This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Web of Science (24) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Hsiao, A. I-H. Articles by Vidaver, W. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hsiao, A. I-H. Articles by Vidaver, W. Agricola Articles by Hsiao, A. I-H. Articles by Vidaver, W.

Articles

Dark Reversion of Phytochrome in Lettuce Seeds Stored in a Water-saturated Atmosphere ¹

^a Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby 2, British Columbia, Canada

Dark reversion of the far red-absorbing form of phytochrome, which does not occur in dry lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Grand Rapids) seeds, appears to take place in seeds stored in a water-saturated atmosphere. The water content (approximately 70% after 10 days) of such seeds is insufficient to support germination; however the treatment enhances germination in seeds stored for 1 to 5 days, but this enhancement subsequently disappears, and the effect of extended storage (up to 28 days) is inhibiting. The half-time for dark far red-absorbing phytochrome reversion is 7 to 8 days, and at this time it can be completely reversed by exposing the seeds to a flash of red light. Storage of more than 7 to 8 days decreases red light enhancement of germination.