Effect of storage temperature on occurrence of secondary dormancy in buckwheat seeds

Abstract

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) is an important crop in many parts of the world, and many varieties have been developed. One of the important breeding issues to be addressed is the low resistance to preharvest-sprouting which causes loss in yields and quality of buckwheat grain. The occurrence of dormancy in cultivated buckwheat, including presence of secondary dormancy has yet to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of storage temperature and periods using nine common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), seven Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) and one wild buckwheat (Fagopyrum homotropicum). In some Tartary buckwheats stored at 5°C, the germination of seeds stored 10 days harvest was significantly less than the germination of seeds collected and sown at harvest maturity; the germination of other germplasm, including common buckwheat, was not affected by storage. This result indicates that Tartary buckwheat can acquire secondary dormancy. In addition, the wild buckwheat did not germinate at any storage temperature up to 30 days after harvest maturity; therefore, this buckwheat is considered to be promising breeding material for increasing resistance to preharvest-sprouting resistance.