MODELLING SEED GERMINATION - AN APPLICATION OF PHASE TYPE DISTRIBUTION

K. Aneesh Kumar (India) and M. Manoharan (India)

Received August 25, 2006

Abstract

We consider the problem of modelling the seed germination time. The process of seed germination involves many stages, the end of which mature plant suitable for plantation develops. The time required for the process and the sojourn time in each of its growth stages are modelled by phase type distribution. The growth rate and the hazard of the growing plant in its different growth stages are studied. The problem is illustrated using an experimental data. The EMpht program is used for the estimation procedure involved. The methodology suggested in this paper can be used for any seed germination process or similar ones.

Keywords and phrases: seed germination, phase type distribution, EMpht program.