The Dormancy Types and Germination Characteristics of the Seeds of Berberis koreana Palibin, an Endemic Species of Korea

Abstract

Berberis koreana Palibin is an endemic plant native to Korea. In this study, we aimed to study the seed germination of this species using a water imbibition experiment, gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg·L−1), cold stratification (0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks at 4 °C), move-along experiment, and phenology studies. In the water imbibition experiment, the weight of the seeds increased by more than 120% in 24 h. An analysis of the internal and external morphological characteristics of the seed revealed that the embryo was already fully grown from the fruit and did not grow thereafter. The final germination percentages for the cold stratification at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks at 4 °C were 12 ± 3.65, 32 ± 9.09, 59 ± 1.00, 59 ± 9.59, and 71 ± 1.91%, respectively. In the move-along experiment and phenology studies, a longer low-temperature treatment period resulted in a higher germination percentage. However, the GA3 treatment had little effect on the seed germination. Our results indicate that B. koreana exhibits an intermediate physiological seed dormancy.

Methods for Improving the Germination of Rhodotypos scandens (Thunb.) Makino Seeds through Endocarp Removal

“…Seeds are typically dispersed during autumn and often overcome dormancy through the CS. Reports have indicated that seeds dispersed in autumn exhibit significant improvements in dormancy release following pretreatment with CS [ 20 , 24 , 44 , 55 ].…”

“…In order to determine the optimal conditions for seed propagation, the germination procedure for R. scandens seeds was conducted as follows: (1) a non-scarification treatment involving the endocarp, (2) an immersion in sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 , 96%) for varying durations (10,20,30,40,50, and 60 min) to assess its effect, (3) a mechanical scarification treatment without the total endocarp of seeds cut along the major axis using pruning shears, (4) an immersion in phytohormones (GA 3 1000 mg•L −1 , ≥90%, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA; and fluridone 30 µM, ≥90%, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) for 24 h following ER, and (5) a CS (5 • C; RH of 70-90%; 4, 8, or 12 weeks) on a 1% agar medium following ER (Figure 5). After each CS, the seeds were germinated at an alternating temperature of 25/15 • C. For all seed germination experiments, the seeds were surface-sterilized by immersion in 2% NaClO for 5 min, followed by a thorough rinsing with distilled water.…”

“…Within the family Rosaceae, nondormancy and the occurrence of PD are commonly observed [ 9 , 16 ]. Various methods have been applied to overcome PD, including seed stratification [ 20 ], the use of regulatory phytohormones [ 21 , 22 ], and chemical solutions [ 23 , 24 ]. Nevertheless, within the Rosaceae family, particularly in the genera Rubus and Prunus , instances exist where a hard seed coat functions as a protective layer for the internal seed structure.…”