New germination inhibitor from Aegilops ovata L.

TLDR: It was essential to isolate and characterise this specific inhibitor present in Aegilops ovata, which was considerably stronger in light than in darkness, an unusual feature, since all germination inhibitors already described inhibit the germination of Lactuca achenes in darkness more than in light.

Abstract: IT has been previously reported1 that the dispersal units of Aegilops ovata L. contain a germination inhibitor. Leachates of the hulls inhibited the germination of Lactuca achenes. This inhibition was considerably stronger in light than in darkness, an unusual feature, since all germination inhibitors already described inhibit the germination of Lactuca achenes in darkness more than in light. We therefore felt it essential to isolate and characterise this specific inhibitor present in Aegilops ovata.