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Re: Hormones

Richard:

I have experience with one growth regulator that helps to improve the 
germination rate of older cucurbit seed. GA3 (gibberellic acid) marketly 
improved the germination rate of some squash seed from a 480 sqecimen 
that I grew in '88. I had tremendous success with this seed, growing 
several specimens over 600 lbs and one over 700. In 1994, I noticed a 
considerable decline in germination rate. I had just recently read a 
research article on the improved germination of bedding plant seed which 
were soaked in a solution of 200ppm of GA3. After not having 0 success in 
germinating this older squash seed, I soaked 12 in a solution of 
gibberellic acid for 24 hrs. I had 100% germination and one of these 
plants further went on to produce a 743 pounder that same year. 
     The research article suggested that the available active GA in seed 
declines with age. By exposing the old seed to exogenous GA, the internal 
GA levels are enhanced to allow germination to occur.

Will Neily
Horticulture Instructor
Olds College, AB
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