Evaluating the effects of In Situ Ruminal fermentation on the seeds of rangeland species with seed coatings

Authors: HOLTON, GRAHAM - University Of Nevada; MACIAS-FRANCO, ARTURO - University Of Nevada; FONSECO, MOZART - University Of Nevada; RICHARDSON, WILLIAM - University Of Nevada; STRINGHAM, TAMZEN - University Of Nevada; MADSEN, MATT - Brigham Young University - Idaho; Harmon, Daniel - Dan

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2023
Publication Date: 1/30/2024
Citation: Holton, G., Macias-Franco, A., Fonseco, M., Richardson, W., Stringham, T., Madsen, M., Harmon, D.N. 2024. Evaluating the effects of In Situ Ruminal fermentation on the seeds of rangeland species with seed coatings. Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts. 77:54.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: As Bromus tectorum continues to establish itself as a prolific invader across the Great Basin, an abundance of fuel has resulted in a changing fire cycle. The intensification of these fires has led to the loss of key structural vegetative species, destabilizing the landscape which puts producers in rural communities, as well as wildlife, at risk. In order to combat this destructive cycle, cattle may serve as vectors for the dispersal of native plant species seeds through fecal pats, while simultaneously target grazing invasive species. Many of these seeds of interest are susceptible to microbial degradation in the rumen, which is why the study herein aimed to evaluate the effects that seed coating technologies had on increasing the viability of seed germination post ruminal fermentation. Six species of seeds, Achnatherum hymenoides, Agropyron cristatum, Atriplex canescens, Elymus elymoides, Pseudoroegneria spicata, Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia, were coated with either Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or PVP + ethyl cellulose (Ethocel). 5g of seed for each treatment (PVP, PVP+E, Ctrl) were weighed into mesh bags, and placed into one of six rumen cannulated steers in accordance to the steers designated treatment. The seeds were then subjected to ruminal fermentation for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 96 hours, after which, the seeds were placed into petri dishes at a rate of 50 seeds per dish. Germination was monitored for five weeks. PVP and PVP+Ethocel coating treatments resulted in decreased germination rates across all species, with the exception of Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia, which had overall poor germination. Control groups for Agropyron cristatum, Elymus elymoides, and Pseudoroegneria spicata exhibited resistance to microbial degradation and could be viable options for fecal seeding. Additionally, Bromus tectorum seed viability was completely inhibited after 36 hours of ruminal fermentation, indicating that it is unlikely cattle are dispersing these seeds through fecal defecation.