
%0 Journal Article
%A Morgan, WC 
%A Myers, BA 
%T Germination of the Salt-Tolerant Grass <I>Diplachne fusca</I>. I. Dormancy and Temperature Responses
%J Australian Journal of Botany
%D 1989/06/01
%V 37
%N 3
%P 225-237
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/BT9890225
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/BT9890225 
%X The germination of the salt-tolerant grass Diplachne fusca (L.) Beauv. was investigated because of its potential as a pasture species to be used in the reclamation of salt-affected land. Fresh seed was dor- mant. Dormancy was not broken by stratification, but gradually broke down during air-dry storage, indicating an after-ripening period of at least 1 year. The germination of germinable stored seeds at various temperature regimes (combinations of day and night temperatures between 11 and 31&#176;C) was assessed on a thermogradient plate. The germination after 21 days was greatest at high temperatures (40-90% when both day and night temperatures were between 24 and 31&#176;C, either constant or alter- nating). Germination was completely inhibited when both day and night temperatures were 5 18.5&#176;C. Germination percentage was more strongly correlated with night than with day temperature. Seeds for which dormancy had been broken by scarification were capable of germinating at lower temperatures (19% germination at 11&#176;C) than stored seeds. From the observed temperature dependence of germination and the mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures recorded at Tatura and Deniliquin (latitudes 36&#176; 26&#824;2S. and 35&#176; 32&#824;2S. respectively), it is expected that germination in the field, in the Riverine Plain of south-eastern Australia, would be limited to the summer months (December-February). 
