HARVESTING S352 TIMOTHY FOR SEED

On the basis of the most commonly used criteria for determining ripeness in grass seeds (involving a continuous examination of certain physical properties) the rip-o-cut stage was reached in S352 timothy 31–35 days after peak anthesis. The attainment of a moisture level just below 40% wet basis (excluding precipitation), which corresponded with the same stage of seed maturation, appears to be a further practical ripeness indicator in this variety.
In view of initial dormancy and the susceptibility of the seeds to mechanical injury, the indirect- rather than the direct-combining method of harvest is recommended.