Three experiments were conducted in the greenhouse to study the effect of 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium salt (paraquat) when sprayed directly on seeds at the soil surface. Germination of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L., var. DuPuit) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L., var. Kenland) was not affected at 1 1b/A paraquat, but germination of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., var. Newport) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., var. Linn) was severely reduced at that rate. A protecting layer of soil approximately 0.25 inch thick was completely effective in protecting the seeds from the effect of paraquat. Germination of seven other grass species was reduced by 0.5 1b/A paraquat.