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Factors affecting seed dormancy and germination of Johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Author(s) -
HUANG W. Z.,
HSIAO A. I.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
weed research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-3180
pISSN - 0043-1737
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3180.1987.tb00730.x
Subject(s) - germination , scarification , incubation , sorghum , sodium hypochlorite , dormancy , biology , imbibition , horticulture , seed dormancy , botany , chemistry , agronomy , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Summary Seeds of Johnsongrass [ Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] germinated to higher percentages (20–30% higher) when incubated at 28 and 35° C than at 10 or 22° C. After‐ripening was accelerated by dry storage of these seeds at 50°C. Seeds pre‐chilled at 6°C for 2–4 weeks followed by incubation at 28°C germinated 40–60%. Light effects on germination were related to incubation temperatures; inhibitory at 22°C; no response at 28°C; and stimulatory at 35°C. Effects of gibberellin A 3 (GA 3 ) also varied depending on incubation temperature, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) immersion and light conditions. Immersion of dry seeds in either 700 mM NaOCl, 900 mM H 2 O 2 or concentrated H 2 SO 4 before incubation in water was effective in breaking dormancy. This result suggests the modes of action of H 2 SO 4 in the termination of dormancy may be similar to those of NaOCl and H 2 SO 4 as previously suggested by Hsiao & Quick (1984), that is by modification or scarification of the hull or seed coat membranes, and also by the supply of additional oxygen to the seed.