Study on germination characteristics and acceleration technology of Citrus wilsonii seeds

Citrus wilsonii seeds were selected as experimental material to study seed germination characteristics by testing the influence of seed coat water permeability, seed coat mechanical obstacle, and germination temperature on germination, and to determine the optimal pre-germination method of cutting seeds, soaking seeds, GA treatment, and cold stratification. Results showed that there was no water permeability barrier in the Citrus wilsonii seed coat. However, mechanical resistance of the seed coat inhibited germination, and the endotesta had a considerable influence. Citrus wilsonii seeds could germinate at constant temperatures of 15℃, 25℃, and 35℃, and at changing temperatures of 15℃/30℃. The most appropriate germination temperature was 25℃. Cold temperature stratification, immersion in hot water, and removing one-third of the seeds promoted the germination process to a certain extent. Thus, immersion in hot water at an initial temperature of 60℃ for 24 h could be used to accelerate germination in production.