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Germination and Growth Response of Seed Weight Genotypes of Panicum antidotale Retz. 1
Author(s) -
Wright L. Neal
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1977.0011183x001700010046x
Subject(s) - biology , seedling , germination , panicum , shoot , endosperm , dry weight , dry matter , agronomy , germplasm , elongation , nutrient , horticulture , botany , ecology , materials science , metallurgy , ultimate tensile strength
Seed of blue panicgrass ( Panicum antidotale Retz.) genotypes previously selected for extremes of seed weight were evaluated for growth responses. Depletion of seed food reserves, elongation of roots and shoots, and production of dry matter were measured during four phases of development: emergence; and initial, seedling, and young plant growth. Growth was sampled in three environmental procedures at varying intervals to 54 days. After initiation of growth, the germinating seedlings used most of the reserves by the sixth day, with the same pattern and rate for both heavy and light seed genotypes. Thus, the major function of seed reserves was evident during the first 6 days of germination and seedling growth. Use of remaining reserves was extended over time, and their contribution to the growth of the young plant was apparently complementary to photosynthesis. Any single measurement—weight of residual seed, weight of seedling parts, elongation of roots, or elongation of shoots—provided an accurate estimate of growth response with either nutrient solution or soil medium. Genotypes with heavy seed, having a greater quantity of endosperm and associated genetic qualities, performed better during all phases of growth from germination through reproduction than did genotypes with light seed.