,  and legumes such a clovers.

Another possible area may be to obtain an improved stand in the spring. As
dormancy in ryes and fescues can be released by moist-chilling, it may be
possible to plant the dormant (induced) seeds in the fall and to obtain a
healthy stand in early spring.

Procedure for seed treatment is quite simple. The seeds are soaked in
aqueous solution of the chemical for varying periods at relatively high
temperatures, followed by drying the seeds in a stream of air. The treated
seeds are then  planted  or stored.

We are interested in conducting cooperative research in the dormancy based
technology in improving forage and turf quality and are currently exploring
marketing the dormancy based technology to interested parties. Further
details regarding this technology can be obtaioned by contacting Richard S.
Cahoon, Cornell Research Foundation, 20 Thornwood Drive, Suite 105, Ithaca,
NY 14850. Fax: 607-257-1015. Tel: 607-257-1081.

Anwar Khan
Department of Horticultural Sciences
NYSAES, Cornell University, Geneva, NY 14456
FAX: 315-787-2320
TEl: 315-787-2247