Effect of Gibberellin on the Termination of Dormancy in Some Seeds

Abstract

ALTHOUGH the effect of gibberellin on certain growth processes has been extensively studied in recent years^1,2, few reports have been published on the influence of this compound on germination of seeds. Lona³ and Kahn, Goss and Smith⁴ have shown the effect of gibberellin on lettuce seeds. In these, as well as in Arabidopsis studied by Kribben⁵, gibberellin apparently can substitute for red light necessary for germination of the seeds of these species. Also in the experiments of Bünsow and Bredow⁶ the promoting effect of gibberellin on the light-sensitive seeds of Kalanchoë is observed. The effect of gibberellin on the revitalization of old seeds is also mentioned²; but this is all that has come to our notice.