Re: Gibberillic Acid -3

Thank you Paul for sharing your observations about GA-3 and Salvia 
carduacea. I had never thought of trying GA-3 on this genus, but I do 
have a particular Salvia species that does not seem to respond to any 
other treatment (0% germination), which I will try today using GA-3.

I began participating in Dr.Deno's program some years ago and for 
those unitiating, I really urge you to purchase his self-published 
Seed Germination Theory & Practice, $20.00 by writing to him directly: 

Dr.Norman Deno
139 Lenor Drive
State College, PA
16801

There are also 2 subsequent Supplements, for $15.00 each. In addition 
to continuing the work begun in the original book, they also include 
extensive information on the germination of cacti and orchids. My own 
research is quoted in the 1st supplement. 

Dr.Deno has now ceased the specific work on germination and is working 
on the issue of seed viability and storage.

What is important to realize is that GA-3 is not a germination 
cure-all and should not be used indiscriminately, unless you are 
willing to experiment and risk losing your seed.  It can kill certain 
seeds (most annuals) and will cause unhealthy development in others 
(Trollius, etc). However, there are particular genera for which it is 
beneficial across the board: Aquilegia, Viola, Thalictrum, to name a 
few. 

Thalictrum is a good genus to use as an example. Cold conditioning is 
normally required to obtain an adequate percentage of germination. And 
even then, 50-60% is considered a good percentage, with some species 
producing only 10-20% germination. Using GA-3, it is possible to 
obtain 90-100% germination CONSISTENTLY of all species, without any 
cold treatment, in 9-10 days at warm. Violas have this same pattern.

While the beneficial effects of GA-3 in stimulating germination have 
been known in the scientific literature since the early 20th century, 
Dr. Deno is the first person to study them in depth and make his 
findings available to the ordinary home grower. He has also discovered 
other gibberelins (GA-7) are required for the germination of species 
whose germination pattern until recently has remained a mystery 
(Sanguinaria canadensis- Bloodroot).

I will again be offering GA-3 for sale this year in my seed catalogue. 
And I am sure JL Hudson will as well. 

Kristl Walek
Gardens North Seeds
N. Gower, Ont. Z4
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