Work

Seed Dormancy and Germination of Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum Bailey)1

Year: 1981

Type: article

Abstract: No differences were observed in water uptake, respiration rate and seed coat morphology of ‘New Era Bright Red’ and ‘New Era Dark Red’ geranium. Water uptake in some seeds was rapid in the first 12 hours following initiation of imbibition. Radicle emergence and germination occurred 3 days after swelling and respiratory activity began as soon as seeds imbibed water. Nonswollen seeds did not germinate. Seed coat surfaces appeared wax-like in both cultivars and no relationship between occlusion of the hilum fissure and germination was observed. Dipping seed in concentrated H 2 SO 4 or hot water, or removing a portion of the seed, increased germination rate and germination to nearly 100%. Results suggest the seed coat in geraniums can be impervious to water uptake.

Source: Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science

DOI: 10.21273/jashs.106.4.509

Authors: T. A. Nell, P. M. Marsh, D. J. Cantliffe

Institution: University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Seed Germination and Physiology

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500