Changes in inorganic phosphate and seed germinability during afterripening of wild oats
Keyword(s):
Wild Oat
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The period of afterripening required by dormant seeds of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) depends upon their genetic and environmental history. A steady increase was found in the level of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and germinability of dry mature caryopses of genetically dormant wild oat lines as afterripening progressed. There were no appreciable changes in Pi or in germinability of the companion seeds stored at −15 °C over the period of study. Secondary seeds were more dormant and had lower levels of Pi during afterripening than was the case with primary seeds. Storage at room temperature had little effect on Pi level of nondormant seed line. Results support the hypothesis that levels of endogenous Pi within the seed influence germinability.