ISHS Acta Horticulturae 185: I International Protea Research Symposium
GERMINATION OF ACHENES OF LEUCOSPERMUM CORDIFOLIUM |
| Authors: | N.A.C. Brown, J. Van Staden, G. Jacobs |
| Abstract:
Treatments for overcoming poor germination in Leucospermum were investigated. Studies on the imhibition of water by the fruits showed that water uptake is relatively rapid during the first 48 h of imbibition and seeds were fully imbibed within 72 h. Alternating temperatures of 10°C and 20°C and a constant temperature of 15°C gave the best germination results. Samples of "medium" weight (91–110 mg) achenes generally gave a higher percentage germination than samples of lighter or heavier achenes. Treatments which gave the most improved germination were soaking in GA3 or "Promalin" (containing GA4, GA7 and benzyladenine). Ethrel and ethylene gas also improved germination in some seed samples. Preconditioning achenes in polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions generally improved germination, but responses were not always consistent. | |
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