2021 Volume 47 Issue 1 Pages 81-86
Seeds of the genus Viburnum have morphophysiological dormancy; however, the mechanisms required to break the dormancy of each species are unknown. Here, we implemented a methodology that combines warm and cold stratification to break the dormancy and stimulate germination of Viburnum opulus L. var. sargentii and V. sieboldii seeds over the shortest period of time. Results showed that warm stratification of V. opulus var. sargentii seeds at 20 ℃ and 25/15 ℃ (12-hour intervals) for 75 days, initiated embryo growth and rooting which, when followed by a period of cold stratification at 5 ℃ for 90 days, led to successful germination. Seeds of V. sieboldii did not require warm stratification and were able to establish roots after a cold stratification period of approximately three and a half months. In addition, seeds of V. sieboldii were able to germinate while in refrigerated storage approximately 1-year after collection. We believe that by clarifying the germination characteristics of both species, we can shorten the growing period of seedlings used in planting.
