The Richards function and quantitative analysis of germination and dormancy in meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba)

While investigating germinability in the new-crop meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba Benth.), it was desired to gain maximum information despite minimal seed material and prior knowledge. Extended use of the Richards function in a factorial germination experiment proved very powerful. The functions yielded estimates of four correlated coefficients, requiring multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to provide valid F-tests among germination profiles. These germination functions provided more rigorous discrimination among treatments than the univariate final germination level. The functions for the imbibants KNO3 and GA(4+7), in darkness at 10/5 degreesC, were best, being characterized by high mean absolute germination rate, relatively short duration, and high final germination (upper asymptote). The results provided insights into possible dormancy mechanisms.