STUDIES ON SEED DORMANCY, PLANT DEVELOPMENT, AND CHEMICAL CONTROL OF TARTARY BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM TATARICUM (L.) GAERTN.).: II. GERMINATION, GROWTH, FLOWERING AND SEED PRODUCTION

Abstract

Seed germination, plant development, flowering and seed production of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) were observed under various environmental conditions. After-ripened seeds germinated over a wide range of temperatures under laboratory conditions, and in the field produced seedlings whenever tested during the growing season. Shoots were sent up from depths up to 6 inches. Flowering began 5 to 6 weeks after planting, and the first seeds matured 4 to 5 weeks later. Flowering and seed production continued until stopped by frost in the fall. Yields of vegetative matter and seed were recorded. Abnormal seeds produced by buckwheat plants treated with low volatile (LV) 2,4-D were as viable as were normal seeds, and when planted in the field the following year they produced plants which were normal in all respects.