Seed dormancy, after-ripening and light requirements of four annual Asteraceae in south-western Australia.

ABSTRACT: The role of dormancy, temperature and light in the regulation of seed germination of four annual Asteraceae from south-western Australia was investigated. The experiments aimed to identify after-ripening patterns, and to relate these to climatic conditions of the habitat in which the species occur. Seeds of all species were strongly dormant at maturity and maintained high levels of dormancy for time periods corresponding to the duration of summer in south-western Australia. Dry after-ripening was promoted best by temperatures lower than those prevailing in the dry season, although differences among storage temperatures were mostly insignificant. Germination percentages were highest at average winter temperatures (15 degrees C). A logistic model revealed significant differences in germinabi

SUBMITTER: Schutz W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4240361 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature