Seed dormancy in relation to seed storage behaviour in Acer

Abstract

Dormancy in seeds of Acer opalus is shown to be mainly caused by the seed coats, although a slight embryo dormancy exists in fresh seeds. The ability to germinate after drying indicates that seed storage behaviour is orthodox. Recalcitrant seeds were heavier than orthodox seeds not only within section Acer but also within the whole genus after statistical control of phylogeny, through a phylogenetic ANOVA with data from two different Acer phylogenies. An evolutionary change from orthodox to recalcitrant behaviour is postulated for genus Acer, but this change appears not to have been accompanied by a change in seed dormancy, at least in the taxonomic section in which Acer opalus belongs. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London.