Native Plants Journal - Article

Optimizing acid scarification and stratification combinations for russet buffaloberry seeds

Abstract:

Seed propagation literature for russet buffaloberry (Shepherdia
canadensis (L.) Nutt.[Elaeagnaceae]) is varied, recommending
acid scarification, cold moist stratification, or both treatments. When combinations of sulfuric acid scarification (0 or 5 min) and stratification (0, 9, or 14 wk)treatments were tested on a Montana seedlot, the optimal treatment combination was a 5-min acid soak and 14-wk (98-d) stratification. Although stratification was more effective than scarification when treatments were applied alone, germination improved from 27% to 38%
when seeds were scarified prior to the 14-wk stratification
treatment, and, for seeds germinating after stratification, germination occurred almost 4 d earlier on average. A 1-wk imbibition test, where increase in seed weight is measured following scarification and 1-wk cold-stratification, is proposed as a convenient method to determine the most effective acid scarification duration for individual seedlots. The optimal stratification duration was achieved 4 wk after 10% of viable seeds
had germinated during stratification.

Issue & Pages:

Fall 2003 Pages: 81-86

Article Download:

4-2NPJ81-86.pdf (PDF document)

Authors:

• Lee S Rosner
• John T Harrington

Keywords:

imbibition, dormancy, mean germination time, Shepherdia canadensis, Elaeagnaceae