Reproductive ecology of Panicum turgidum Forssk.

Panicum turgidum Forssk. is a drought-resistant C4 plant which exhibits high growth rates in late spring and summer months. Seed germination under different constant and alternating temperatures and the best time for propagation of this species were studied. The responses of the plant to different water regimes were also estimated. The present study revealed that the seed germination was successful under relatively high temperature. Propagation by transplants was favoured in months with moderate temperatures, so as not to cause excessive loss of water and drying of transplants. Cultivation of Panicum turgidum under different water treatments showed that its growth was greatly influenced by the amount of available water. The increase of growth was reflected mostly on the biomass, tillering capacity and the seed output.