Physical and Chemical promoters in removing latency in Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)

Abstract

The seeds of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) have physical and physiological characteristics that make germination difficult because they have structures that prevent contact between the caryopsis and water, and these structures generate chemicals known as phenolics, secondary metabolites They are limiting germination. He conducted the research with the purpose of determining a method to break dormancy seed Buffel and evaluate the physiological response to this, using the application of gibberellic acid (GA3), alternating temperatures and in combination. The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Center for Training and Development of Seed Technology. They investigated the effect of such treatments which were estimated by a germination test through the variables: normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings and seeds without germinating; the seed vigor through the variables average length of plumule, radicle average length, and index of germination rate was also estimated. The best results were obtained by applying AG3 at a concentration of 750 ppm in the variables with 31% normal seedlings and lower percentage of seeds germinated with 68% without also obtaining an index 0.921 germination rate being the best. As for the variable average length of plumule better development it is obtained by applying alternating temperatures AG3 at a concentration of 750 ppm with a length of 7.050 cm, in contrast to the untreated control that had a length of 3.925 cm, for the variable abnormal seedlings and average length of radicle the results show no significant differences between treatments. Gibberellic acid at a concentration of 750 ppm promoted germination in less time in a 28 days period eliminating latency, but when combined with alternating temperatures at 4° C for 8 hours and 35° C for 16 hours, longest had to of plumule.