After-ripening of Cenchrus ciliaris L. spikelets was modelled during storage at various temperatures and equilibrium relative humidities (e.r.h.). At 40 and 50% e.r.h., the rate of after-ripening increased linearly with increase of storage temperature. The highest after-ripening rate was achieved by storing the seeds in 40°C and 50% e.r.h. At 70% e.r.h., however, seeds remained viable at 20 and 30°C but largely failed to after-ripen. Use of the model to predict the storage period required for decreasing dormancy to any desired level is described. The application to re-seeding degraded rangelands in arid areas is discussed.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.