ABSTRACT
Preharvest sprouting of cereals is defined as germination of physiologi cally ripe kernels before harvest (Derera, 1989b). This simple definition en compasses numerous factors: maturation, ripening, and after-ripening of grain; innate dormancy; the presence of conditions to initiate germination; induction of enzymatic activities; involvement of plant hormones; and suit ability of the grain for its intended use. The classical definition of germina tion as the sum total of processes preceding and including protrusion of the radicle/coleorhiza through the surrounding structures (Hilhorst and Toorop, 1997) may not be entirely appropriate to the study of preharvest sprouting. Changes that occur early in the endosperm before new seedling tissues may be so deleterious as to make sprouted grain unfit for many purposes.
