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Studies on germination of Rumex dentatus L. seeds

Ali A. Al-HELAl, Journal of Arid Environments (1996)33:39-47.

The effect of temperature on germination rate of rumex dentatus adapted to the arid environment of Saudi Arabia was studied. Germination percentage was low (only 20 % after 7 days in the dark at laboratory temperature). Cold stratification and gibberellic acid treatment at 35 or 45 C , or at alternating temperature 28/14 and 36/10 C. Germination was significantly promoted at 15, 18/8 and 21/10 C , and transferring the ungerminated seeds at 25 C and 35 C to 15 C promoted germination. The metabolism of germinated cotyledons was studied at various stages of germination up to 6 major and minor bands during germination and only a few components were hydrolysed. Starch content decreased slowly in the first 3 days followed by a period of rapid decline. Amylase activity appeared from the first day and the electrophoretic patterns underwent changes during germination.