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Milkweed seeds were planted on May 31, 2001 with a
two-row cone planter. Seeds were sown
30 inches apart at a rate of 6 lbs./acre.
WIU research is focused on improving stand establishment. Preliminary observations have indicated wild
milkweed plants grow under high densities near railroad lines carrying
coal. It is believed the coal dust is
binding milkweed phytotoxins that prevent milkweed plants from growing next to
each other. A planting study has been
established to investigate the direct seeding of stratified seed and the
effects of coal dust on increasing germination rates. A separate milkweed plot was set-up to determine the optimal
dosage rate for the coal dust. Coal
dust was applied using a spreader commonly used to line football and baseball
fields.
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Direct seeding of
milkweed |
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Application of coal
dust to milkweed plots |
Direct seeding
milkweed plots. Excellent germination
on all populations. There appears to be
no effect of coal dust on germination rates of milkweed seed. Whether the coal
effects second year emergence remains to be seen.
Picture (7/27/2001)
Comparison of milkweed and cuphea seed to soybean seed.
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