Light gap detection by the photoblastic seeds ofCecropia obtusifolia andPiper auritum, two tropical rain forest trees

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Abstract
The photoblastic seeds of two pioneer trees from the tropical rain forest-Cecropia obtusifolia andPiper auritum — require long diurnal periods of red light to germinate. In the field, the establishment of the trees takes place only in light gaps produced by falling trees. Experiments were performed in order to ascertain the relationship between the light requirements of the seeds and the germination control in the field. Results show that phytochrome regulated germination allows the detection of light gaps.