ISSN 2756-326X
Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2381-3911 Vol. 3 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Light-induced transient dormancy in Cleome gynandra L. seeds
Julius O. Ochuodho1* and Albert T. Modi2
1Moi University, Chepkoilel Campus, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya.
2School of Agricultural sciences and Agribusiness (Crop Science) University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, Pietermaritzburg.
Accepted 26 January, 2017
Abstract
Events associated with dormancy release during seed germination still require explanation. The objective of this study was to examine seed responses during germination of Cleome gynandra in the presence or absence of light and at constant or alternating temperatures. Germination of C. gynandra seeds at 20oC was inhibited by light, but it was improved at 20oC in darkness. There was no photoinhibition when seeds were germinated at alternating temperature 20/30oC (16 h night and 8 h day). Photoinhibition was expressed more in seeds that were harvested late, after the pods had turned brown than in mature seeds at physiological maturity. It was more pronounced in seeds grown in extreme temperatures of 21/17 and 33/28oC, compared to those grown at 27/22oC. More than 5d photoinhibition reduced the germination of late harvested seeds such that the seeds did not completely recover their germination capacity. Photoinhibition is negative sensitivity to white light during seed germination in C. gynandra, likely controlled by the phytochrome system.
Keywords: Seed germination, photoinhibition, phytochromes, Cleome gynandra.