Representation of Germination Curves with the Logistic Function

Abstract

The fitting of the logistic function to germination progress data by simple linear regression is demonstrated. Acceptable goodness of fit is obtained for both fast and slowly-germinating seed populations. The rate and final percentage of germination are positively correlated in these experiments, although mathematically independent. The rate appears to be more sensitive to environmental conditions during germination than is the final percentage. The limitations of the logistic function and the desirability of a standard means of expressing germination rates are discussed.