Seed Science and Technology · 1996 · 10 citations · 0 references
AgriculturePlant BiologyPlant SciencesPlant PhysiologySeed ScienceSeed TechnologySeed BiologySeed DormancySeed GerminationSeed Germination InhibitionSeed PhysiologySeedling EstablishmentEnvironmental Control Of DormancyInhibitory Germination EffectsMoisture Effects On GerminationSeed Dormancy MechanismsSeed Dormancy RegulationSeed Germination BiologySeed Germination PhysiologySeedling Emergence From Dormancy
The seeds of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis are dispersed in indehiscent capsules. The germination of intact seeds was inhibited by the pericarp and its removal resulted in early and enhanced germination. Depending on the year of harvest, the ratio of whole capsule to seed germination varied and was 2 to 5 times less than the extracted seed. Pericarp was found to have a greater affinity for moisture and restricted its availability to the embryo during initial phases of germination. No one particular factor, however, was found to be responsible for dormancy and a combined effect of pericarp restricting moisture or possibly oxygen availability to the embryo and presence of inhibitors in the pericarp appear factors responsible for the inhibition of the germination.