Bleach‐induced Germination and Breakage of Dormancy of Seeds ofAlectra vogelii

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Abstract
The effects of solutions of sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite (bleach) on dormancy and germination ofAlectra vogeliiseeds were investigated. Dry (non‐pretreated) and 10‐day water‐pretreated seeds were exposed to various bleach concentrations, as well as to the host (Vigna unguiculata) root exudate.The 15‐month‐old Alectra seeds used were partially dormant in that only 40% or less of the 10‐day pretreated seeds could be stimulated to germinate by the standard host root exudate. Comparable percentage germination of nonpretreated seeds was achieved with certain concentrations of bleach and the halogens, chlorine and bromine. Bleach and the halogens served not only as germination stimulant for pretreated Alectra seeds but appropriate concentrations induced also high percentage (70–90%) germination indicating a breakage of seed dormancy as well. The activity of the bleach in stimulating high percentage germination could be significantly reduced when the optimally bleach‐treated seeds were rinsed daily with water during the germination period. Vigna root exudate, but not bleach, was shown to act as root stimulant for Alectra seedlings. The possible mechanism of the bleach effect on germination and dormancy of Alectra seeds is discussed.