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Some reflections on the relationship between endogenous hormones and light-mediated seed dormancy

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Abstract

The relationships between phytochrome and endogenous hormones in the light-mediated control of seed dormancy are discussed. It is concluded that gibberellins are primarily involved in post-dormancy metabolic processes leading to embryo growth and radicle emergence, such as food reserve mobilisation and endosperm softening. Evidence is considered that germination inhibitors, particularly abscisic acid, are involved in the establishment and maintenance of primary dormancy. The role of cytokinins not fully elucidated but there is considerable evidence to suggest that phytochrome control may involve cytokinin effects on transmembrane ion fluxes. In terms of hormonal control, phytochrome mediated dormancy is a complex phenomenon. There is a need for molecular studies of processes controlled by phytochrome, GAs, CKs and ABA during dormancy and germination to unravel the complexities of the dormancy mechanisms. Such studies would be facilitated by the availability of CK-deficient mutants of classical light-sensitive species.

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  1. Broom's Barn Experimental Station, IACR, Higham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6NP, UK

    Tudor H. Thomas

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Thomas, T.H. Some reflections on the relationship between endogenous hormones and light-mediated seed dormancy. Plant Growth Regul 11, 239–248 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00024562

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