ISHS Acta Horticulturae 215: Seed Research in Horticulture
THE EFFECT OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE ON THERMO-INHIBITION OF LETTUCE SEED |
| Authors: | R.L.K. Drew, P.A. Brocklehurst |
| Abstract:
The effects of treatment with sodium hypochlorite solution on thermo-inhibition of lettuce seed germination are described. A 2 h treatment in a solution containing 10% available chlorine enabled up to 70% of seeds to germinate at 35°C, without impairing germination and normal seedling development at 20°C. The effect was further enhanced by a 10 min rinse in 0.01 N HCl after treatment. Treated seeds retained their ability to germinate at high temperature for at least 18 months. Experiments with other chlorine-releasing compounds demonstrated that the effect of sodium hypochlorite solution was due to its chlorine content. Furthermore, the temperature and pH of the solution during treatment were critical for an effective treatment, to enhance high-temperature germination without producing abnormal seedling development at 20°C. The beneficial effects of the hypochlorite treatment were demonstrated on a number of cultivars under simulated glasshouse conditions, although not all cultivars responded to the same extent. Results of experiments in which the pericarp and endosperm were removed, together with direct measurements of the forces required to penetrate each layer, suggest that the hypochlorite overcomes thermo-inhibition by weakening the pericarp. | |
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