Effect of pretreatment on germination of seeds of Eucryphia glutinosa (Poepp. et Endl.) Baillon

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to establish the effects of chilling pretreatment and duration on both total germination and germination rate for seeds of Eucryphia glutinosa (Poepp. et Endl.) Baillon. Seeds were kept at 3-4°C on dry and wet sand (dry chilling and stratification, respectively) for 30, 60 and 90 days. A control (no chilling) was evaluated at 30 day intervals simultaneously with pretreated seeds. Germination was carried out in a chamber at 23°C. Average overall germination percentage was 77.0 ±6.8 %. Germination capacity of seeds was affected neither by pretreatment nor duration. Treatments had an effect on germination rate, with seeds stratificated for 60 and 90 days showing significantly higher rates of germination. Seeds stored for six months since harvest at room temperature did not show changes in germination capacity and rate of germination.