Abstract
In experiments conducted under controlled conditions, the water content of dormant caryopses of Avena fatua L. reached a maximum of ca. 75% (dry weight basis) after 5 days of imbibition of water. The rate of germination induced by piercing the seed coat of the imbibed caryopsis was inversely related to the distance of the hole from the embryo Germination was not prevented by covering the hole with lanolin and was significantly accelerated when the hole was covered with wet filter paper Experiments in which the caryopsis was cut transversely gave similar results. We suggest that mechanical injury causes a localized increase in the potential of the imbibed water and that the resulting increase in the supply of water to the embryo triggers the onset of germination.
Published Version
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