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The Richards function and quantitative analysis of germination and dormancy in meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2007

Canhong Cheng*
Affiliation:
Horticultural Research, Te Puke Research Centre, 412 No. 1 Road, RD2, Te Puke, New Zealand
Ian L. Gordon
Affiliation:
Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
*
*Correspondence Fax: +64 7 573 3871 Email: [email protected]

Abstract

While investigating germinability in the new-crop meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba Benth.), it was desired to gain maximum information despite minimal seed material and prior knowledge. Extended use of the Richards function in a factorial germination experiment proved very powerful. The functions yielded estimates of four correlated coefficients, requiring multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to provide valid F-tests among germination profiles. These germination functions provided more rigorous discrimination among treatments than the univariate final germination level. The functions for the imbibants KNO3 and GA4+7, in darkness at 10/5°C, were best, being characterized by high mean absolute germination rate, relatively short duration, and high final germination (upper asymptote). The results provided insights into possible dormancy mechanisms.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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