Effect of tegumemt integrity on the light sensitivity in seeds of Cucumis anguria L.

Abstract

Cucumis anguria present dark germinating seeds at 25°C. Seeds without the tegument are photosensitive germinating better in darkness than under continuous white light. However, pre-incubation at 40°C for 48 hours allows the seeds to germinate under continuous white light and the incubation of naked seeds at -0.6MPa restored the light inhibition of seed germination: Our results suggest that the tegument interact with the phytochrome in the control of seed germination in part of the population of seed of C. anguria.