Temperature-mediated changes in seed dormancy and light requirement for Penstemon palmeri (Scrophulariaceae)

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · Great Basin Naturalist; (United States)

OSTI ID:5146719

Kitchen, S G; Meyer, S E ^[1]

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1. Dept of Agriculture, Provo, UT (United States)

Penstemon palmeri is a short-lived perennial herb colonizing disturbed sites in semiarid habitats in the western US. In this study seed was harvested from six native and four seeded populations during two consecutive years. In laboratory germination trials at constant 15C, considerable between-lot variation in primary dormancy and light requirement was observed. Four weeks of moist chilling (1C) induced secondary dormancy at 15C. Cold-induced secondary dormancy was reversed by one week of dark incubation at 30C. This warm incubation treatment also reduced the light requirement of unchilled, after-ripened seed. Fluctuations in dormancy and light requirement of buried seeds have been linked to seasonal changes in soil temperature. Penstemon palmeri germination responses to temperature appear to be similar to those of facultative winter annuals.

• OSTI ID: 5146719
• Journal Information: Great Basin Naturalist; (United States), Journal Name: Great Basin Naturalist; (United States) Vol. 52:1; ISSN GRBNA; ISSN 0017-3614
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560200* -- Thermal Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GERMINATION
HABITAT
HERBS
INHIBITION
PLANTS
RADIATIONS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SEEDS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
VARIATIONS
VISIBLE RADIATION