Temperature-Moisture Interactions as a Factor in Germination and Dormancy

Experiments were carried out to investigate effects of temperature on germination of wheat under conditions where rate of water uptake was restricted by resistances outside the seed. At low temperature, the lag in germination or emergence is increased but there is little effect on the slope of the growth curve. Temperature altered the amount of moisture required for germination; at low temperature, the amount was decreased if water supply was interrupted but it was increased if water supply was continuous. Winter wheat required less water to germinate. Results are discussed in terms of possible pathways for water movement within the seed.