Re: stratifying seeds

From: Ross Rowe (Ross.Rowe@ea.gov.au)
Date: Mon Jan 19 1998 - 20:18:38 PST 

Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 14:18:38 +1000
From: Ross.Rowe@ea.gov.au (Ross Rowe)
To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com
Message-Id: <aabcdefg239$foo@default>
Subject: Re: stratifying seeds

     I have tried the following methods of stratification of seed with good
     success.

     These techniques have been published in the Australian Carnivorous
     Plant Society Newsletter (mostly refer to article by Allen Lowrie, I
     think in vol 16.1, 1997).
     Refer to ACPS website (http://www.camtech.net.au/acps/framed.html) for
     subscription details.

     Simply place the seed in a paper envelope, immerse in water and freeze
     for 36 hours. Thaw and sow (seed can dry again before sowing or place
     the whole ice block on top of soil if not using a paper envelope).
     Used for Darlingtonia, my observations showed signs of germination
     (swelling and splitting of seed coat) after 1-2 weeks.

     This freezing method also works for Sarracenia with germination c.
     4weeks later.

     Another method is to treat the seeds with a gibberelic acid solution
     (10ml per litre of water). Soak the seed in labelled envelope for 24
     hours, dry and sow. Germination times similar to the above freezing
     technique for both Darlingtonia and Sarracenia. When seeking supplies
     of Gibberelic acid (a plant growth hormone) shop around, cost varies,
     obtained from agricultural product suppliers. One source is called
     "Gallop Growth" by NUFARM. The liquid is apparently better than the
     powder forms.

     For VFT, no treatment necessary, a test of the above 2 techniques and
     no treatment on a batch of seed showed little variation in germination
     time.

     Note all the above seed was from the ACPS seed bank and had I believe
     been stored dry in a fridge (refer to previous notes on this list from
     Russell Elliot, seed bank coordinator).

     A friend recently sowed his fresh VFT seed straight after harvesting
     (early summer) and the seed germinated a few weeks later.

     Allen Lowrie's article also gives direction for breaking dormancy in
     Drosera seed using a smoke treatment.

     Hope this helps

     Ross
     Canberra

______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________ Author: anggrek@juno.com (Tsuh Yang
Chen) at Internet

dear cp'ers,

i have a few seeds of sarracenia thanks to david meillard's generosity.
i wanted to know if it is possible to stratify them dry, and if it is
necessary that they be stored wet in the fridge, can i use ziploc bags
for that purpose?

thanks for any info.

tsuh yang chen, new york city

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