Removal Of Pericarp Research Articles

Effect of pericarp removal on buckwheat seed respiration and germination under submerged conditions

ABSTRACT Excessive soil moisture (ESM) is a critical factor limiting the productivity of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) because ESM inhibits its germination. This study investigated the effects of pericarp and seed respiration on reduced buckwheat germination caused by submergence. Seeds were submerged prior to germination testing under aerobic conditions. The effects of days of submergence treatment and pericarp removal on germination percentage were significant. The germination percentage in the 3-day submergence treatment was low in seeds with pericarp (P+) but was significantly improved in seeds without pericarp (P−). Pericarp removal also improved the germination percentage of non-submerged seeds. Pericarp thickness and pericarp/seed dry weight ratio (PWR) were not significantly correlated with the germination percentage in 3-day submerged P+. However, both were significantly negatively correlated with the germination percentage in 1-day submerged P+. Seed respiration rate in water, measured on seeds not submerged before measurement, was significantly higher in P− than in P+; that of P− increased with time, while that of P+ showed a decreasing trend with time beyond the first 24 h. Seed respiration rate during the first 24 h was significantly negatively correlated with germination percentage in 3-day submerged P+. A negative influence of pericarp thickness and PWR on the seed respiration rate of P+ during the first 24 h was suggested. Suppressed seed respiration by the pericarp is probably a cause of inhibited buckwheat germination under ESM conditions.

The dimorphic diaspore model Aethionema arabicum (Brassicaceae): Distinct molecular and morphological control of responses to parental and germination temperatures.

Plants in habitats with unpredictable conditions often have diversified bet-hedging strategies that ensure fitness over a wider range of variable environmental factors. A striking example is the diaspore (seed and fruit) heteromorphism that evolved to maximize species survival in Aethionema arabicum (Brassicaceae) in which external and endogenous triggers allow the production of two distinct diaspores on the same plant. Using this dimorphic diaspore model, we identified contrasting molecular, biophysical, and ecophysiological mechanisms in the germination responses to different temperatures of the mucilaginous seeds (M+ seed morphs), the dispersed indehiscent fruits (IND fruit morphs), and the bare non-mucilaginous M- seeds obtained by pericarp (fruit coat) removal from IND fruits. Large-scale comparative transcriptome and hormone analyses of M+ seeds, IND fruits, and M- seeds provided comprehensive datasets for their distinct thermal responses. Morph-specific differences in co-expressed gene modules in seeds, as well as in seed and pericarp hormone contents, identified a role of the IND pericarp in imposing coat dormancy by generating hypoxia affecting abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity. This involved expression of morph-specific transcription factors, hypoxia response, and cell wall remodeling genes, as well as altered ABA metabolism, transport, and signaling. Parental temperature affected ABA contents and ABA-related gene expression and altered IND pericarp biomechanical properties. Elucidating the molecular framework underlying the diaspore heteromorphism can provide insight into developmental responses to globally changing temperatures.

Aethionema arabicum dimorphic seed trait resetting during transition to seedlings.

The transition from germinating seeds to emerging seedlings is one of the most vulnerable plant life cycle stages. Heteromorphic diaspores (seed and fruit dispersal units) are an adaptive bet-hedging strategy to cope with spatiotemporally variable environments. While the roles and mechanisms of seedling traits have been studied in monomorphic species, which produce one type of diaspore, very little is known about seedlings in heteromorphic species. Using the dimorphic diaspore model Aethionema arabicum (Brassicaceae), we identified contrasting mechanisms in the germination responses to different temperatures of the mucilaginous seeds (M+ seed morphs), the dispersed indehiscent fruits (IND fruit morphs), and the bare non-mucilaginous M- seeds obtained from IND fruits by pericarp (fruit coat) removal. What follows the completion of germination is the pre-emergence seedling growth phase, which we investigated by comparative growth assays of early seedlings derived from the M+ seeds, bare M- seeds, and IND fruits. The dimorphic seedlings derived from M+ and M- seeds did not differ in their responses to ambient temperature and water potential. The phenotype of seedlings derived from IND fruits differed in that they had bent hypocotyls and their shoot and root growth was slower, but the biomechanical hypocotyl properties of 15-day-old seedlings did not differ between seedlings derived from germinated M+ seeds, M- seeds, or IND fruits. Comparison of the transcriptomes of the natural dimorphic diaspores, M+ seeds and IND fruits, identified 2,682 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during late germination. During the subsequent 3 days of seedling pre-emergence growth, the number of DEGs was reduced 10-fold to 277 root DEGs and 16-fold to 164 shoot DEGs. Among the DEGs in early seedlings were hormonal regulators, in particular for auxin, ethylene, and gibberellins. Furthermore, DEGs were identified for water and ion transporters, nitrate transporter and assimilation enzymes, and cell wall remodeling protein genes encoding enzymes targeting xyloglucan and pectin. We conclude that the transcriptomes of seedlings derived from the dimorphic diaspores, M+ seeds and IND fruits, undergo transcriptional resetting during the post-germination pre-emergence growth transition phase from germinated diaspores to growing seedlings.

Germination specifics and introduction into in vitro culture of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk.

The article examines the effect of storage conditions, mericarp processing, and germination conditions of the endemic Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk. on germination. The technological process of obtaining aseptic in vitro culture was perfected. Mericarps collected from introduced species in 2022 were examined. Explants were sterilized once or twice with 0.1% AgNO3 or 0.1% AgNO3, followed by the use of 10% Н2О2. The pericarp was removed from the sterilized mericarps, and seeds were germinated on a solid 1/2 Murashige and Skoog medium. Callus genesis was induced by culturing the true leaves of seedlings on a Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (10 μM) and 6-benzylaminopurine (0–5 μM) in the dark. The seeds of S. divaricata exhibit shallow dormancy, and the most favorable conditions for their germination are stratification for 30 days at 4 °С or the scarification of mericarps and germination in an environmental chamber (photoperiod of 16.5 h and a daytime temperature of 27 °С with its slight decrease at night). Laboratory germination capacity reaches 94%. The absence of whole seeds at the end of the experiment suggests a small soil seed bank, which accounts for the vulnerability of natural populations along with monocarpy. The in vitro culture of S. divaricata was obtained. Pericarp removal from mericarps was shown to accelerate germination and improve germination capacity while significantly reducing contamination. A callus was formed on leaf petioles in 66% of explants on an auxin medium, while on a medium with auxin and cytokinin, it was formed across the entire surface of the leaf blade in 72% of explants. Further callus development occurred only on the auxin medium.

Seed Priming and Pericarp Removal Improve Germination in Low-Germinating Seed Lots of Industrial Hemp

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is experiencing a resurgence in North America as an agricultural commodity. Germplasm improvement for locally adapted and stable cannabinoid production is an industry priority. This study used seed priming and pericarp removal to recover seedlings in low-germinating seed lots that could prove important for plant breeding and germplasm conservation. Both seed priming and pericarp removal improved early seed germination, but pericarp removal was more effective in improving overall final germination percentages. On average, pericarp removal improved final germination in low-germinating seed lots by approximately 38% compared to intact seed germination. In seeds with the pericarp removed, the initial germination substrate had an impact on normal seedling development following transplanting: those germinated for 2 to 3 days on rolled towels produced more normal seedlings compared to those started in Petri dishes. There was a dramatic increase in abnormal seedlings produced in the low-germinating seed lot initially germinated in a Petri dish wetted with 6 mL water where nearly 80% never transitioned to normal actively growing seedlings.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of the Traditional and Industrial Milling on the Nutritional Composition of Sorghum, Pearl Millet and Wheat Flour

Pearl millet, sorghum, wheat is a staple food in India. It is milled into flour by traditional and industrial dry milling processes. This research was conducted to help determine how to improve the nutritional value and acceptability of pearl millet. The traditional milling step has lowers the pH of kernels. The effects of the traditional and industrial “dry milling” processes on the physical and nutritional composition of grain were compared. Regarding comparing the milling processes, was conditioned and decorticated traditionally with a millstone and industrially with an roller mille. The traditional decorticated grain was steeped and sun dried for 24 h before milling, whereas the industrially decorticated grain was roller milled. Proximate analyses were conducted on the samples. The traditionally milled flour was lighter in colour than industrial milled flour. However, it was significantly lower in protein, ash and nutrient contents in comparison to industrial milled flour. This was due to the removal of more pericarp and germ in the traditional process. The industrial dry milling process, therefore, produces flour with a higher nutrient content in terms of protein, fat and minerals. However, the traditional milling process makes the colour of the pearl millet flour lighter, which is probably the reason that it is more acceptable to consumers.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Physicochemical characteristics of jagung bose, an ethnic staple food from East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Jagung bose is a typical corn-based staple meal from East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, which requires a considerable boiling period due to its hardness. After storage for almost one year, this staple food is prepared from the pena' muti' fatu white corn variety. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties of jagung bose to whole corn of the pena' muti' fatu variety. Physicochemical properties analysis consisted of amino acids, functional groups, dietary fiber, proximate, crystallinity, starch granule shape, and pasting properties. In this study, the samples of jagung bose and corn of pena' muti fatu were obtained from the natives in East Nusa Tenggara. Jagung bose was prepared by pounding the kernel to remove the pericarp. The samples were ground and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics, and the data were analyzed by t test. The results showed that whole corn and jagung bose had high amylose and crystallinity and revealed an A-type starch crystal structure. The whole corn had more protein, fat, amylopectin, fiber, and ash but lower starch and amylose content than jagung bose. Starch granules of whole corn and jagung bose were polygonal shape with a smooth surface. The pericarp removal and pounding by adding some water resulted in different pasting properties. The peak, final, and breakdown viscosity and pasting and gelatinization temperatures of whole corn were higher than those of jagung bose. The setback viscosity of jagung bose was lower than that of whole corn, which meant the viscosity was maintained high during cooling. The high gelatinization temperature and crystallinity of jagung bose required a long cooking time.

Germination and Growth Characteristics of Quercus myrsinifolia Blume Seedlings According to Seed Coat Removal, Type of Potting Soil and Irrigation Cycle

The importance of evergreen oak species is increasing due to changes in the ecosystem caused by climate change and environmental changes such as fine dust and carbon dioxide. The Quercus myrsinifolia Blume seeds showed a recalcitrant seed property, where the germination rate decreased when the moisture content was decreased. For seedling propagation of evergreen oak, the effect of oak seed coat (pericarp and testa) removal on germination and seedling growth as well as the effect of potting soil and irrigation cycle on seedling quality were investigated. The germination rate and germination characteristics of Q. myrsinifolia evergreen oak seeds showed significant differences depending on the storage period and the presence or absence of seed coat. Seed coat removal significantly increased germination rate compared to intact seeds, accelerated mean germination time, and increased germination rate and germination value. There was no significant difference in germination rate according to the storage period. The growth of Q. myrsinifolia seedlings was much better in the seeds with the seed coat removed than the intact seeds. The root collar diameter of seedlings germinated from intact seeds was 2.44 mm, and the root collar diameter of seedlings from which the seed coat was removed was 3.38 mm. As a result of the growth characteristics according to the potting soil, 1- and 3-year-old Q. myrsinifolia seedlings showed excellent root growth in commercial potting soil and sand mixed potting soil. Consequently, seedling quality index was 0.124–0.257 according to irrigation and 0.149–0.262 according to potting soil. From observing the root growth of the seedlings according to the irrigation treatment, in the case of 3-year-old seedlings, the total root length was 432 cm when irrigated every 3 days, and the growth was the best. The above results are expected to contribute significantly to the mass propagation of Q. myrsinifolia, which is important for warming and urban greening.

Influence of nixtamalization cooking ingredients on the minerals composition of nixtamalized maize and sorghum

Nixtamalization is one of the identified processing techniques to reduce mycotoxins contamination in food. In this study, the effect of five nixtamalization cooking ingredients (wood ashes, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and calcium chloride) on the minerals composition of maize and sorghum was investigated using inductively coupled plasma technology. Cooking of maize and sorghum with sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide respectively gave rise to significantly (p < 0.05) highest concentration of Na, Ca, and K with all the cooking ingredients having a reducing effect on P. Maize samples cooked with potassium hydroxide had the highest level of most of the considered essential trace elements while for sorghum, wood ashes treatment brought about the richest level of Mn, Zn and V. Although some of the nixtamalized samples had unsafe Na/K ratio (sodium hydroxide treatment samples) and Al levels (wood ashes treatment samples), they all had their Cd and Pb contents below the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius recommended maximum levels. Generally, the study revealed that potassium hydroxide is an ideal cooking ingredient to address the low concentration of Cu, Zn and Fe common in tortillas while removal of pericarp during nixtamalization may not always bring about loss of dietary minerals.

Improving Germination Rate of Coastal Glehnia by Cold Stratification and Pericarp Removal

The medicinal plant, coastal glehnia (Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq.), belongs to the Apiaceae, which is known to exhibit morpho-physiological seed dormancy (MPD). In this study, we aimed to determine the dormancy type of this plant, along with the conditions for breaking dormancy, and how to increase its germination rate for mass production. Initially, the seeds of coastal glehnia had undeveloped embryos, which gradually developed following cold (5 °C) stratification over eight weeks. The embryo to seed (E:S) ratio increased to 66.7%, confirming that the seeds had the MPD type. Coastal glehnia seeds with pericarp did not show inhibited water uptake, and the germination inhibitory chemicals were not detected. However, removal of the pericarp improved the final germination percentage, germination speed, and T50 of coastal glehnia seeds compared with those of seeds with pericarp at 20 °C, which showed the highest value compared with other temperature treatments. Thus, cold stratification at 5 °C for eight weeks and removing the pericarp of germinating seeds maintained at 20 °C is efficient ways to break dormancy and improve the germination rate for the mass production of coastal glehnia.

Effects of agroclimatic conditions on sunflower seed dormancy at harvest

At harvest sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) are dormant and poorly germinate at 10 and 25 °C. Seed sensitivity to low temperatures (10 °C) results from an embryo dormancy whereas the envelopes (pericarp and seed coats) inhibit the germination at 25 °C. Removal of pericarp greatly improved seed germination when the germination of whole achenes was higher than the critical value of 20 %. Using 107 seed batches corresponding to 26 genotypes cultivated in 2015, 2016 and 2017 in various production areas in France (Center and South) and Spain (South), we investigated the effects of agro-environmental factors on the depth of dormancy at harvest. A principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed with all the seed batches did not show any significant effect of the genotype (variety or female) and year of production on the intensity of dormancy, but it revealed the role of agro-climatic conditions. Experimental field trials performed with plants treated by a chemical desiccant after flowering demonstrated that accelerated desiccation during seed maturation on the mother plant was associated with lower dormancy. Our data also suggest that the longest the duration of the developmental cycle from sowing to harvest, the lowest the dormancy at harvest. We provide new insights into the modulation of dormancy intensity by genetic and environmental factors which might have practical applications in seed production.

Removal of the epi- and mesocarp from the semi-mature fruit of Peumus boldus and not the use of gibberellic acid promotes the highest seed germination

Because of climate change, wildfire events have increased in the semi-arid ecosystems of the world. In this context, it is necessary to count with efficient tools for the rehabilitation or restoration of those systems. Plant propagation is crucial to obtain plants for rehabilitation programs, and it becomes a limiting factor in the success of those initiatives. For this, it is necessary to know how relevant factors affect seed germination in plants of interest. Peumus boldus is a dominant plant species of the Mediterranean area of Chile that has been severely affected by wildfire events. Consequently, in this investigation, the joint effect of pre-germination treatments such as epicarp and mesocarp removal with the use of gibberellic acid on the germination of semimature fruits of P. boldus was studied. The results show that only the removal of the epicarp and the mesocarp had a significant effect on seed germination, reaching a proportion of 51.4%, which is the highest value reported so far in a published study with a controlled setting for P. boldus. Therefore, to obtain a high proportion of P. boldus plantlets for use in rehabilitation programs; seeds should be collected in December and exposed to the pre-germination treatment of pericarp and mesocarp removal without using gibberellic acid in doses lower than or equal to 10 g L -1 .

Cold Stratification and Pericarp Removal Improve Seed Germination of Ptelea trifoliata and Ptelea crenulata

Two species of North American shrubs in the genus Ptelea (Rutaceae), commonly known as eastern and western hoptree or wafer ash, have unfulfilled potential to increase the diversity of managed landscapes and support populations of pollinators and swallowtail butterflies. The white flowers of Ptelea are highly fragrant, and pistillate flowers give rise to clusters of distinctive samaras. The insufficiency of information about improving germination of seeds of Ptelea trifoliata and lack of recommendations for Ptelea crenulata prompted us to investigate effects of pericarp removal and cold (4 °C) stratification periods of 0, 4, 8, and 16 weeks on the germination of seeds of these two species. Samaras were collected from multiple plants of both species in the midwestern United States (P. trifoliata) and California (P. crenulata). The germination percentage of viable seeds, calculated after tests of viability with tetrazolium chloride of seeds that did not germinate, increased with longer stratification periods, with 100% germination for P. crenulata and 91% germination for P. trifoliata after 16 weeks of stratification. The germination value, a measure of the speed and uniformity of germination, and peak value also increased with longer stratification in both species. Pericarp removal increased the germination percentage of both species and increased the peak and germination value of P. crenulata. Propagators seeking to grow these species of Ptelea from seed should remove the pericarp and cold-stratify seeds for 16 weeks to improve germination success.

Effect of seed storage methods on germination growth of Pericopsis mooniana thw. through in-vitro technique

Nedun wood (Pericopsis mooniana) is one of the quality local wood species in the Wallacea region. The existence of kayu kuku in their natural habitat is vulnerable by overexploitation and habitat loss. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared kayu kuku as one of the endangered species. Tissue culture is one way to conserve genetic resources on micropropagation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of seed storage methods on nedun seed germination using in-vitro propagation. There are three methods of storage, which are stored with pericarp at room temperature (T0), storage with pericarp removal at room temperature (T1), storage with pericarp removal in 100C (T2). The variables observed were germination rate, speed of germination, first day of rooted and sprouted, number of roots, length of root, and shoot. ANOVA analysis showed significantly different at shoot length. The duncant test results showed the highest shoot length at T2 (8.75 cm). The largest germination rate was found at T1with an average of 82% and the highest germination speed was T1 (12.23% NG/etmal).

Assessment of Corn Quality for Nixtamalization: Development of a Convenient Bench‐Top Cooking Method

A convenient small‐scale laboratory method that can be used to simultaneously analyze multiple samples was developed to rapidly assess suitability of corn for nixtamalization. This new 100 g method was developed based on a previously reported 500 g laboratory process that has been shown to mimic the industrial nixtamalization process. The two methods were compared for nixtamal moisture, dry matter loss, degree of pericarp removal, and gelatinization properties of the cooked corn. The heating and cooling profiles of the 100 g method were developed using the 500 g method, by monitoring temperature every 30 s during cooking and steeping. Nixtamalization was conducted with a 1:4 corn/water ratio, with 1% lime. A response surface central composite design was used to model a wide range of processing conditions for the two methods: cook temperature (80–95°C), cook time (3–40 min), and steep time (2–12 h). Parameter estimates and response surfaces were compared, and predictive models were fitted. The response surface models for the two methods were not significantly different for nixtamal moisture, dry matter loss, and gelatinization enthalpy; there was an overlap of the 90% Bonferroni confidence intervals (P &lt; 0.05, r2 &gt; 0.7). The bench‐top 100 g nixtamalization process can successfully mimic the 500 g method over a wide range of processing conditions.

Pentacyclic triterpenes responsible for photoprotection of Corema album (L.) D.Don white berries

Screening-based photoprotection is a first-line defence of plants against potentially harmful solar radiation. In the Iberian Peninsula, most natural fleshy fruits are red, purple or black, although there do exist a few plants that naturally present white fruit, such as Corema album (L.) D.Don (Ericaceae). This is a wild shrub of Atlantic coastal areas, which presents white fleshy fruit that ripens throughout the summer. We analysed the reflectance of fully ripened fruit in the field, and laboratory (before and after hexane washing and pericarp removal). The aqueous and ethyl acetate extract was successively obtained from the crushed fruit and submitted to column chromatography on Silicagel. The fractions were analysed through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and two compounds were separated and identified as oleanolic and ursolic acids. The reflectance measurements were taken with the UniSpec-SC Spectral Analysis System. The fruit in the field and laboratory exhibited elevated UV reflectance. The ethyl acetate extract, fractions, and isolated compounds showed high reflectance in UV, which indicated that these triterpene acids could be responsible for reflectance in natural berries. Ursolic and oleanolic acids can play a photoprotective role in berries of Corema album. In sunny environments white fruit can be more visible to dispersers.

Germination and emergence of four rattan Calamus species of Western ghats in response to different pre-sowing seed treatments

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of ten pre-sowing treatments on germination parameter of the four Calamus species in the nursery of College of Forestry, Vellanikkara. Most of the pre-sowing treatments of Calamus spp. gave better performance compared to the control. Complete removal of outer pericarp and sarcotesta of each seed manually (T2), Sulphuric acid treatment for 3-5 minutes after removing sarcotesta (T6) and Hot water treatment (500C) after removing sarcotesta for two minutes followed by soaking in water for 12 hours (T7) were found promising in all the species. The higher germination percentage (83.82, 89.96), mean daily germination (0.020, 3.39), peak value of germination (0.026, 3.45) and germination value (0.00041, 11.56) and was recorded for Calamus thwaitesii and C. metzianus in treatment with GA3 (T9) respectively. The maximum germination percentage (27.74), MDG (0.41), PVG (0.46) and GV (0.20) for C. hookerianus in T7 (Hot water treatment (500C) after removing sarcotesta for two minutes followed by soaking in water for 12 hours), and highest MDG (0.078), PVG (0.91) and GV (0.0065) for C. travancoricus in T5 (Sulphuric acid treatment for 3-5 minutes without removing sarcotesta). The present study reiterated that the pre-sowing treatments hold major scope in the propagation of rattan seedlings which usually could not germinate well under ordinary conditions due to dormancy.

Physicochemical characterization of corn–sorghum nixtamalized flours as a function of the steeping time

This work focused on the study of the physicochemical properties of nixtamalized corn and sorghum flours, as well as combined nixtamalized corn–sorghum flours with 10, 20, and 30 % of sorghum. The removal of the sorghum pericarp during nixtamalization depends on the steeping time and strongly influences the water and calcium uptake. The absence of the waxy layer in sorghum grain allows a faster water uptake in relation to corn grain. Changes in the pericarp structure during the steeping time govern the Ca absorption in sorghum grain. The partial removal of the pericarp and the most external layers of the endosperm produce the decrease in phosphorous content for corn and sorghum. The Ca/P ratio of nixtamalized corn/sorghum flours is greater than 1 for steeping time up to 3 h. Therefore, this fact could help the increase of Ca in the daily diet. Amylopectin is the predominant macromolecule in both starches. The pasting profiles showed a decrease in peak viscosity when the sorghum fraction increases; this is due to increases in fiber.

SEED GERMINATION OF Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. BY PERICARP REMOVAL TREATMENT

Avicennia marina is one species used for building coastal ecosystem stabilization in Surabaya shores because of its tolerance to high salinity level and resistance to wave energy. Their existence is threatened by various factors i.e. land conversion, pollution and interisland bridge existence.  Growth of A. marina is currently limited by seed dormancy. In an effort to increase propagation efficiency, seed viability and vigor were compared based on collection dates and pericarp removal methods. The results showed no relationship between salinity levels of soaking water or seed buoyancy and seed viability or seed vigor. Collection dates may influence seed viability and vigor. Seeds collected in October and November germinated more quickly than those collected in December, although there were no differences in total germination. Hand-peeled seeds germinated more slowly than soaked seeds for all collections, but with no differences in total germination. Seeds collected in October and November grew more vigorously than those collected in December.

Effects of different mechanical treatments on Quercus variabilis, Q. wutaishanica and Q. robur acorn germination

Abstract: Delayed and uneven germination of acorns has a negative effect on seedling quality and yield in seedlings. To address this issue, the effects of different mechanical treatments were studied, including a control (CK), removal of cup scar (RS), removal of pericarp (RP), removal of pericarp and 1/2 of the cotyledon (HC) and removal of pericarp and 2/3 cotyledon (TC), on the germination of Quercus variabilis, Q. wutaishanica and Q. robur acorns and pericarp thickness. The results showed that (1) RP and HC treatments significantly decreased root and shoot mean germination time, increased rooting and shooting germination percentage, and improved the root and shoot synchronization and vigor indexes of the three species’ acorns; (2) the acorns from the TC treatment significantly reduced root and shoot mean germination time and significantly induced the root and shoot synchronization index for all three species; and (3) the RS treatment significantly reduced the root and shoot mean germination time of the three species. Therefore, RP and HC treatments can effectively accelerate germination and regular seedling, which are important in the propagation of Q. variabilis, Q. wutaishanica and Q. robur seedlings. Even and quick germination help reduce acorn predation.