ISHS Acta Horticulturae 620: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Asian Plants with Unique Horticultural Potential: Genetic Resources, Cultural Practices, and Utilization
GERMINATION OF STYRAX JAPONICUS SEEDS AS INFLUENCED BY STORAGE AND SOWING CONDITIONS |
| Authors: | M.S. Roh, J.-A. Bentz |
| Keywords: | seed dormancy, warm stratification, cold stratification, storage condition |
| Abstract:
This study evaluated the effect of storage and sowing conditions on seed germination of Styrax japonicus Sieb. et. Zucc, an ornamental tree with seeds that exhibit double dormancy. The germination of freshly harvested seeds was compared with seeds that had been stored dry at 20 °C for a year before sowing. After sowing, potted seeds were placed in an air-refrigerated greenhouse maintained 18.5/18 °C. Pots were kept for 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 months in the greenhouse for warm stratification (WS), and then moved to a 5.5 °C cooler for 3 months for cold stratification (CS). After CS, pots were moved back to the greenhouse. None of the fresh or dried seeds that received CS immediately after sowing germinated. Germination of fresh and dried seeds did not differ when the seeds received WS for at least 1 month. Dry seeds, that received 3 or 4 months of WS, had a lower germination percentage than fresh seeds. The effect of moisture after sowing on the germination of freshly harvested seeds was determined by either watering or not watering the seeds before they were placed in the cooler. In addition seeds under the moist treatment were watered as needed to keep the medium moist. More than 60% of the seeds that received CS for at least for 1 month germinated. A radicle did not emerge through the seed coat after warm stratification, or at the completion of cold stratification. It is recommended that Styrax seeds receive 1 month of WS, followed by 2 months of CS. | |
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