The Effects of Temperature, Length of Storage and Plant Growth Regulators on Germination of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) and Triticale Seeds

ABSTRACT

The effects of sorts' differences in postharvest ripening of three different wheat cultivars (KG 56, Florida 302, and A-21) and Triticale species (a hybrid of wheat and rye) have been examined in this paper. Among the factors affecting postharvest ripening, the length of storage and temperature of storage have been investigated. Considerable differences were identified among different wheat cultivars and Triticale regarding the rate of ripening and dormancy level. Among the three examined cultivars of wheat, Florida 302 has been found the most dormant (its seeds germinate in great percentage after the ripening period of 90 days), while KG 56 cultivar has been the least dormant (seeds germinate in great percentage in harvest period, without ripening). The seeds of Triticale were not dormant. The effects of plant growth regulators (GA₃ and KNO₃ were also investigated. Gibberelic acid was found to increase germination especially in the period immediately after the harvest and at higher temperatures. Potassium nitrate appeared to have a similar effect, while ancymidol had no inhibitory effects on germination.

Keywords:

• postharvest ripening
• storage
• temperature
• growth regulators
• germination
• wheat