Germinating Molecule in Smoke Identified

A team of Australian scientists has identified the molecule in smoke that makes plant seeds germinate after bushfires, a goal sought by biologists since it was determined by South African researchers that smoke, not heat or ash, induced seed germination.

The team from Perth's Kings Park Botanical Gardens, the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University announced the finding July 9, in the journal Science.

“The molecule is so powerful that a concentration equivalent to a third of a teaspoon in a domestic swimming pool is enough to germinate seeds”. The group has already patented the molecule and products containing the chemical could be on the market within five years for use in regeneration of wilderness land or possibly weed control.

Link: Secret of seed growth all smoke and molecules from The Australian (article expired).

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 2:12 PM on August 12, 2004