The Effect of Gibberellic Acid on Germination of Rosehip Seeds (Rosa Canina L.)

Abstract

Rosa canina L. is one of the 25 Rosa species that grows naturally in Anatolia and spreads widely. The fruits of R. canina contain high levels of vitamin C. For this reason, the fruits of naturarally grown R. canina are picked and used to produce jam, marmelade, tea, and fruit juice. This plant is also used as a rootstock for ornamental roses and erosion prevention in the landscape. To meet the increasing demand, in Turkey R. canina and some other Rosa species are being put into production. In propagation using seed, dormancy constitutes a major problem. Several methods have been tried to eliminate this problem. In this study, the effect of GA(3) treatments on seed germination has been analysed. Seeds of a R. canina, genotype with small prickles were used. Treatment rates of control (non-soaked) 0 (distilled water), 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm GA(3) were applied for 6 hours to the seeds. The seeds were germination in a cold greenhouse. During the first year, germination percentages ranged between 0.8 (control) - 5.3 (2000 ppm). Germination crates were kept another year and the germination rates in the second year ranged between 61.0 (250 ppm) - 76.5 (Control). It is useful to try, beside hormone practices, the other practices which will eliminate dormancy in order to increase the germination percentages in the first year. Being kept for two years afters its collection seeds of R. canina show a high level of germination without any additional process.