ISHS Acta Horticulturae 202: Germination of Ornamental Plant Seeds, XXII IHC
NATURAL PROTECTIVE BLOCKS IN THE GERMINATION OF SEEDS |
| Authors: | B. Atwater, N. Vivrette |
| Abstract:
Blocks to germination in seeds allow time for dispersal and increase longevity. These blocks may take the form of seed coats impermeable to water, inner membranes impermeable to oxygen, rudimentary embryos, chemical inhibitors, hormonal and chemical processes in the embryo and endosperm, or combinations of these qualities. This paper describes methods for determining blocks present in seeds and how to treat seeds to achieve a uniform germination. Studies on flower seeds show a relationship between seed anatomy and germination blocks. These patterns are very similar in taxonomically related species, but may show variation due to environmental influence, age, position in the inflorescence or method of planting the seed. Treatments of seeds prior to planting, such as scarification, moist prechilling, soaking in water, KNO3 or GA3, or planting in certain light intensities or day length, vary in effectiveness according to the nature of the germination block. | |
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