Re: H2O2 and seeds

Thanks Margaret, sounds very interesting.
Jim in Saskatoon, Sask. Canada

Margaret Boehm wrote:

> 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
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/


 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index