Seed treatments for improved germination of caper (Capparis spinosa)

Authors: Pascual, B.; San Bautista, A.; Imbernón, A.; López-Galarza, S.; Alagarda, J.; Maroto, J.V.

Source: Seed Science and Technology, Volume 32, Number 2, July 2004 , pp. 637-642(6)

Publisher: International Seed Testing Association

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Abstract:

This study analyses the effects of seven treatments for removing hardseededness and four for breaking physiological dormancy in caper seeds. Seeds were germinated in a growth chamber and the maximum germination percentage, the time to reach 50% of final germination and the mean relative cumulative rate were calculated. The logistic function was suitable for analysing caper seed germination. Acid scarification followed by the addition of a GA₃ solution to the germination substrate was the best, efficient and cost effective method for ensuring satisfactory seed germination. Acid scarification can be substituted by mechanical scarification with ultrasound, hot water scarification or soaking, but these procedures require longer germination periods to reach satisfactory germination levels. The soaking method proved useful enough to remove hardseededness and it is also the most simple among the assayed treatments.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-07-01

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Seed Science and Technology (SST) is one of the leading international journals featuring original papers and review articles on seed quality and physiology as related to seed production, harvest, processing, sampling, storage, distribution and testing. This widely recognised journal is designed to meet the needs of researchers, advisers and all those involved in the improvement and technical control of seed quality.
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