Journal of Horticulture
Open Access

World Vegetable Center, 60 Yi-Min Liao, Shanhua, Tainan 74151, Taiwan

Publications

• 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»
  

  Abstract PDF