Influence of Temperature, Moisture, and Light Conditions on the Germination of Seeds of <i>Erythronium japonicum</i>Decne

Erythronium japonicum is a representative species of spring ephemeral, forest floor plants in substitution forests in Japan. Seed germination tests were conducted to observe the effects of temperature, light, and moisture content on the germination of E. japonicum. E. japonicum seeds did not germinate at constant temperatures of 5&#176C, 10&#176C, 15&#176C, 20&#176C, or 25&#176C. Seeds germinated at 5&#176C and 10&#176C after storage at 20&#176C for 1 or 2 months. Seed germinability was affected by desiccation to only 40% moisture content. Seeds germinated well in both light and dark conditions. Conditions under the leaf litter layer showed unique characteristics of temperature, light, and moisture content. The temperature was around 20&#176C under the leaf litter layer, even though it was 30&#176C above. The moisture content under the leaf litter layer was higher than that above. The leaf litter blocked out the sunlight. The temperature of 20&#176C necessary for E. japonicum germination occurred below, but not above, the leaf litter layer. The avoidance of decreasing in germinability from reduced seed moisture content in a short time is consistent with the high moisture conditions under the leaf litter layer. The leaf litter layer plays an important role in providing optimal conditions of temperature, light, and moisture content for the germination of E. japonicum seeds.