INHIBITION OF RED LIGHT-INDUCED SEED-GERMINATION BY INDOLE-3-ACETIC-ACID IN HYGROPHILA-AURICULATA

Seed germination in Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Haines was found to be under phytochrome control. Exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) application at concentrations greater than 1 X 10(-6) M inhibited germination in the dark, as well as in the light. Red light-induced radicle growth, prior to radicle protrusion through seed coverings and measured as an angle formed by the radicle with the seed axis, was found to be inhibited by IAA. Delay in application of IAA to red light-irradiated seeds resulted in a gradual increase in percent germination, which probably corresponded to the time-course of Pfr action. It is suggested that exogenously applied IAA probably reimposes dormancy in red light-induced seeds of Hygrophila auriculata.