Accelerating and synchronizing germination of strawberry seeds by osmotic pre-treatments

Summary Pre-soaking strawberry seed (Fragaria ananassaDuch.) in osmotic solutions accelerated and partially synchronized their germination. Pre-soaking advanced 50% germination from about 4 weeks to 4 or 5 days. Two to three weeks pre-soaking in a mineral solution of -10⁶Pa nominal osmotic potential at about 20 C was satisfactory. The resulting synchronization of germination could allow seedlings to be selected for rate of growth by directly comparing seedling in bulk sowings.