There also were no significant differences in seed production between grazed and ungrazed collections of Indian ricegrass from the Chaco Canyon study site when transplanted and grown in a common garden. Both grazed and ungrazed transplants of Indian ricegrass differed in seed production from the cultivars Paloma and Nezpar. Defoliation about 1 June over a 2-year period reduced seed production and nitrogen fertilization did not increase seed yield. Previous grazing history had little effect on seed germination, but there were significant differences in germination among some collections and cultivars of Indian ricegrass. A tetrazolium viability test showed that seed of native strains were more viable than those of Paloma.
Dormancy is a troublesome, but desirable, trait of Indian ricegrass seed for use in droughty areas.