Abscisic acid concentration of zoysiagrass seed during maturation and its relationship to germination

Date

2000-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

Zoysiagrass has been propagated primarily by vegetative means. Prior research has indicated that for Zoysiagrass to provide an established lawn from seed it has to be scarified chemically and/or mechanically, and even then success is very low. Results from the objectives of this study show that the glume is a physical barrier contributing to the inhibition of germination and/or the promotion of dormancy by reducing permeability to environmental elements. Toward the end of seed development, potential for germination is also reduced due to increased hardness of the seed coat. Although physical barriers do significantly contribute to dormancy of seed, they are not the key factor to consider.

Germination and dormancy are also affected by concentrations of hormones, embryo maturity, and the surrounding environment. Abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone, was chosen for evaluation due to prior research indications for its involvement in promoting dormancy. However, what has been shown here is that ABA does not have a significant involvement in the inhibition or reduction of germination of zoysiagrass seed. It also indicates that ABA is not significantly involved in the induction of seed dormancy. Therefore, the germination and establishment potential of Zoysiagrass, from seed, may be improved through further evaluation of other endogenous hormones and/or Genetic manipulation.

Description

Keywords

Zoysia japonica -- Seeds -- Viability, Abscisic acid (ABA), Zoysia japonica -- Seeds -- Dormancy

Citation