Improvement of Seed Germination in Atriplex repanda Phil

Abstract

Sereno saltbush (Atriplex repanda Phil.) is a valuable browse producer in arid coastal regions of central Chile. Direct seeding has been impractical using the heavily indurated fruits, which in laboratory germination tests yield zero to 2%. Among treatments which have been reported, manually clipping off the bracts has been the most beneficial. Debracted fruits which had not germinated would do so once the testa was ruptured. Bract removal without rupturing the testa was ineffective. Virtually 100% germination was obtained after fruits had been debracted and the testa pierced without damage to the embryo which encircles the endosperm. Germination approaching 10% was obtained from 3000-utricle samples after treatment in a modified small legume-seed scarifier which broke the pericarp and freed the seed. Higher values appear possible and the technique may have application to other small fruits with hard coverings.