Publication Date
1993
Description
The softening of hard seeds of Medicago polymorpha is a 2-stage process. The final stage of softening. tends to take place in autumn, thereby affording the seeds some degree of protection against germination and subsequent loss after summer rain. Temperature conditions associated with this final stage of seed softening were investigated within the range 5-55°C. The required amplitude of diurnal temperature fluctuation was about 30°C, with a daily maximum between 30-45°C and a minimum less than 20°C. The slower the temperature fall, the more effective the temperature fluctuations, Between 4 and 8 diurnal cycles of the most favourable temperature conditions likely to be experienced in the field were necessary to complete the seed softening process. Atmospheric moisture content had little effect on the final stage of seed softening.
Citation
Taylor, G B., "Effect of some characteristics of diurnal temperature fluctuations on the softening of hard seeds of Medicago polymorpha" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 15.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session10/15
Included in
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Effect of some characteristics of diurnal temperature fluctuations on the softening of hard seeds of Medicago polymorpha
The softening of hard seeds of Medicago polymorpha is a 2-stage process. The final stage of softening. tends to take place in autumn, thereby affording the seeds some degree of protection against germination and subsequent loss after summer rain. Temperature conditions associated with this final stage of seed softening were investigated within the range 5-55°C. The required amplitude of diurnal temperature fluctuation was about 30°C, with a daily maximum between 30-45°C and a minimum less than 20°C. The slower the temperature fall, the more effective the temperature fluctuations, Between 4 and 8 diurnal cycles of the most favourable temperature conditions likely to be experienced in the field were necessary to complete the seed softening process. Atmospheric moisture content had little effect on the final stage of seed softening.
