Some studies on secondary dormancy inLimnanthes seed

Abstract

The seeds of 10 accessions ofLimnanthes, representing 7 species and their varieties were moistened and placed in an 80°F cabinet for up to 14 days. Then they were transferred to 40, 50 or 60°F temperatures for germination. In two accessions, 85% of the seeds became dormant after only 2 days at 80°F. In 6 accessions, up to 80% of the seeds became dormant after 14 days at 80°F. In two other accessions there was little or no dormancy induced. After 16 months, one half the ungerminated seeds in each treatment were dried under room conditions for 2-1/2 months. Then they were again moistened and placed under germination temperatures. Up to 78% of the seeds thus treated germinated, compared with few or none of those maintained continuously under germination conditions.