Control of fungal growth with sphagnum for cold stratification and germination of tree seeds
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Forest Science
Journal Volume
13
Journal Issue
2
Pages
101 - 108
Date Issued
1998
Author(s)
Abstract
A method for seed germination has been practiced at the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute, Taiwan since 1985 and is worthy of introduction to other users. The method involves germinating seeds in a mixture with moist sphagnum in a polyethylene bag sealed with adequate air inside and placing the bags vertically in trays at required germination conditions. The water content of sphagnum was 85% (fresh weight basis). Since the bags can stand side by side, the space needed for germination is much reduced. Five isolates of Trichoderma viride (fungi), and 5 of actinomycetes were identified as associated with sphagnum. They were also identified as antagonistic to the microorganisms which cause mold development on seeds. The sphagnum medium can provide a germination condition which prevents the spread of mold which has been found to be of common occurrence in seeds requiring prolonged incubation periods in the traditional filter paper germination method of tree seeds. The seed germination rates, however, obtained in different germination media did not respond to the extent of mold contamination. In another experiment, tree seeds embedded in sphagnum medium were found to be significantly better protected from mold development than were naked seeds in the wet storage condition. Therefore sphagnum medium has great advantages for seeds which need a prolonged period of cold stratification.
Subjects
Fungal control
Seed germination
Sphagnum
Stratification
Type
journal article