Propagation and establishment of Phragmites australis for environmental, agricultural and industrial use in constructed wetlands

For large-scale production of P. australis plants, propagation from seed has been investigated by comparing methods for seedling establishment and their subsequent growth. Seed germination at temperatures ranging from a maximum of 35 (DEGREES CELCIUS) to a minimum of 9 (DEGREES CELCIUS). Germination percentage was highest when seed samples were cleaned and separated from husks and trash. High rates (90-100%) of seed germination were obtained with cleaned seed, without the need for stratification. Seedling growth following germination was affected by container size. Seedlings produced from germinating seeds in Petri dishes were the most adversely affected with a survival rate of only 40% and a plant height of 30cm after 16 weeks. When these seedlings were planted out, their height after a further 4 weeks was only 85cm. Seedlings which were raised from seed sown directly into plastic bags produced the tallest plants (50cm) after 16 weeks. These plants established well (130cm) during a further 4 weeks after planting out in large pots.