H2O2 and seeds
- To: s*@yahoogroups.com
- Subject: [sibrob] H2O2 and seeds
- From: M* B*
- Date: Sun, 04 Mar 2001 14:21:44 -0500
Seeds are not my thing, yet. For those of you who do try all sorts of
iris seeds, perhaps the following article from HortIdeas of March 2000
will be of interest:
"Triploid watermelon...seeds have thick coats that interfere with
germination. Horticulturists at the University of Georgia recently
discovered an easy way to greatly improve triploid watermelon seed
germination: soak them in a 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide (at room
temperature and in the dark). In laboratory trials, seeds of 'Genesis'
triploid watermelon were placed on sterile agar in petri dishes and
covered with hydrogen peroxide solution for 10 days, but the data show
that high germination rates were achieved after just a couple of days,
so we suppose that it would be reasonable for home and small-scale
commercial growers to soak seeds for 24-48 hours prior to planting. A
1% solution of hydrogen peroxide apparently does not harm the emerging
radicles, but 2% or higher solutions can cause severe damage. (The
hydrogen peroxide solution available at drugstores is usually 3%.)
"Soaking in hydrogen peroxide might improve germination of a wide range
of 'hard-coated' seeds.
"Reference: John R. Duval and D. Scott NeSmith (Dept. of Horticulture,
Georgia Experiment Station, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA
30223)"Treatment with Hydrogen Peroxide and Seedcoat Removal or Clipping
Improve Germination of 'Genesis' triploid Watermelon," HortScience
35(1), February 2000, 85-86. (American Society for Horticultural
Science, 600 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2562.)"
Margaret Boehm
Wilton, CT zone 6 and snowing
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