HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (5) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Yang, J Articles by Lovett-Doust, L Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Yang, J Articles by Lovett-Doust, L Agricola Articles by Yang, J Articles by Lovett-Doust, L

Seed germination patterns in green dragon (Arisaema dracontium, Araceae)¹

University of Windsor, Department of Biological Sciences, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4 Canada

Arisaema dracontium (green dragon) is a perennial herb that is widely distributed in eastern North America. However, in Canada, at the northern edge of its distribution, the species is designated as "vulnerable" with respect to conservation status. In natural populations, seedlings are uncommon; the present study was undertaken in order to characterize seed and seedling properties in green dragon. Seeds were sampled from five sites, ranging from Ontario at the northern limit of the distribution range, to Louisiana in the south. Seed germinability ranged from 25 to 55%, depending upon source. Experiments indicated that neither the hard seed coat nor a water-soluble exudate from the seed was responsible for inducing or maintaining dormancy. Patterns of seed germination appear to reflect general climatic conditions at the sites where seeds had originated. Cold stratification at 3°C produced significantly greater relative germinability in all seed collections except the most southerly one, from Baton Rouge. These seeds also had a slower overall speed of germination. In contrast, germination of seeds from the most northerly site was promoted by cold stratification and occurred over a relatively brief period. Germination in alternating light and dark conditions decreased the speed of germination compared to germination in the dark, however exposure to light changed the phenology of germination by promoting development of adventitious roots and primary leaves in these seedlings.

Key Words: Araceae • Arisaema dracontium • cold stratification • dormancy • population variation • seed germination

This article has been cited by other articles:

				Y. Wang, C. Mu, Y. Hou, and X. Li Optimum Harvest Time of Vicia cracca in Relation to High Seed Quality during Pod Development Crop Sci., March 19, 2008; 48(2): 709 - 715. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]