Plant Diversity ›› 2015, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (03): 278-282.DOI: 10.7677/ynzwyj201514117

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Dormancy and Germination of Paraisometrum mileense and Their Ecological Implications

 LIU  Cheng, QIN  Shao-Fa, HU  Xiao-Jian   

  1. Germplasm Bank of Wild Species in Southwest China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
  • Received:2014-08-26 Online:2015-05-25 Published:2014-11-27

Abstract:

 Paraisometrum mileense is endemic to China and was considered to be extinc, after its rediscovery it received much attention from the botanists as well as the public. Preserving its seeds in a seed bank gives a reliable way for long term conservation; however its seed dormancy status and germination requirements are scarcely studied. In this study we checked its embryo size by Xray imaging, the presence of fully developed embryo ruled out the possibility of morphological dormancy. Freshly matured seeds germinated readily at relatively high temperatures (over 20℃) and gibberellic acid as well as moist chilling promoted germination at lower temperatures (below 20℃) significantly, this indicates the seeds are nondeep physiologically dormant. Seeds germinated better at constant temperatures, this is probably an adaption to shaded environment. The germination also responded significantly to KNO3, and KON3 is considered to be an indication of gap and less competition in the field.

Key words: Paraisometrum mileense, Seed, Dormancy status, Germination

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