An average of 23 million viable shattercane seeds per acre populated the top 4 inches of soil in 12 infested Nebraska fields surveyed prior to planting. This represents a potential population of over 500 shattercane plants per square foot. As plants mature, the open-panicle seed heads tend to droop. A single head may produce one to 2,000 seeds. Head types vary considerably, reflecting the genetic diversity of shattercane.
Seeds vary in color, but are usually covered with shiny black, dark brown, or reddish black glumes.
These glumes encase the seeds and protect them from rotting in the soil. Glumes are not retained by commercial sorghums and these seeds do not overwinter in the soil. Seed shattering is not associated genetically with seed color, plant color, or plant height, so many cane types are possible. Natural selection in the field favors glume retention and shattering types, but nonshattering types also persist as weeds. Viability of shattercane seed following burial in soil.