The Effects of Light, Osmotic Potential and Atmospheric Gases on Germination of the Mistletoe Amyema preissii

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Abstract
The high osmotic concentration of the viscid layer and non-volatile germination inhibitors cannot account for the prolonged dormancy of the seeds of Amyema preissii while they remain within the intact fruit. Once excised, however, germination could not be prevented by depriving the seed of an external supply of water, oxygen or light. Elongation of the hypocotyl, bearing the primary haustorium of the young seedling, was enhanced by conditions that favoured photosynthesis as well as respiration. The pericarp is considered to prevent germination by acting as a barrier to influx of exogenous O2 (critical under dark conditions), and efflux of endogenous CO2 (critical under light conditions).

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