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Carex (aquatilis)

Derek Tilley
PMC Manager
USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center
PO Box 296
Aberdeen, Idaho 83210
208-397-4133 x 104
derek.tilley@id.usda.gov
http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc

Family Scientific Name: Cyperaceae
Family Common Name: Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex aquatilis Wahlenb.
Common Name: Water sedge
Species Code: CAAQ
Ecotype: Rocky Mountains, western Wyoming
General Distribution: Throughout North America with the exception of the southeastern states.
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 10 cubic inch conetainer
Time To Grow: 3 Months
Target Specifications: Healthy root development filling a 10 ci conetainer.
Propagule Collection: Seed is most commonly collected by hand. Fruiting heads can be cut from stems using shears or a hand scythe. Seed is hard and brown when ripe.
Propagule Processing: Seed is air dried in paper sacks for several weeks prior to processing. Seed is removed from stem using a hammer mill with a 0.6 cm (0.25 in) screen. Seed is then pre cleaned using a small-lot air screen cleaner with a 1.80 mm screen to remove stems and other inert matter. The perigynium is then removed from the seed using a corrugated rubbing board or hammer mill and then re-cleaned with a 1.55 mm screen and light air. Purities of over 95% are typical. There are approximately 450,000 seeds/lb with perigynium still intact, and 900,000 seeds/lb with perigynium removed. Viability depends on seed fill. A kerosene heater "pop test" is used for quick estimates of seed fill (Tilley et al 2010). Lots with poor viability are re-cleaned with increased air.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seed is stored in cool-dry conditions with temperatures of approximately 10ø C (50ø F) and relative humidity of 20 to 30%. Seed is not stratified prior to planting.
Establishment Phase: Soil is a 1:1:1 mix of coconut fiber, compost and perlite. No fertilizer is added to the soil mix. Five to 25 seeds are placed on the soil surface and pressed for good seed-to-soil contact. Seed is not covered with any soil or sand, but kept moist with an overhead mist irrigation schedule of 2 minutes/hr from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for the first 30 days. Day time greenhouse temperatures range from 32 to 43ø C (90 to 110ø F). Night time temperatures average around 30ø C (85ø F). Grow lights are kept on during nighttime hours.
Length of Establishment Phase: First emergence occurs around 5 to 7 days after planting under temperatures and moisture conditions specified. Full stands (90-100%) are reached in 12 days.
Active Growth Phase: After full establishment, plants are fertilized once per week with Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food (15-30-15). After 30 daysthe irrigation amount is increased to 3 minutes/hr from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and grow lights are turned off. Greenhouse day time temperatures are reduced to 30 to 32øC (85 to 90ø F).
Length of Active Growth Phase: 3 months
Hardening Phase: Heat is turned off and temperatures reduced to ambient conditions. Watering is discontinued approximately 3 days prior to delivery.
References: Tilley DT, Ogle DG, Cornforth BC. 2010. Quick methods to estimate seed quality. Boise (ID): USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plant Materials Technical Note 35. 13p.

Citation:

Tilley, Derek James. 2010. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. plants 10 cubic inch conetainer; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/22). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.