Breaking Dormancy of Longleaf Uniola Seeds

Abstract

Both speed and completeness of germination of longleaf uniola (Uniola sessiliflora) were raised to acceptable levels by prechilling caryopses at 2 C for 4 to 6 weeks, then germinating them in constant darkness with alternating temperatures of 20 and 40 C. Constant temperatures with or without illumination were less effective than alternating temperatures and constant darkness. Dormancy was not substantially reduced by preheating, freezing, removing bracts, soaking in water, moistening seeds with a KNO3 solution, or puncturing seedcoats.