Effects of Storage Temperature and Gibberellin Pretreatment on Germination Rate of Swertia japonica Seed

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of storage temperature and gibberellin pretreatment on the germination rate of Swertia japonica seed. When the seeds were stored at less than 5°C, the same germination rate and germination period as those of fresh seeds could be maintained for more than half a year. The germination percentage was not improved when the seeds were soaked in 200 ppm gibberellin for 24 hours prior to seeding. However, soaking in 600 ppm gibberellin for 24 hours inhibited germination. In conclusion, the quality of Swertia japonica seeds could be maintained significantly longer by refrigerating or freezing rather than storage at room temperature. However, we could not clarify the effect of GA on germination of the seeds.