Wolf, Jerry . 2009. T&D Snippets—Hands Beat Machines for Collecting Seed. 0924 2S02. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program.

Hands Beat Machines for Collecting Seed

By Mary Ann Davies and Scott Jensen

Collecting seed from native plants may seem simple, but beating the seed with a racquet into a hopper, cutting stems with a sickle, or stripping seed with gloved hands can be tedious. Native seed collectors asked MTDC if there was a more efficient method.

This tech tip explains how MTDC field tested a modified hedge trimmer and a hand-held vacuum. Collecting seed by hand is still the best approach.

Keywords: equipment, evaluations, restoration, trimmers, vacuums