Abstract
Freshly harvested caryopses of Hordeum spontaneum do not germinate, even after a long period of imbibition at 10, 20 and 30 °C, in darkness or in continuous white light. Their dormancy results from an inhibitory effect of the covering structures, since isolated embryos are able to germinate. Breaking of dormancy, termed 'after-ripening', occurs during storage in dry conditions at 35 °C or in the natural habitat during summer. Dormancy remains when caryopses in dispersal units are stored at -35 °C. The ecological importance of dormancy and after-ripening at high temperatures affecting the 'readiness for germination' is discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 337-345 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Arid Environments |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 1996 |
Keywords
- after-ripening
- dispersal units
- dormancy
- dry storage
- germination
- light and dark conditions
- temperature
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Ecology
- Earth-Surface Processes