Factors influencing seed germination inCarex scoparia Schk.

Carex scoparia seeds collected in 1985, 1987, and 1988 in a southeastern Wisconsin sedge meadow were used to investigate appropriate storage conditions and the influence of two alternating temperature regimes on germination. Seeds collected in 1987 and 1988 stored dry at room temperature (dry-warm) had a higher germination at both 21/25 C and 25/32 C than seed of the same age that was stored dry in a refrigerator (dry-cool). Seeds collected in 1985, over two years old, gave a higher percentage germination when stored drycool than dry-warm seed of the same age.