Effects of chemical stimulators on germination of winterfat (Ceratoides lanata (Pursh) J.T. Howell)

Winterfat (Ceratoides lanata (Pursh) J.T. Howell, syn. Eurotia lanata (Pursh) Moq., syn. Krascheninnikovia lanata Gueldenstaedt) seeds possess an after-ripening requirement to break dormancy. Germination responses of winterfat seeds to ethanol, gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), citric acid and sodium nitrate (NaNO 3 ) were tested in the laboratory to determine their ability to break dormancy. Ethanol, GA 3 and citric acid promoted, while NaNO 3 inhibited germination. Ethanol promoted fast and synchronous germination. Promotion of germination by GA 3 or citric acid was weak during the test period. Citric acid damaged the radicles of seedlings. Soaking winterfat seeds in 600 to 1,000 mM ethanol for 4 to 8 hours is recommended, as an alternative to cold-moist treatment, to promote germination for seed testing and research purposes. Seeds that were treated with the chemicals, dried and then planted in soil did not germinate better than untreated seeds.