The controlling influence of carbon dioxide in the maturation, dormancy and germination of seeds.—Part II

In the first part of this paper the influence of carbon dioxide in inhibiting the germination of moist seeds was described. The results obtained are summarised on pp. 623–625 of this paper. In the present paper the relation of this inhibitory effect of carbon dioxide to temperature and oxygen supply is first to be examined, and then will be studied further narcotic or inhibitory effects of CO2 as exemplified in the natural inhibition of maturing seeds in the ovary, and the artificial prolongation of the dormant life of seeds which cannot survive naturally unless germination occurs soon after ripening.