Dormancy-Unlocking Seed Secrets
It is difficult, if not impossible, to know a priori what type of treatment is needed to break seed dormancy. However, knowing the reason(s) why seeds are dormant may offer clues about what seeds need for dormancy release. An evaluation of the habitat in which a particular species is found also may point to the most effective dormancy treatment if the requirements for a particular species are unknown. Dormancy may be due to: unfavourable climatic conditions, immaturity, a light requirement, genetic variation, or protection against predation. Depending upon the type of dormancy, stratification, light, leaching, scarification, growth regulators, or high 0 2 concentrations may be used to promote germination. Treatments such as stratification may have to be modified to meet the particular physiological requirements of different species. Five different types of stratification are presently used to release dormancy of forest trees.
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Author(s): Carole L. Leadem
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1997
Event:
Western Forest and Conservation Nursery Association
1997 - Boise, ID
