Factors Influencing the Development of Primary Dormancy in Wild Oat Seeds

Germination in response to gibberellic acid was used as an assay for wild oat seed dormancy. In growth chamber studies removal of glumes, a 5 °C reduction in night temperature (20 °C day/15 °C night vs. constant 20 °C), and a shorter photoperiod (12 vs. 18 h) during the period following panicle emergence reduced subsequent germination (increased dormancy) of mature seeds. Dormancy of field-grown wild oat seeds increased with increasing seed maturity and was affected by planting location and associated crop.