Seed dormancy and factors controlling dormancy breakdown in buffel grass accessions from contrasting provenances

Seed dormancy and factors affecting dormancy breakdown were studied in fifteen accessions of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris ), eight of near-equatorial and six of near-tropical origin, plus cv. Biloela. Within latitudes of origin, pairs of accessions were from high (1200-1400 mm), medium (700-850 mm), low (400-500 mm) and very low rainfall (25-220 mm) sites. Plants were grown in SE Queensland. Ripe fascicles were subjected to a range of temperature and stratification treatments and germination, dormancy and viability were recorded. It is concluded that buffel grass accessions differ in dormancy attributes which may be adaptive to their climate of origin.