Nucleotide Synthesis in Hazel Seeds during After-ripening

SEED dormancy of the type shown by sour cherry ( Prunus cerasus L.) and hazel ( Corylus avellana L.) appears to be a widespread phenomenon. Before such seeds can germinate at room temperature they have to undergo a process of after-ripening at a low temperature (for example, 5° C) in the presence of an adequate supply of moisture. Olney and Pollock have demonstrated that during after-ripening in sour cherry seeds there is an increase in the concentration of phosphorus, mainly in the nucleotide and nucleic acid-containing fractions, in the cells of the potentially growing organs of the seed 1 . They have suggested that cherry seed dormancy may be associated with a block in the phosphate metabolism of the cells, although they qualify their conclusion by stressing the difficulty of distinguishing the primary reaction responsible for the breaking of dormancy from the many secondary reactions.