Adenylate energy charge during stratification and germination of Quercusrubra

In an effort to better understand dormancy in Quercusrubra, adenylate energy charge was measured during stratification and germination. Adenylate energy charge has been suggested as a useful index of metabolic activity and seed vigor. Adenylate nucleotides were measured using the luciferin–luciferase assay. Energy charge was compared with germinability at 28 days. Energy charge increased during the first 2 weeks of stratification when germination was low. Thereafter, energy charge decreased before increasing at 8 weeks of stratification. This second rise in energy charge coincided with increased germinability. During the 28-day germination period, energy charge fluctuations appeared to be associated with peaks of activity in the growth of roots and shoots. Application of energy charge as a biochemical index of the degree of dormancy and seed quality is discussed.