ISSN: 2376-0354
+44-77-2385-9429
World Vegetable Center, 60 Yi-Min Liao, Shanhua, Tainan 74151, Taiwan
Dr. Andreas W. Ebert graduated in May 1976 from the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany with a Diploma degree in Agricultural Sciences. In February 1980 he obtained his Ph.D. with distinction (magna cum laude) for his work on ‘Hormonal aspects of crop regulation in apple’ at the Institute for Fruit and Vegetable Production and Viticulture from the same University. Thereafter, he held a Postdoc position at the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute in Littlehampton, UK, where he conducted research on tomatoes. At a later stage, he worked on somatic embryogenesis of coconut at Wye College, University of London.
Research
The Effect of Seed Treatments on the Germination of Fresh and Stored Seeds of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)
Author(s): Andreas W. Ebert* and Tien-Hor Wu
Okra and water spinach are traditional vegetables that are vital for healthy diets. Major variations in germination response have been observed among genebank entries. This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of various seed treatments on the germination of fresh and stored seed of okra and water spinach. Freshly harvested fruits of two okra and two water spinach accessions with contrasting geographical origin and breeding status were dried in a screenhouse prior to manual seed extraction and cleaning. Cleaned seeds were dried to 6% seed moisture content in a dehumidified drying room. Various seed treatments were conducted after a 6-month storage period at 5ºC and -15ºC. Our studies confirmed previous results that both okra and water spinach are difficult to germinate and to obtain good field establishment due to physical, seed coat-imposed dormancy. Moreover, signi.. View More»