Effect of Duration of Acid Scarification on Endocarp Thickness and Seedling Emergence of Blackberries1

Abstract

Blackbercy seed germination and earlier seedling emergence were increased by extending the duration of sulfuric acid scarification to 3 hours in an ice bath prior to after-ripening. Increased duration of acid treatment decreased endocarp thickness and seed weight A significant negative correlation was found between endocarp thickness and percent germination, but evaluations of different genetic clones indicate that other inherent factors are also involved in seed germinability.