Study On The Light-Sensitivity Of Ficus Benjamina Seeds

In this paper, Ficus benjamina L. var. nuda seeds were used as experimental materials. Effects of desiccation-torlerance, temperature, light, phytohormones (gibberellin, 6-benzyladenine and ethylene), nitrogenous compounds (sodium nitroprusside, nitrate, and nitrite) on seed germination were investigated, and ecological significance of light in seed germination was discussed. The results showed that:(1) Ficus benjamina L. var. nuda seeds are orthodox seeds, due to tolerance to desiccation and low temperature.(2) The optimal temperature for germination is 25°C~35°C constant temperature and 30°C/20°C fluctuated temperature. Fluctuated temperature can not substitute the light to promote the germination.(3) Seeds could not germinate in darkness. The continuous white and red light could promote germination. White light of 0.5~20μmolm-2s-1 intensity markedly increased the final germination percentage of seeds. White light of more than 0.5μmolm-2s-1 intensity did not increase the final germination percentage more, but increased germination rate of seeds. However, different red light intensity remarkably affected germination percentage and germination rate. With the enhancement of red light intensity, germination percentage and germination rate increased. The accumulation of red light dose promoted the germination. Under the different photoperiod of white and red light, longer light duration resulted higher final germination percentage of seeds. Germination percentage and germination rate increased with the extending duration of light. The far red light treatment can inhibit...