Seed dormancy in Himalayan maple (Acer caesium) II: Bioassay of inhibitors

Abstract

The presence of inhibitors in different parts of A. caesium samara was demonstrated by preparing extracts of seed, pericarp, and whole samara in petroleum ether, methanol, acetone and water and monitoring the effect on the germination of non-dormant seed of wheat (Triticum aestivum). The petroleum ether and aqueous extracts inhibited significantly the germination capacity and growth of wheat seeds in bioassay test. Results indicate that inhibitors were present in the seed (testa intact embryo) of A. caesium. The inhibitors in A. caesium appear most likely to be non-polar compounds like terpenes and acids (petroleum ether soluble) or polar compounds such as phenolics (water-soluble).