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THE STERILIZATION OF LETTUCE SEED
Author(s) -
WHITE H. L.
Publication year - 1938
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1938.tb02352.x
Subject(s) - sterilization (economics) , calcium hypochlorite , germination , biology , sowing , horticulture , sodium hypochlorite , hypochlorite , seed treatment , agronomy , toxicology , chemistry , chlorine , organic chemistry , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange market , foreign exchange
SUMMARY 1. Since severe damage has followed the application by growers to lettuce seed of standard methods of sterilization recommended for cereals, trials of different methods of sterilizing lettuce seed have been carried out. Satisfactory sterilization free from seed injury is not effected by copper sulphate or formalin, while preparations containing mercury such as organo‐mercurial dusts are highly toxic to lettuce seed. Sterilization with calcium hypochlorite is a safe and efficient method. 2. Treatment with calcium hypochlorite prior to sowing has an accelerating effect, independent of germicidal action, upon the germination of lettuce seed. The viability of seed sown on filter paper or in soil is not appreciably affected but that of seed sown in contact with a film of agar, which shows exceptionally poor capacity to germinate, is notably increased. These effects are not attributable to germicidal activity and possibly result from increase of oxygen supply. 3. Susceptibility of lettuce seed to injury from germicides is a varietal characteristic. 4. Fresh seed with strong viability is more resistant to injury from germicides than older seed of less vigour. Grateful acknowledgement is due to Dr G. C. Ainsworth for taking the photographs in Plate XXIX and for reading and criticizing the MSS.