Abstract
Effects of immersing dry seeds in KOH and NaOH solutions on seed dormancy and water uptake were studied in three dormant lines of wild oat (Avena fatua L.). KOH was more effective than NaOH in breaking dormancy. Maximum dormancy-breaking effect of 5.3 N KOH could be achieved with a 10- or 15-min treatment. Increase in treatment time did not necessarily increase germination; rather, it caused damage to the seeds. For 10-min treatment, 5.3 and 7.6 N KOH solutions were more effective than 3 and 9.8 N. Genetic lines responded differently to the KOH treatment. Initial rate and amount of water uptake by KOH-treated seed were significantly higher than by the untreated. It is believed that breaking dormancy by the alkaline treatment is related to removing the barrier to water uptake formed by the seed coat. Key words: Alkalis, Avena fatua, dormancy, seed coat, seedling growth
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