J. For. Sci., 2010, 56(9):389-396 | DOI: 10.17221/32/2010-JFS

Effect of gibberellic acid and ethephon on the germination of European beech dormant and chilled beechnuts

P. Kolářová, L. Bezděčková, Z. Procházková
Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Strnady, Kunovice Research Station, Kunovice, Czech Republic

The effect of ethephon (80, 100 and 120 mg.l-1) and gibberellic acid (GA3) (40, 300 and 1,000 mg.l-1) on the germination capacity (GC) and mean germination time (MGT) of European beech (Fagus sylvatica [L.]) dormant beechnuts or beechnuts pre-chilled for four weeks was determined. Compared to the control (dormant untreated seeds) or beechnuts treated with tap water no significant increase in mean GC was detected after the application of ethephon or GA3 to dormant seeds. Conversely, both ethephon and GA3 treatments reduced (ethephon significantly) GC when applied to beechnuts chilled for four weeks prior to treatment. The effect of the treatments on germination speed (MGT) and dormancy release significantly improved when beechnuts were chilled for four weeks prior to the application of ethephon or GA3. However, the effect of GA3 on MGT of chilled beechnuts was not so distinct compared to dormant untreated seeds. Reduction in MGT was most obvious in seeds hydrated with 1,000 mg.l-1 GA3 prior to germination. Their cold requirement time was reduced by three weeks compared to beechnuts hydrated in tap water.

Keywords: ethephon; Fagus sylvatica; germination; gibberellic acid

Published: September 30, 2010  Show citation

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Kolářová P, Bezděčková L, Procházková Z. Effect of gibberellic acid and ethephon on the germination of European beech dormant and chilled beechnuts. J. For. Sci.. 2010;56(9):389-396. doi: 10.17221/32/2010-JFS.
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