The Nikolaeva-Baskin whole-seed dormancy classification system: update and revision

摘要

The most thorough seed dormancy classification system in existence was devised by the Russian seed physiologist Marianna G. Nikolaeva (1967[ 1969]), which she revised several times between 1967 and 2001 (Baskin et al 2008). Nikolaeva's system is the only one that uses both names and symbols/ formulae to describe the kinds of dormancy and is based on the causes of dormancy and conditions for breaking it. Baskin ef a/(2004) proposed a three-tier hierarchical (class, level and type) classification system based on Nikolaeva's scheme, but without using her symbols/formulae. They suggested that their scheme could form the basis for an international system for seed dormancy classification and were of the opinion that as new discoveries were made in whole-seed dormancy the system would need to be updated and revised from time to time. Significant new discoveries have been made and new ideas formulated since 2004. Thus, the purpose of my talk is to offer to the international seed biology community an updated-revised scheme of seed dormancy classification at the whole-seed level.