Figure 2. Flow Diagram for Thurber's Needlegrass Seed Collection

Steps in collecting, threshing, and cleaning seeds of Thurber's needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana.)

1. Pull grass culms with nearly mature inflorescences bundle or loosely pack in uncoated Kraft paper bags.
   OR
   Strip ripe grass seeds (caryopses) from inflorescence using gloved hand or metal seedstriper.
2. Allow collected material to air dry in warm, dry area, cover at night if out-of-doors.
3. Rub inflorescences in 1/4-inch screen. Seeds and chaff drop through. Discard coarse material on top of screen.
4. Air screen chaff and seed to remove fine material.
5. If necessary, carefully run seeds through hammermill to remove awns.
6. If necessary, air separate to clean awns from seed.
7. Store.

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