A technique for determining quantitative expressions of dormancy in seeds

A method of quantifying the heterogeneity of dormancy within seed populations is described. The method compares germination responses of unstratified and stratified seeds of Pinus taeda L. (loblolly pine). Mathematical functions were fitted to cumulative germination curves of unstratified and stratified seeds and functions were integrated to determine areas beneath respective curves. The area between respective curves was calculated by difference and was considered to be a measure of dormancy within seed lots. The method may be used to help identify various controls of seed dormancy. © 1982 Annals of Botany Company.

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Author Daniel D. Richter Earth and Climate Sciences