Germination and Early Growth of Cornus florida, Sambucus canadensis, and Berberis thunbergii

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Abstract
Freshly gathered seed of Cornus florida from ripe fruits will not germinate at once. Moist storage for 100-130 days at 0o-10o C. is most effective for after-ripening, after which normal germination occurs. Tests during after-ripening show an increase in starch, sugar, amino-acids, and catalase. Respiration is very low during after-ripening, increasing when germination begins. Above 15[degree] C. respiration remains constant and rather high, catalase activity decreases, and after-ripening does not take place. Seed of Sambucus canadensis and Berberis thunbergii require alternating temp. during the germination period. Of the former some are dormant and require an after-ripening period of 85-100 days at 0[degree]-5[degree] C. The latter require a very short after-ripening period, or none at all. In seed of C. florida and S. canadensis requiring after-ripening, dormancy is increased by exposure to higher temp. under germinating conditions. Freezing does not favor after-ripening and kills many imbibed seed.

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