Germination characteristics of Diplachne fusca seeds.

Abstract

Trials were conducted in Korea Republic to assess the germination characteristics of Diplachne fusca seeds under the following seed storage conditions: wet, low temperature of 4°C for 4 months; dry, cold temperature for 4 months; dry, room temperature for 4 months; and dry, high temperature for 4 months. Results showed that storage in dry, cold conditions resulted in the greatest germination rates (88% after 4 weeks). The germination rate slightly declined after storage for more than 3 months. Storage at dry, room temperatures resulted in poor germination. Wet, low temperatures were effective for inducing germination of seeds which had been stored under dry, room temperatures for 4 months. The germination rate was 70% after 2 weeks storage under wet, low temperatures. Germination rate was found to be much greater under alternate temperature conditions compared to continuous temperature conditions. The optimum temperature for germination was 25-35°C for 10-14 hours. When NaCl was added to seeds of D. fusca, they were able to germinate at concentrations as high as 1.0%. In contrast, the germination of Echinochloa crus-galli was completely inhibited by 0.5% NaCl.