Effects of a Wet-Dry Seed Treatment on the Germination and Root Elongation of

Abstract

Seeds of Whitmar beardless wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum f. inerme Beetle) were allowed to imbibe water at 20 degrees C for 24 hours, followed by air-drying at room temperature for 24 hours. Seeds were then placed in slanted-plate containers held at 20° C to measure germination and root elongation under water potentials of -0.3, -7.5, and -15 bars. Seed treatment significantly accelerated germination and root elongation under a water potential of -0.3 bars, with some acceleration occurring at -7.5 bars. Treatment did not accelerate growth activity under a water potential of -15 bars.