Germination of Hawaiian Range Grass seeds

Date
1944-10
Authors
Akamine, Ernest K.
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Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Hawaii
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Abstract
Poor germination resulting from dormancy of seeds has been a major problem in use of many desirable species of Hawaiian range grasses. Dormancy in seeds is the result of one or more of the following conditions: (1) presence of enclosing structures that hinder maximum expansion of the seed; (2) presence of structures that interfere with exchange of gases; (3) dormancy of the embryo itself; (4) need within the seed for stimulators of respiratory and nutritive activities; (5) presence of inhibitors produced by the seed hulls; (6) immaturity of embryos; (7) inability of seed to absorb water; (8) secondary dormancy. The investigations reported in this bulletin determined the causes of dormancy operating in 10 species of Hawaiian range grasses. Methods of stimulating germination were developed. Of the causes of dormancy listed above, the first five were found to operate in the species studied. Conditions stimulating dormant seeds to germinate were found to include soaking in water, cutting of the seed coat, acid scarification, mechanical scarification, subjection to alternating temperatures, removal of hulls, soaking in potassium nitrate and in ammonium thiocyanate, and after-ripening at warm temperatures.
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Hawaii, seed germination, dormancy breaking, forage grasses
Citation
Akamine EK. 1944. Germination of Hawaiian range grass seeds. Honolulu (HI): Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Hawaii. 60 p. (Technical Bulletin; 2)
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60 pages
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