Some laboratory germination responses of the seeds of river red gum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. Syn. Eucalyptus rostrata Schlecht

Abstract

A method for sampling from bulked eucalypt seed for germination tests, and a special technique for testing germination of these seeds in Petri dishes are described.

The seeds of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. will germinate both at constant and at alternating temperatures. They germinate best at a constant temperature of about 95°F.

The seeds require light for satisfactory germination. The light requirements of all seed-lots tested were satisfied by 8 hours of light daily at a constant temperature of 95°F. Light requirements are least at temperatures close to 95°F. There is an interaction between light and temperature and the requirement for light is reduced as the temperature is increased. Stratification also reduces the requirement for light in germination.

Thirty-one different lots of seeds have been studied. It has been shown that no relationship exists between environmental conditions of the locality of collection and optimum conditions for germination.