ABSTRACT
A seed scientist once did an experiment to find out how much a certain conditioning treatment speeded up germination of bodhi tree seed. Germination speed can be quantitatively estimated simply by time to reach a certain germination percentage or time to complete germination. Comparing patterns of germination over time is commonly a major objective. A germination curve based on counts obtained at short intervals until germination is completed probably remains the most useful and conceptually simple way of organizing data. Therefore, quantitative techniques for comparing curve shape have been developed. Standard treatment and germination methods have been developed for all major agricultural species and many commercially important trees. Germination percentage after a certain period under standard conditions is an adequate measure of potential. Germination speed can be quantitatively estimated simply by time to reach a certain germination percentage or time to complete germination.
