Germination and storage of apple seeds

Abstract

<p>Apple seeds will not germinate immediately after the fruit has become mature enough for picking. It is necessary for the seed to pass thru a stage of after-ripening.</p> <p>The freshly extracted apple seed contains about 85 percent moisture. At room temperature approximately one-half of the moisture is lost during the first five days.</p> <p>Soaking the seed prior to planting does not increase germination.</p> <p>Ninety-one percent of apple seeds prevented from drying out when they were extracted from the fruit germinated. The best temperature for storage was found to be a temperature between 10 and 30 C. Seeds which had air dried germinated poorly in all cases.</p> <p>Apple seeds which had been air dried and kept for a year did not germinate.</p> <p>Apple seeds may be planted any time after Nov. 1. Where seeds are to be shipped long distances, special precaution must be made to keep the seeds from deteriorating.</p> <p>The seed coat is not a factor in causing delayed germination.</p>