Stratification and light promote germination of ratroot (Acorus americanus (Raf.) Raf. [Acoraceae]) seeds harvested in northeastern Alberta

Abstract

Seeds of Acorus americanus (Raf.) Raf. (Acoraceae), or ratroot as it is commonly known, were harvested from 3 locations in each of 2 y and subjected to combinations of light and dark treatments, 30 d of stratification, 3 germination temperature regimes, and 4 storage durations (zero to 24 mo). When germinated under ambient conditions, we determined that light is required for germination and that stored seeds germinate better after stratification (moist conditions at 2–4 °C). Observations on ideal storage time and germination temperatures, however, were inconclusive. This species is an important plant for Aboriginal peoples of northern Canada, and it is included in oil sands mining reclamation efforts.