ISSN:
1573-5087
Keywords:
bush encroachment
;
Dichrostachys cinerea
;
dormancy
;
germination
;
impermeability
;
natural factors
;
seed
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstracts Dichrostachys cinerea seeds are impermeable to water and do not germinate readily. The plant, however, contributes to a bush encroachment problem, minimising visibility in wildlife reserves and reducing the area available for grazing. Natural dormancy-breaking conditions must therefore exist, promoting the germinability of these normally dormant seeds. Diurnal temperature fluctuations (50°C/15°C), especially when combined with moisture were found to break dormancy. High temperatures, such as those generated by fire, destroyed seeds. Seeds ingested by herbivorous browsers such as nyala, became permeable. Seed burial for 48 weeks, was a more effective treatment than storage in promoting permeability. Distribution of D. cinerea will therefore be restricted to areas in which these conditions or factors occur. Seeds germinated optimally at 30δC in the laboratory.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00024141
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