Accelerated After-Ripening for Overcoming Seed Dormancy in Grass Weeds

Abstract

The initial dormancy in mature seeds of 12 out of 14 species of grass weeds studied was significantly overcome by pretreatment of the dry seeds at 50 C in stoppered vials. The time required for maximum effect varied depending upon species and lots within species. The procedure, termed accelerated after-ripening, can produce seeds in various stages of dormancy simply by varying the duration of the pretreatment. One of the first stages that becomes apparent is an increased response to light.