The influence of incubation temperatures, growth regulators, and mechanical treatments on the germination, growth, and development of Prunus seeds and embryos

Abstract

The dormancy of Prunus seeds and embryos was investigated by utilizing the following experimental procedures: 1. Investigation of the single and combined effects of incubation temperatures, kinetin, MH, and GA on the germination, growth, and development of peach embryos. 2. Determination of the response of juvenile seedlings produced from non-afterripened peach embryos to single and combined applications of kinetin and GA. 3. Observation of the response of a dwarfed Prunus seedling to decapitation of the apex and parts of the stem exhibiting anomalous growth. 4. Determination of the length of time necessary for peach embryos to yield 100 per cent germination at 38°, 50°, 70°, and 85°F incubations. 5. Investigation of the influence of length of leaching in running tap water on the germination of Prunus seeds. Incubation temperatures of 70° and 85°F had no significant influence on the germination of A-179 and Belle of Georgia peach embryos. In S-37 peach, however, it took the embryos eight, 11, and 24 days to yield 100 per cent germination at 85°, 70°, and 50°F, respectively. Only 15 per cent germination was observed on embryos incubated at 38°F after the termination of the 24-day period. ...