Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science · 1979 · 24 citations · 0 references
AgriculturePlant BiologyPlant SciencesPlant-microbe InteractionsSeed ScienceSeed TechnologySeed BiologySeed Coat BiologySeed GerminationSeed Germination InhibitionSeed HealthSeed TreatmentCracksFungal Colonization Of SeedsFungal Spores In SeedsMechanismsMicrobial Seed TreatmentSeed Germination EnhancementSeed Germination EstablishmentSeedborne Fungus Control
Abstract Fungal and fire treatments were applied to seeds of Albizia julibrissin to simulate natural mechanisms of seed coat scarification. Seeds in unsterilized soil which contained natural microorganisms resulted in increased germination compared to seeds in sterilized media. Germination in cultures of Rhizoctonia, Fusarium , and Pythium indicated Rhizoctonia was most effective as a seed scarifier. Fire treatment at 1, 3, 5, and 10 seconds indicate that 1 second enhanced seed germination. Scanning electron micrographs of treated seed indicated that fungal hyphae alters the surface of the macrosclereid cells which may allow for imbibition of water. Seeds sub-jected to fire had large cracks in the macrosclereid layer.