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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

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Published on: May 16, 2025
Phytochrome-mediated long-term memory of seeds
K M Hartmann1, A C Grundy, R Market
1Lehrstuhl für Okophysiologie der Pflanzen, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Federal Republic of Germany. Karlmax3@aol.com
Phytochrome in plant seeds can influence germination for months or years, especially after autumn tillage. This discovery offers insights for refining lightless tillage strategies in agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Agricultural science
- Weed science
Background:
- Soil cultivation in darkness for weed control yields inconsistent results.
- Emergence differences in weeds after tillage vary significantly with season.
- Phytochrome's role in seed germination and dormancy is a key area of plant science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the duration of phytochrome's influence on seed germination.
- To determine if the seasonal differences in weed emergence are mediated by phytochrome.
- To explore the potential for long-term germination memory in plant diaspores.
Main Methods:
- Seeds of Chenopodium album and Stellaria media were sown in peat.
- Seeds were either exposed to daylight or kept in darkness and irradiated with far-red light.
- Germination and emergence were monitored for over two years under controlled conditions.
Main Results:
- Far-red light irradiated seeds showed significantly reduced emergence for over two years.
- This indicates a long-lasting effect of seed phytochrome B(fr) on germination.
- Seasonal variations in tillage effectiveness may be linked to phytochrome's persistence.
Conclusions:
- Maternal phytochrome B(fr) can support weed germination and emergence for extended periods (months to years).
- This finding has implications for understanding weed seed banks and soil ecology.
- The results suggest refining lightless tillage strategies based on phytochrome's memory effect.
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