Effects of Pre-Stratification Storage Conditions on Black Walnut Seed Post-Stratification Germination Capacity. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flores, Patricia; Poggi, Damián; García, Stella Maris; Catraro, Marcela; Gariglio, Norberto
• Is Part Of: International journal of fruit science. Volume 17:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Internal moisture content -- Juglans nigra -- seed deterioration -- vacuum conditions -- fruit storage -- seed storage; Fruit-culture -- Periodicals; Tree crops -- Periodicals; Fruit trees -- Periodicals; 634
• DOI: 10.1080/15538362.2016.1214662
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1553-8362

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work was to quantify changes in the germination capacity of Juglans nigra seeds following storage and then artificial stratification. Seeds were stored at 5 and –20 °C under 5% and 14% internal moisture content (IMC) for 0, 8, 10, and 12 months under conditions with oxygen or under vacuum. Germination percentage (GP) was affected by storage temperature, IMC, and storage period. Seeds stored with 5% IMC succeeded in germinating regardless of the temperature. Seeds stored with 14% IMC did not germinate (–20 °C) or germinated during storage (5 °C). The GP was reduced with the time of storage in seeds at –20 °C and 5% IMC and this effect was avoided in storage under vacuum. In conclusion, the germination capacity of black walnut seeds did not change for up to 12 months at low above-zero temperature and low IMC (5 °C, 5% IMC), being the most cost-effective alternative for long-term storage of black walnut seeds in commercial nurseries. Vacuum storage avoided the decrease of around 50% in average germination capacity of seeds stored for a year at –20 °C.