Sulfuric Acid Scarification of Wax Currant Seeds from New Mexico

Abstract

The germination response of 6 New Mexico sources of wax currant (Ribes cereum Dougl. [Grossulariaceae]) to combinations of 0 to 120 d cold stratification and 0 to 8 min of acid scarification varied widely among seedlots. For most seed-lots, cold stratification was more effective than scarification in improving germination, and scarification improved germination only at low, ineffective levels of cold stratification. For 3 of 6 seedlots, maximal germination was achieved without scarification. For the remaining 3 seedlots, optimal scarification duration varied. Variability in sensitivity to acid scarification is discussed in terms of environmentally induced effects on seed coat structure and physiology.