Biology and Agriculture Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Bombay, 400 085
Presoaking in water was found to increase and decrease germination respectively in dormant (D) and non-dormant (ND) seeds of groundnut var. TG-1. This suggested a difference in the amount of their endogeneous growth substances and hence also in the leachates which were then tested for their effect on germination. Of the various seed parts, the leachate from the seed coat of D seeds was found to be most inhibitory. This inhibition gradually disappeared, suggesting a decline in the inhibitor content of the seed coat with release in dormancy. Further, decorating of D seeds during dormancy gave an increased germination initially, followed by a fall. This may possibly be attributed to decreasing inhibitor: promotor ratio in the seed coat with advance into the post-harvest period. It is, therefore, indicated that the relative amount of inhibitors and promoters in the seed coat at any time, would regulate the dormancy in groundnut seeds.
