RESPECTIVE EFFECTS OF ENDOCARP, TESTA AND ENDOSPERM, AND EMBRYO ON THE GERMINATION OF RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus L.) SEEDS

Abstract

Scarification or seed coat removal was carried out on seeds of five varieties of raspberry, Rubus idaeus L. Regardless of the variety, 100% germination was reached in less than 15 days, at 20 °C, with naked embryos or if the three seed coats were nicked. Intact nutlets never germinated. Seeds with nicked endocarps did not germinate until the testa and the endosperm were injured. Therefore, germination appeared physically prevented by the testa and/or the endosperm while, except for immature embryos, there was no embryonic dormancy. In addition there were varietal differences in the germination of the seeds at high or low temperatures.Key words: Rosaceae, Rubus idaeus L., germination, seeds