Deep complex morphophysiological dormancy in seeds of Anthriscus sylvestris (Apiaceae)

Seeds of Anthriscus sylvestris have physiologically dormant, underdeveloped embryos; thus, they have morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Germination is delayed until loss of physiological and of morphological (embryo growth) dormancy has occurred. Responses of seeds and embryos to warm (25/15°C) and cold(1°C) stratification and to gibberellic acid (GA₃) were investigated to determine which one of the eight types of MPD is found in seeds of this species. Cold stratification was the only requirement for loss of MPD, and embryo growth occurred during this treatment. Further, GA₃ did not promote loss of MPD. Thus, seeds have deep complex MPD. Nondormant seeds germinated equally well at 15/5 (or 15/6), 20/10 and 25/15°C, but at each temperature regime germination was higher in light than in darkness. After 16 weeks of cold stratification in darkness at 1°C, 70% of the seeds germinated during a 2-week period in darkness at 15/5°C. Thus, in situ germination, especially in spring following seed dispersal, could result in rapid depletion of seeds buried in the soil.