Spirodela polyrrhizaexhibits at least two different types of dormancy in turions induced by nitrogen deficiency, i.e., Y (young)- and O (old)-type turions produced at early and late stages in the formation process, respectively. On the other hand, turions induced by relatively low temperature are mainly the Y type.O-type turions germinate rapidly under darkness with the addition of NO3-. However, under semi-anaerobic and anaerobic conditions they germinate only when exposed to light in the presence of NO3-.Y-type turions germinate in air after a definite dormant period only under light and in the presence of NO3-. The dormancy is broken by light regardless of the presence of NO3-, although the germination phase requires both. This dormancy is also broken when a definite period of darkness is given in the absence of NO3-, and the germination proceeds in the presence of NO3- with or without light. Thus, an alternative process exists for the Y type in which the dormancy is released by either light or darkness.
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