Germination of Dandelion Seed on a Thermogradient Plate

Fresh and stored dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) seeds were studied to determine the germination response to a range of constant and alternating temperature regimes on thermogradient plates. Germination was initiated over a wide range of temperatures. Maximum germination of fresh seed occurred at an alternating temperature of 20 C for 16 hr and 10 C for 8 hr. Seed stored for 30 days germinated best at 20 C for 16 hr and 15 C for 8 hr. In addition to the shift in germination requirement, dormancy increased during the 30-day storage, especially at −15 C.