A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYTOCHROME PHOTOEQUILIBRIUM AND GERMINATION OF SEEDS OF POA TRIVIALIS L. FROM CONTRASTING HABITATS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary: Poa trivialis L, (rough meadow grass) is an indigenous grass weed of both arable and grassland situations. The effect of light quality on the germination of seed collected from both these habitats was compared. Seed from open, arable habitats germinated poorly when exposed to light giving a Pfr/P ratio similar to that of shade light. In contrast, germination of seed from closed, grassland habitats was much less inhibited indicating that seed germination behaviour may be adapted to the habitat in which the seed was matured. Differences in seed germination behaviour were also observed when seed was buried at various depths in soil under conditions where differences in light quality could be discounted. The results are discussed in relation to the ecological significance of different sensitivities to environmental factors known to influence germination behaviour.