The influence of ethanol as a solvent on the gibberellic acid-induced germination of Brachyscome and Allittia (Asteraceae) seeds
Rina Aleman A F , Manfred Jusaitis B C , Joan Gibbs A , Phil Ainsley D and Fleur Tiver E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.
B South Australian Seed Conservation Centre, Botanic Gardens of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
C Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
D Zoos SA, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
E PO Box 158, Norton Summit, SA 5136, Australia.
F Corresponding author. Email: rina.aleman@yahoo.com
Australian Journal of Botany 66(2) 101-107 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT17164
Submitted: 7 September 2017 Accepted: 28 December 2017 Published: 16 February 2018
Abstract
Gibberellic acid (GA3) is routinely used as a germination stimulant for seeds. However, the methods used to dissolve GA3 powder – particularly if using organic solvents – have the potential to affect germination outcomes. In this study we examined the influence of the solvent ethanol, used to dissolve GA3, on the seed germination of 14 species of Brachyscome and two species of Allittia. These species are important Australian native composites with potential for use in habitat restoration. Seeds of 11 of these species were found to be particularly responsive to GA3. However, the use of a low concentration of ethanol (0.5%) to dissolve GA3 affected subsequent germination outcomes, with four species responding positively and eight negatively to this solvent. The pure effect of GA3 was therefore masked by the presence of small concentrations of ethanol, whose effects varied between the species examined. Because of these potentially confounding effects of ethanol, we recommend the use of pure water for dissolution of GA3 when testing seed germination responses in these genera.
Additional keywords: Allittia, Brachyscome, Brachycome, GA3, gibberellin, seed testing methods.
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