[Primary study on dormancy and release method for Berchemia lineata seed].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of the seed dormancy of Berchemia lineatea and the method of breaking the dormancy. METHODS: Hundred-seed method, TTC and imbibition method was used to measure thousand seeds weight, seed viability and hard seed percentage, respectively. The germination inhibitor's biological characteristic was identified from the extract of every part in its fructification. Four treatments were compared to explore the best way to break physical and biological dormancy such as 98% sulfuric acid, hot water,grit friction and GA3. RESULTS: The thousand seeds weight was 10.82 g, the percentage of hard seed was up to 100%, viability was 83%, its water absorption speed and absorption rate were relatively low. Being treated with 98% sulfuric acid for 10 minutes, the seed improved its germination rate to 85%, and significantly improved its germination potentiality to 41%. Every part of the fructification contained germination inhibitors. The strongest inhibitory effect was found in seed testa and embryo. 500 and 1 000 mg/L GA3 significantly improved seed's germination potentiality to 48% and 43%. CONCLUSION: Berchemia lineata seed is hard to germinate because of its physical and biological dormancy, which is one reason for the resource reduction of Berchemia lineata.