Manual Seed Collection

Seed from some native shrubs, grasses, and forbs must be harvested manually from plants in wildland stands and in some cases from agricultural seed fields. Hand carried power brush or flail strippers are practical for harvesting some grass and forb species. Vacuum units can be utilized also, provided the seeds do not strike the motor’s impeller. Seeds of many species are collected by hand stripping or clipping the inflorescences or plucking individual fruits or seed heads. Collectors for hand harvested seed include bags, baskets, cans, tubs, hoppers, and numerous homemade devices. Lightweight collector hoops made from strong ripcord cloth and plastic tubing plus a padded shoulder strap are versatile and popular for extended use. Badminton rackets (grasses/forbs), tennis rackets (shrubs), or short flat sticks are used to flail seed or fruits into the collectors. Handheld hoops are suitable for small and large patches and with an experienced operator can be effective. They are used also in wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.