Low-dose Application of Nonionic Alkyl Terminated Block Copolymer Surfactant Enhances Turfgrass Seed Germination and Plant Growth

Abstract

<jats:p>Rapid seed germination and vigorous seedling growth are desired when establishing turfgrass lawns from seed. Low-dose concentrations of nonionic, block copolymer surfactants can have a direct effect on plant physiological functions and growth. The objectives were to determine if a low-dose application of a nonionic alkyl ended block copolymer surfactant applied directly to the seed, within a film coating, would 1) influence speed, synchrony, and final germination percentage (FGP), and 2) enhance seedling emergence and the speed of turfgrass establishment under deficit irrigation. Tests were performed with tall fescue (<jats:italic>Schedonorus arundinaceus</jats:italic>) and perennial ryegrass (<jats:italic>Lolium perenne</jats:italic>). Surfactant was applied directly to the seed using a rotary seedcoater at 0.1% by weight of seed. In the first experiment, germination was compared between seeds with a surfactant film coating (SFC) and untreated seeds in growth chambers at three different constant temperatures (10, 20, and 30 °C). For both species, the SFC decreased the time for seed germination, and improved germination synchrony, with the greatest treatment response at 10 and 30 °C compared with untreated seed. Application of a SFC did not influence FGP. In the second experiment, untreated and treated seed were compared in a grow-room study, with pots watered weekly to 70% of field capacity (FC). Perennial ryegrass density, cover, and aboveground biomass from the SFC were ≈47%, 48%, and 46% greater than untreated seed, respectively. Tall fescue density, cover, and aboveground biomass from the SFC seeds were ≈22%, 23%, and 28% greater than untreated seed, respectively. Overall these studies demonstrate that SFC can promote seed germination and also enhance turfgrass establishment under deficit irrigation.</jats:p>

Combining active restoration and targeted grazing to establish native plants and reduce fuel loads in invaded ecosystems

“…Overall, grazing treatments had a much weaker negative effect on seedling densities in subplots planted with coated seeds. The surfactant coating that was applied to the seeds has been shown in previous studies to improve seedling survival under drought stress (Ahmed et al, ; Madsen et al, ; Madsen, Kostka, et al, ). We hypothesize that in this dryland study the soil surfactant in the coating helped produce more robust plants that were able to recover quicker after the grazing treatment.…”

“…Overall, grazing treatments had a much weaker negative effect on seedling densities in subplots planted with coated seeds. The surfactant coating that was applied to the seeds has been shown in previous studies to improve seedling survival under drought stress (Ahmed et al, 2018;Madsen et al, 2012Madsen et al, , 2014Madsen, Kostka, et al, 2016).…”

A global review on arid zone restoration: approaches and challenges

“…Seed coating and pelleting refers to the process whereby materials are applied to the surface of the seed to improve their seed sowing attributes and seed performance. These materials vary with the intended function, and they include coats designed to decrease water repellence (Madsen et al 2013), protect the seed from predators (Taylor et al 2020), and provide protection from soil pathogens (Hoose et al 2022). Studies which involve arid environments or related species have found success using specific types of coat, such as fungicide coats (Hoose et al 2022), germination delaying coats (Madsen et al 2016), herbicide protection coats made of activated carbon (Brown et al 2023; Munro et al 2023), and water‐ absorbing coats (Madsen et al 2013).…”

Biochar Coating Is a Sustainable and Economical Approach to Promote Seed Coating Technology, Seed Germination, Plant Performance, and Soil Health

“…Nutrient amendments in coatings mainly focus on the delivery of polymer micronutrients, for example, copper, manganese, and zinc [ 36 ], which are used to compensate for soil deficiencies in these trace elements. The combination of growth stimulants properties and their application through seed coating has the pronounced potential for enhancing plant performance [ 63 ]. There are various categories of growth stimulants, such as plant-derived proteins [ 43 , 64 ], protein hydrolysates and amino acids [ 50 , 76 ], carbohydrate derivatives [ 59 ], and herbal extracts [ 77 ].…”