Abstract
(1) Background: Peach cv. GF305 is commonly used in breeding programs due to its susceptibility to numerous viruses. In this study, we aimed to achieve a methodology for rapid and uniform seed germination of peach cv. GF305 in order to obtain vigorous seedlings; (2) Methods: A combination of cold stratification and H2O2 imbibition was tested on peach seeds with or without endocarp. In addition, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants ascorbate and glutathione as well as the hormone profile in seedling roots and shoots were determined; (3) Results: We found that H2O2 imbibition of peach seeds without endocarp after 8 weeks of stratification increased germination rate and resulted in seedlings displaying good vegetative growth. The H2O2 imbibition also affected the levels of ascorbate, glutathione, and the phytohormones abscisic acid and jasmonic acid in peach seedlings; (4) Conclusions: Although stratification periods of 12 weeks have been previously established as being appropriate for this cultivar, we have been able to reduce this stratification time by up to 4 weeks, which may have practical implication in peach nurseries.
Highlights
In stone fruit species, stratification has been described as the most widely method to break seed dormancy and promote germination
The seeds with endocarp showed a lower germination rate, with the values being statistically comparable to those of 6 weeks-stratified seeds without endocarp (Figure 1). This inhibitory effect of the endocarp on peach seed germination was previously described in peach and could be due to a water uptake delay and the presence of germination inhibitors, such as abscisic acid (ABA) [2]
The subsequent analyses were carried out on seedlings obtained from seeds subjected to 8 weeks of stratification followed by removal of endocarp
Summary
Stratification (moist chilling of seeds) has been described as the most widely method to break seed dormancy and promote germination. The germination process is associated with many molecular, metabolic, and cellular events enabling radicle emergence and seedling establishment [3,4]. In both dormant and non-dormant seeds, the crucial role of phytohormones regulating seed dormancy breaking and germination has been long established, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidative metabolism closely linked [4]. Seed germination must be included among these processes, with the antioxidative metabolism playing a key role [4,6]. The biochemical basis of seed dormancy regulation is still poorly understood [7]
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