title: [The influence of seed maturity and seed coat on the germination of Bupleurum chinense and B. falcatum].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the factors influencing the seed germination of Bupleurum chinense and B. falcatum.
  
  
  METHODS
  The seeds of different maturity, and the seeds whose coat were removed or nicked before dipping in water, were germinated in a light growth chamber.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The different inflorescence level represents different development period. Seeds harvested from cultivation have different maturity. The germination rate of the seeds in period I to III was nearly zero, and it was significant different from period IV to VII. The seed coat is not an obstacle for water absorption or gas exchange, but its removal led to significant increase of seed germination rate. However, to dip the seeds without coat into water for 48 h had no more effect on germination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The seed maturity and germination inhibitors in seed coat are two important factor influencing seed germination in B. chinense and B. falcatum.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medicinal Plant, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chinese Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100094, China. wjianh@263.net
authors.forename: Jian-he
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Kun-tong
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hui-zhen
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Zhao-xi
authors.initials: ZX
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Wang-long
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Qing-long
authors.initials: QL
authors.lastname: Chu
mesh_terms: D029972:Bupleurum / Q000254:growth & development*; D018525:Germination / Q000502:physiology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000254:growth & development*; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development