Influence of temperature and gibberellic acid on kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) seed germination

Abstract

Seed germination of two kiwifruit varieties, ‘Abbott’ and ‘Bruno’, was promoted by stratification at 4°C for 37 days followed by fluctuating germination temperatures (16 h at 21°C followed by 8 h at 10°C). Stratified and non-stratified seed was induced to germinate rapidly under both constant (21°C) and fluctuating temperature conditions by a 1-day treatment with gibberellic acid. Treatment with gibberellin resulted in up to 94% germination, depending on variety and other seed treatments. © 1980 Taylor & Fracis Group, LLC.