Harvest (cut and collect seed heads) by wading or from boats. 

 This must be done shortly after maturity when seeds can be readily dis- 

 lodged from the heads by rubbing as they shatter readily soon after. 

 Heads should be stored moist, but not submerged, at 2 to 3 Celsius, 

 for 2 or 3 weeks to allow "after ripening." They may then be threshed 

 to reduce storage space and to facilitate handling, and stored in water 

 of 20- to 25-parts per thousand salinity (Woodhouse, Seneca, and Broome, 

 1974) at 2° to 3° Celsius until planting time. Submerged storage is 

 required because drying seeds lose viability rapidly (Mooring, Cooper, 

 and Seneca, 1971) and saline water is preferable, at least in some 

 instances (Woodhouse, Seneca, and Broome, 1974) . Low temperatures dur- 

 ing storage are essential to retard germination as sprouting of ripe 

 seeds is rapid under higher temperatures following after-ripening. 

 Even under the best storage conditions, large numbers of seed will 

 sprout by the following March or April. These sprouted seeds are still 

 usable for planting but are much more susceptible to damage from hand- 

 ling the unsprouted seeds. Freezing, either wet or dry, is not a 

 satisfactory method of storage (Woodhouse, Seneca, and Broome, 1974). 

 Viability of stored seed is not retained longer than 1 year. Conse- 

 quently, seed must be harvested each year in September to November for 

 planting the following year. 



Smooth cordgrass invades new sites primarily by seeds (Fig. 24); 

 stands can be established by direct seeding on the more protected sites 

 (Woodhouse, Seneca, and Broome, 1972, 1974). When feasible, this will 

 usually be the most economical method. However, vegetative transplants 

 are much more tolerant of waves and currents and should be used on most 

 sites. 



Figure 24. Natural stand of smooth cordgrass seedlings. 



57 



