Effects of light and temperature on seed germination of Poa pratensis from high latitudes

One‐to‐three‐year‐old seed of Poa pratensis "Lavang”;, “Leikra”; and “Ryss”; was germinated under various temperature and light regimes on a thermogradient plate and on paper or in soil in phytotron compartments. While the optimal constant temperature for germination of Lavang and Leikra in 12 h light/12 h dark cycles was around 16°C, Ryss germinated nearly 100% over the 10–28°C temperature range. Compared with constant temperatures, daily fluctuations, even at the small amplitude 18/15°C, stimulated germination of Lavang and Leikra. Dark germination was inferior to germination in light/ dark cycles at constant temperatures of 15°C and higher, but light showed no advantage at alternating temperature. Continuous light inhibited germination regardless of light source (fluorescent, incandescent or natural). The stimulating effect of daily light/dark cycles increased, but the inhibiting effect of continuous light decreased with increasing seed age. It is concluded that seed of Poa pratensis ought to be covere...