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Scirpus (microcarpus)

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 family
Scientific Name: Scirpus microcarpus J. Presl & C. Presl
Common Name: Panicled bulrush
Species Code: SCMI2
Ecotype: Yosemite National Park
General Distribution: North America with the exception of the southeast.
Propagation Goal: Plants
Propagation Method: Seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 10 cubic inch conetainer
Time To Grow: 5 months
Target Specifications: Healthy root development filling the 10 ci conetainer.
Propagule Processing: Seed can be separated from plant material by hand or using a hammermill or brush machine. Seed can be cleaned using an air-screen cleaner with 1.40 mm top screen and blank bottom screen and light air. Unmilled seed retains the perianth bristles that can cause seed to clump together, though we did not find that this affected planting or establishment.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Seed is stored in cool-dry conditions with temperatures of approximately 10° C (50° F) and relative humidity of 20 to 30%. Flats were placed outside after planting to allow for natural over-winter stratification beginning in mid-November. Flats were brought into the greenhouse when outdoor conditions began to dry the soil in March.
Establishment Phase: We used Sunshine Mix #4. No fertilizer is added to the soil mix. Five to ten seeds are placed on the soil surface and pressed for good seed-to-soil contact. Seed is lightly covered with pea gravel. The soil surface is kept moist with 20 minutes of daily irrigation from overhead sprinklers for the first 30 days. Day time greenhouse temperatures range from 24 to 29° C (75 t 85° F). Night time temperatures average around 21° C (70° F).
Length of Establishment Phase: 8 weeks
Active Growth Phase: Our seed lot had very high viability and most cones had multiple plants in them that required thinning. After full establishment, plants are fertilized once per week with Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food (15-30-15). After 30 days the irrigation schedule is changed to 40 to 60 minutes every other day to encourage root growth.
Length of Active Growth Phase: 4 months
Hardening Phase: We backed off the water to 60 minutes every 4 or 5 days.
Length of Hardening Phase: 1 week
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Plants were deeply watered just prior to shipping. Plants were shipped in a 10° C (50° F) refrigerated truck for 2 days.

Citation:

Tilley, Derek. 2016. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Scirpus microcarpus J. Presl & C. Presl Plants 10 cubic inch conetainer; USDA NRCS - Aberdeen Plant Materials Center Aberdeen, Idaho. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/04/19). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.