engleski

Physiological properties of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) seeds as affected by fruit size

The sample of 150 service tree fruits (Sorbus domestica L.) were analyzed for studying pomological characteristics and physiological seed characteristcs. Fruits were divided according to its weight into small (5-10 g), medium large (11-15 g) and large (16-20 g). After drying the seeds to air-dry each of 309 seeds was weighed and stratified at 3° C for 120 days in accordance with ISTA rules. At the end of stratification, seeds were wighed again to determine moisture intake. Time to shell bursting as well as radicle growth to a length of 2 mm (sensu stricto) was determined individually for each seed by daily monitoring seminal breakthrough. After punching radicle day was measured by its increase in length with the aid of a digital caliper. The findings achieved indicated that small fruits had significantly higher fruit shape index (0.98) compared to medium large (0.94) and large (0.91) fruits. Number of full seeds per fruit was significantly higher in large fruits (2.62 pieces) compared to medium-large (1.81 piece) and small (1.46 piece). In all fruits, positive and very high correlation found between the length and width of fruit (r = 0.92), the length of the fruit and the fruit weight (r = 0.93), and the width and weight of fruit (r = 0.98). There was a negative and significant correlation between the fruit weight and the fruit shape index (r = -0.47). There was a statistically significant difference in the length of radicle seeds from the fruits of various weights after 120 days stratification. Seeds from large fruit had significantly greater length of radicle (3.89 mm) of seeds from small (2.88 mm) and medium-large (3.27 mm) fruits. Weight air dried seeds increased with the weight of the fruit. The mean germination time of seeds from all fruits averaged 107 days. While the seeds of all fruits, were found negative and significant correlation (r = -0.66) between the length of radicle 120 days stratification and the time required to start germination. With the increasing weight of the seeds in the air-dry state was significantly reduced rate of water absorption. After 120 days of stratification at 3° C, the seeds of large fruit (16-20 g) had the highest percentage of germination (83.7%). Laboratory germination of service tree increased with fruit size.

fruit morphology; seed imbibition; radicle emergence; seed germination

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