GERMINATION • successive constraints on the process
- 01ImbibitionWater restores hydration to seed structures
- 02RespirationOxygen and reserves support metabolic changes in the embryo
- 03Growth activationTemperature and light modify the response
- 04Root emergenceThe embryonic root penetrates the seed coat
- 05Seedling establishmentLight, roots and gradual hardening sustain growth
A factor outside the tolerance range halts the process. Moisture alone cannot replace oxygen, a suitable temperature or a living embryo. [Barrios et al. 2020b] [Fleischer and Schütz 1978]
Sequence and conditions
- The author describes four-week cold cycles, with about 12 hours of freezing followed by 3–6 hours at 10–15°C. He does not give all moisture and freezing-temperature parameters in full. The protocol is not a ready-made universal standard. [Neciu 2005, file p. 37, 38, 39]
- Sow at about 30°C by day and 15–20°C at night. Keep enclosed for only 2–4 weeks, then ventilate after germination. Seedling age and species determine the degree of subsequent drying. [Neciu 2005, file p. 37, 38, 39]
- The author's recipe contains 20% tuff, 10% perlite, 45% coarse sand and 25% non-clayey soil. An earlier mix of 75% sand/25% clayey soil caused structural problems in his pots. [Neciu 2005, file p. 37, 38, 39]
- The author watered older plants in spring, withheld watering from late June to August and observed a second growth period in autumn. The start and end of activity depend on conditions in the collection. [Neciu 2005, file p. 37, 38, 39]
- He provided constant air movement in the collection. He presented cooler overwintering as a plan for further trials. [Neciu 2005, file p. 37, 38, 39]
Scope of the method
Sulfuric acid scarification remains a description of a historical specialist treatment, not a default stage for all seeds.
Losses attributed by the author to clay or summer water are not a controlled test of causation.
Sources for the description
[Neciu 2005, file p. 37, 38, 39]