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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

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 2024/07/01). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.