important factor in how the plants respond to physiological stresses ( Weber and Schmid, 1998 ). Future studies are needed to fine-tune propagation protocols, such as investigating frozen seed storage, optimizing germination temperatures, optimizing
seeds. An ideal seed propagation substrate is firm enough to support a seed, allows for gas exchange to ensure oxygen is present for developing roots, holds water to facilitate hydration of the seed without promoting anoxia, is free of pathogens, and is
), as well as of deforestation and habitat encroachment by urban and agricultural development. Thus, propagation protocols should be developed before expanding the species use. Seeds of T. capitatum have low (less than 40%) germination capacity ( Luna
-like behavior but selected for stability of reduced seed count, thus facilitating propagation while maintaining quality attributes for the snack pepper market. Materials and Methods Plant materials. Four inbred USDA C. annuum breeding lines exhibiting
148 POSTER SESSION 5E (Abstr. 292–296) Propagation–Fruits/Small Fruits/Nuts
Abstract
A pectolytic enzyme facilitates the large-scale separation of citrus seed, used for rootstock propagation, from a seed-pulp mixture. The enzyme degrades the pulp via pectin breakdown that allows the seed to be collected by sieving. Seed from all citrus rootstock cultivars tested could be separated by this technique with no detrimental effect on germination.
This project tested rates of lignite-activated water (LAW) for its influence on seed germination, cutting propagation, and plant performance. LAW is a product of CAW Industries, Rapid City, S.D. LAW is water-activated by lignite in a process that includes the addition of sulfated castor oil, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium meta silicate, and fossilized organics from refined lignite. LAW is reported to improve many plant performance traits. Four rates were used in this study. Seed germination trials indicated no significant differences in germination percentage with LAW applications with the two species tested, Echinacea purpurea and Hibiscus dasycalyx. In a “closed” system, LAW enhanced cutting propagation success of Aster caroliniana, Cuphea micropetala, and Verbena `Homestead Purple', as measured by percent rooting and dry weight of roots produced. Cutting propagation of two woody species, Illicium henryi and Rosa banksiae, was not improved with LAW additions. In the SFASU Arboretum, pansy performance, as measured by plant dry weight, was improved one month after establishment.
Fever tea (Lippiajavanica) is one of the important medicinal plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family. The first objective of this investigation was to study the propagation of fever tea using stem cuttings. The main variables studied were cutting position, rooting media and rooting hormone. The germination requirement of fever tea seed is also not known. Therefore, the second objective was to investigate the ideal seed germination temperature and light combinations. Germination was tested at constant temperature regimes (15, 20, 25 and 30 °C) with a continuous light or dark period and at alternate temperatures of 20/30 °C and 16/8 hour (light/dark) combinations, respectively. For the stem cutting investigation, sampling was done every 5, 10, 15, and 20 days from plant establishment. Apical cuttings took less time to root than basal cuttings regardless of growing medium. Response of cuttings to rooting hormone was growing medium-related. With rooting hormone, it took 10 days to root most of the apical cuttings, whereas basal cuttings showed more roots in 15 to 20 days after plant establishment. Cuttings in sand took 5 days longer to root than in pine bark, regardless of rooting hormone. Therefore, for quicker establishment of fever tea stem cuttings, rooting hormone and pine bark should be used for propagation of both apical and basal cuttings. In the germination investigation, it was found that fever tea seeds are positively photoblastic. Regardless of temperature, seeds failed to germinate in continuous darkness. The germination percentage was improved at continuous or alternating temperatures above 20 °C with continuous light. However, the germination percentage decreased with alternating light and dark treatments.
Brassica oleracea is an important vegetable crop, which includes fully cross-fertile cultivars such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard, kohlrabi, and kale. F1 hybrids are desirable, as plants grown from hybrid seeds benefit from the heterotic effect of crossing genetically distinct pure lines. But, there is no practical and reliable method to create male sterility for hybrid seed production that is suitable for Brassica vegetables. We have been working to induce nuclear male sterility in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) by antisense inhibition of Bcp1, a unique anther-specific gene of Brassica. The production of nuclear male-sterile lines will enable male lines with superior agronomic traits to be converted to female parents. Thus, vegetative propagation of parent plants for hybrid seed production by tissue culture is desirable. To achieve this objective, we compared various plant tissues, including stem, petiole, leaf, leaf rib, flower stem, pedicel, flower bud, and petal as explants for tissue culture propagation of an Australian cultivar (B-4) of cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis. Four different MS based media containing different amounts of BAP, NAA, GA3, and silver nitrate were used. The cultures were incubated at 25°C with a 16-hr photoperiod. Initial response was visible within 10 days, but percentage callus, root, and shoot formation was scored after 3 weeks of culturing. Of all the explants tested, pedicel explants showed maximum shoot initiation and leaf explant did not respond to regeneration under the conditions tested. The results from these on going experiments will be presented and discussed.