Effects of light, temperature and dehydration on germination of Ficus benjamina L. var. nuda seeds

The effects of temperature, light, red light (R) and far red light (FR), and desiccation on germination of Ficus benjamina L. var. nuda seeds were investigated. Under an alternating photoperiod (14 h light/10 h dark, 12 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), germination was markedly influenced by temperature; the optimum germination temperature was between 20-35°C or 30°C/20°C. Seeds incubated continuously in the dark for 35 days did not germinate, but rapidly germinated after being placed into light. Germination increased with increasing length of light duration, R treatment time, and numbers of R photoperiods. Seeds did not germinate after exposure to FR, and the stimulating effect of R could be reversed by subsequent exposure to FR. When the treatment dose of R increased, the inhibitory effect of FR on R decreased. These seeds, which were desiccation tolerant to drying, are orthodox. Indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, 6-benzyladenine, and sodium nitroprusside did not induce germination of seeds in the absence of light. Our results indicate that light is a necessary factor for germination of F. benjamina L. var. nuda seeds. These germination characteristics appear closely related to a tropical rain forest habitat.