in the lightest quartiles germinated, compared to over 90% for the heaviest quartiles (Table 1). This correlation between seed weight and germination was also found within each cultivar. Analysis of the combined data showed that the ability of the seeds to germinate was also correlated with their absolute weight. Regression of the germination percentage on mean seed weight for each quartile (Fig. 1) showed a significant correlation between these parameters (r ¼ 0:69, P < 0:001), which can be described by the equation: percentage of germination ¼32:2þ375:8seedweight.