Seed germination and seedling development were scored on a scale of 0e5 (modification of Zettler
et al. 1998); stage 0, no germination; 1, production of rhizoid(s) by the embryo (germination); 2, rupture of testa by enlarging embryo; 3, appearance of shoot; 4, emergence of 1st leaf and 5, emergence of 2nd leaf