Variability of dormancy and seed colors in wheat

Abstract

Seed dormancy is a characteristic that is affected by genotype and environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the general level of dormancy in 375 wheat genotypes and influence of seed colour on that level. Sprouting is in negative correlation with the level of dormancy. Germination tests were carried out during three periods (at harvest, 45 and 90 days after the harvest) Seed colour of all genotypes was determined visually. It is determined significant correlation between the number of sprouted grains at the harvest and 45 days after the harvest and between the number of sprouted grains 45 days after the harvest and 90 days after the harvest. Significant, negative correlation was determined between the number of sprouted grains at the harvest and seed colour (Tab. 3). At the harvest, 52.3% genotypes were very dormant. Very high percent of sprouting had 8.8% genotypes. Forty five days after the harvest, only five genotypes were dormant. At the third sampling time all genotypes were non dormant. Although it was determined significant, negative correlation between seed colour and sprouting at the harvest, red grains are not always dormant. .