Effect of a Hydrophilic Gel on Seed Germination of Three Tree Species

Abstract

Abstract Seeds of black locust ( Robinia pseudoacacia L.), common honeylocust ( Gleditsia triacanthos L.), and Kentucky coffeetree ( Gymnocladus dioica L.) were coated with an adhesive plus hydrophilic gel, adhesive only, or neither (control), planted in sand in the greenhouse, and then irrigated at 3-, 6-, or 9-day intervals. Percent germination of black locust seeds irrigated at 3-day intervals was decreased significantly with exposure to hydrophilic gel. Gel-coated Kentucky coffeetree seeds irrigated at 6-day intervals also had a percent germination significantly lower than those treated with adhesive alone, but germination of untreated seeds was not different from adhesive- or gel-coated seeds. No other significant difference in germination percentage was observed. Seedling heights and dry weights were not affected by seed treatment; however, decreased moisture availability because of longer time periods between irrigations tended to delay emergence and reduced seedling vigor.