Seed treatment with GA3 or stratification enhances emergence of some strawberry tree genotypes - Short communication

Abstract

The strawberry tree is a valuable ornamental plant because of its attractive red fruits in the fall and winter, and pinkish-white flowers in fall. Additionally, its fruits are processed into various products such as jam, marmalade, wine and alcohol. Since, propagation of the strawberry tree is difficult. This study aimed to examine the influence of stratification and GA3 on breaking seed dormancy and enhancing emergence rate of Arbutus unedo. The influence of seed treatment with GA3 or stratification at 4°C was examined on emergence of five genotypes of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) near the Black Sea in Turkey. Results indicate that emergence rate increased with increasing GA3 concentration from 300 to 1,200 ppm and stratification duration from 5 to 15 weeks. In all examined genotypes, the highest emergence rate was obtained using 1,200 ppm GA3 or 15 weeks of stratification. Regardless of the positive effects of the above treatments, seed emergence rates in all genotypes examined in this study were low. Application of GA3 or stratification of seeds increased emergence percentage in all Arbutus unedo genotypes examined in the current study.