Effect of a Hydrophilic Gel on Seed Germination of Three Tree Species

Abstract

Abstract Seeds of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), common honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.), and Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioica L.) were coated with an adhesive plus hydrophilic gel, adhesive only, or neither (control), planted in sand in the greenhouse, and then irrigated at 3-, 6-, or 9-day intervals. Percent germination of black locust seeds irrigated at 3-day intervals was decreased significantly with exposure to hydrophilic gel. Gel-coated Kentucky coffeetree seeds irrigated at 6-day intervals also had a percent germination significantly lower than those treated with adhesive alone, but germination of untreated seeds was not different from adhesive- or gel-coated seeds. No other significant difference in germination percentage was observed. Seedling heights and dry weights were not affected by seed treatment; however, decreased moisture availability because of longer time periods between irrigations tended to delay emergence and reduced seedling vigor.