Abstract
To determine germination rate and final germination percentage of the endangered Florida endemic Caribbean applecactus (<i>Harrisia fragrans</i> Small [Cactaceae]), we treated seeds with sulfuric and gibberellic (GA<sub>3</sub>) acids and germinated them under constant temperature regimes. Temperature effect was marginal at best, with only 2% of seed germinating in 50 d in 25 °C. Although there was improved germination with sulfuric acid (H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>) alone, significant increases in both germination rate and germination percentage were realized when seeds were scarified with 18 M H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> for 15,30,and 45 s,followed by soaking in 1000 ppm GA<sub>3</sub> for 24 h,with 68% germination in 120 d for the 45 s H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> treatment. Emergence first occurred on day 18 for seed treated with 1000 ppm GA<sub>3</sub> but not until day 70 for the 500 ppm treatment. Control seeds failed to emerge during the observation period. These treatments represent a quick method of meeting Species Level Recovery Actions for <i>Harrisia fragrans</i> in the Multi-Species Recovery Plans for South Florida.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
