Recent developments in breeding eastern gamagrass varieties with higher yields of good-quality seed have resulted in improved seed availability and lower prices. Three cultivars of this type are available commercially, 'Pete', 'PMK-24' and 'IUKA'. Eastern gamagrass exhibits seed dormancy that is overcome by prolonged chilling. Stratification, or wet-chilling of seed at 35 degrees F for 10 weeks before planting, improves germination dramatically. Both stratified and dormant seed are readily available through commercial seed sources.
Stratified seed is particularly susceptible to desiccation after planting.
The success of planting dormant seed during the winter requires that adequate cold temperatures occur to break dormancy before favorable germination conditions occur. The uncertainty associated with these techniques due to variable environmental conditions, coupled with the problems often encountered in handling wet, stratified seed, makes some growers reluctant to plant eastern gamagrass. Recent laboratory studies have shown that pretreating eastern gamagrass seed with 30 percent hydrogen peroxide for 1-2 hours breaks dormancy and surface sterilizes seed. Germinable seed can then be handled dry. Commercialization of this technique could make eastern gamagrass easier to establish.