Germination traits and adaptive regeneration strategies of the threeCarpinus species

Germination tests in the three sympatricCarpinus species,C. laxiflora, C. tshonoskii, andC. cordata, were carried out to clarify their germination traits in relation to the regeneration strategies. Seeds did not germinate just after ripening under any conditions in the three species. After one or two rounds of cold stratification, however,C. laxiflora andC. tshonoskii showed high germination percentages (>80%) at alternating temperature in light whileC. cordata did not. After a long-term (10 months) cold stratification, about 100% ofC. cordata seeds germinated, although about 70% of these seeds were in “conditional dormancy” and cannot germinate in the dark. Seed germination in the threeCarpinus species was enhanced by alternating temperature, but not by light exposure. These results suggest that the seeds of the three species are dormant just after ripening and the dormancy is broken by cold stratification. with intra-generic variations in the breakage. Germination traits in each species may be closely related to the regeneration strategy;C. cordata maintains a persistent seed bank with seed dormancy and regenerates after disturbances as a seed bank strategist, whereas the other two species germinate in the next spring after seedfall and regenerate depending either on existing disturbed-sites or sites of recent disturbances after seedling establishment as a seed rain strategist (C. tschonoskii) or seedling bank strategist (C. laxiflora). This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (BCP-97-III-A).     

Improving the collection and germination of West African <Emphasis Type="Italic">Garcinia kola</Emphasis> Heckel seeds

Garcinia kola is highly used as chew-stick for dental care in West Africa, but it is nearly commercially extinct in nature. To help find methods to increase rate and percentage of germination, we investigated its seed germination responses by using several collections and pre-treatments. Seeds processed from 6-week old green fruits did not germinate, whilst those of 10-week old partly-mature, at the intermediate stage through full development, germinated 46%. Seeds from orange mature fruits reached maximum 54–62% germination. Radicles emerged 6 weeks after sowing and normal germination with emergence of the primary single shoot growth occurred after 12 weeks. There was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) between germination responses of seeds from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Seeds did not germinate when dried to below ca. 30% MC. De-coating seeds or soaking intact seeds in a 70% ethanol solution increased germination to 82–92%, and also increased germination rate; however germination was not uniform. Because difficulties in germinating these seeds stem from the physical presence of the seed coats and the slow growth of the embryos contained therein, we recommend that fresh seeds from mature fruits be de-coated and immediately sown in preferably, an aerated medium (e.g., sawdust) for cultivation.     

Effects of drought stresses induced by polyethylene glycol on germination of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica seeds from natural and plantation forests on sandy land

Effects of drought stresses induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0.0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, with four replicates) on germination of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) seeds produced in plantations (southern Keerqin sandy land) and natural forests (Hulunbeier sandy plain) were observed. The results indicated that the seeds from both provenances did not germinate when PEG concentration was more than 25%. The time of initial germination and that of its completion of stressed seeds from both provenances were delayed when compared with the unstressed seeds. The germination capacity and germination rate of natural seeds were significantly higher than those of plantation seeds for all treatment levels (P < 0.05). The mean growth rates of radicle and hypocotyl from natural seeds were significantly higher than those from plantation seeds at all treatment levels below 20% PEG treatment (P < 0.05). The ratios of radicle to hypocotyl of 20% PEG treatment were significant higher than those of the corresponding controls for both provenances (P < 0.05). These results suggested that Mongolian pine seeds/seedlings had stronger resistance to PEG drought stresses; 10% PGE stress did not significantly influence germination. Natural seeds exhibited more resistance to PEG stress than plantation seeds. It was concluded that drought stress on seed germination might be one cause of obstructed natural regeneration of Mongolian pine plantations on sandy land. It is recommended that natural seeds be used for afforestation, and light drought stress (e.g., 10% PEG stress) may be useful in improving seed germination and the growth of radicles and hypocotyls.     

Effect of priming on the germination of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Peltophorum dubium</Emphasis> seeds under water stress

Peltophorum dubium seeds provided by Anhembi, SP were scarified in 98% H2SO4 for 15 rain to overcome mechanical dormancy. Seeds were primed in solutions of 0.2% Captan at 10℃ and 27℃, PEG 6000 -1.0 MPa at 10℃ and 27℃, 0.5 mol KNO3, 0.75 Mol KNO3, 1.0 Mol KNO3. Eight treatments including the primed seeds and nonprimed seeds, five replicates with 100 seeds for each treatment, were set to 15-cm-Petri dish with double filter paper moistened with testing solution PEG in refrigerator at 27℃. For the experiments of all the groups, osmotic potential were 0.0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0, -1.2, and -1.4 MPa. P. dubium seeds were also set to water stress experiment in rolled paper with PEG solutions from 0.0 to -1.0 MPa.Germination percentage decreased with the increase of PEG concentration. Control group had a better germination percentage than other groups. Germination hardly occurred in PEG -1.4 MPa.     

Imbibitions, energy test and accelerated ageing in primed and non-primed seeds of Peltophorum dubium

Peltophorum dubium seeds were set to imbibe with four treatments, soaked with solution Captan 0.2% under 10and 27℃,PEG 6000 -1.0 MPa under 10 and 27℃. For each treatment there were four replicates with 40 seeds incubated in 9-cm Petri dishes with double filter paper moistened with testing solution. The imbibition curves showed that the final weight increase were from 70% to 150% in the treatments when imbibition entered a lag phase. Seeds were tested for effects on germination of five treatments: control group (nonprimed), primed with PEG6000 -1.0 MPa at 10 and 27℃, primed with Captan 0.2% at 10 and 27℃. For each treatment, there were three sub-treatments: seeds were soaked in distilled water for 12, 24 and 36h before the energy test. Germination percentages of nonprimed seeds and primed in PEG 27℃ soaked in distilled water during 12 h were the highest, reaching 100%. The lowest germination percentage occurred primed seeds with PEG6000 27℃ and soaked in distilled water during 36 h, which was only 52%. Germination mean time of primed seeds in PEG at 10℃, soaked 24 h was 1.08 days, mean time of primed seeds in PEG at 27℃ soaked 12 h was 2.42 days. Accelerated ageing results showed low or no germination after ageing 72 h. Control group had a higher germination percentage and seeds were more resistant to deterioration than those in primed groups, both in Petri dish (27℃) and vermiculate (room temperature).     

Rapid seed-based propagation method for the threatened African cherry (Prunus africana)

Studies on the germination characteristics of various seed groups, extent of seedling and wildling establishment, as well as measurements on early seedling growth, were conducted on Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkm. (syn. Pygeum africanum Hook. f.) (Rosaceae). Germination of seeds gathered en masse (together with soil and litter) from beneath Prunus trees was significantly greater (P < 0.01) compared to those collected in pure form from the ground (with or without fruit flesh) or those picked from the trees. Treating seeds with 10 or 100 µmol gibberellic acid (GA₃) showed better germination than the control, but the difference was not statistically significant. Gibberellic acid at 1000 µmol (10^–3 M) inhibited germination significantly (P = 0.02). Seedlings survived better in the glasshouse (90%) than in the nursery (87%). Whereas 60% of the 280 wildlings between 2.5 and 4.0 cm successfully established, only 10% of the 220 wildlings between 8.0 and 13.0 cm survived 3 mo after these had been maintained in the glasshouse. Seedlings derived from the GA₃-treated seeds showed higher initial growth than the control owing to rapid hypocotyl elongation. Transferring seedlings to larger pots enhanced growth significantly after a lag period of about two weeks. Seedlings maintained in the glasshouse grew better than those in the nursery (P < 0.01). The study found that germination of seeds/fruits (gathered en masse from beneath trees) on a seedbed is convenient, technically less demanding, and is cost-effective.     

Effects of fire on germination of Pterocarpus angolensis

Pterocarpus angolensis (Fabaceae) is a leguminous tree species of the miombo region of sub-Saharan Africa that is highly prized for its wood value. We use both experimental exposure to fire, as well as classification of field burned seeds, to predict germination rates in seeds from both husked and unhusked fruits. We find that seed germination and seed persistence in unhusked fruits are maximized by moderate exposure to fire. Germinating seeds had heavier fruit and seeds than those that did not. Finally, seeds without husks persisted in the soil yet continued to germinate even after 18 months in wet soil, indicating potentially long soil longevity. Using these results, we support an intermediate fire exposure model wherein repeated moderate exposure to fire enhances the capability of seeds to emerge from fruits. Seeds from unburned and unhusked fruits were never observed to germinate and had poorer soil longevity than those exposed to moderate fire. Similarly, extreme exposure to fire resulted in poor seed germination rates, often as a consequence of direct fire mortality of seeds. We suggest that early burning resulting in cool fires may augment germination and recruitment in wild populations.     

The runoff characteristics and harmonic analysis of the soil moisture dynamics in<Emphasis Type="Italic">Robinia pseudoacacia</Emphasis> stand

Robinia pseudoacacia stands act as a typical ecological protection forest in hilly semi-arid area of China. Two fields of surface runoff were separately set up inR. pseudoacacia stand and its clearcut area in the western Liaoning Province (18°50’–122°25’ E, 40°24’–42°34’ N) for measuring the characteristics of runoff and sediment as well as soil moisture dynamics. Contractive analysis of the two land types showed that there existed a significant difference in volumes of runoff and sediment between the sites ofR. pseudoacacia stand and its clearcut area. The runoff volume and sediment volume in clearcut are were much bigger than those inR. pseudoacacia stand, with an increase amount of 40%–177% for runoff and 180%–400% for sediment. Hydrograph of surface runoff of typical rainfall showed that the peak value of runoff inR. pseudoacacia stand was decreased by 1.0–2.5×10⁻³m³·s⁻¹ compared with that in its clearcut area, and the occurring time of peak value of runoff inR. pseudoacacia stand was 10–20 min later than that in its clearcut area. Harmonic analysis of soil moisture dynamics indicated that the soil moisture inR. pseudoacacia stand was 2.3% higher than that in clearcut area, and the soil moisture both inR. pseudoacia stand and its clearcut area could be divided into dry season and humid season and varied periodically with annual raifall precipitation. It was concluded thatR. pseudoacacia stand plays a very important role in storing water, increasing soil moisture, and reducing surface runoff and soil erosion. Foundation item: This paper was supported by Chinese “863” Plan Water-Saving Agriculture (2002AA2Z4321), the Key Knowledge Innovation Project (SCXZY0103), and The “Tenth-five” Plan of Liaoning Province (2001212001). Biography: GAO Peng (1967-), male, Dr. candidate, associate professor of Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Seed Development, Maturation and Storage Behaviour of Mimusops elengi L.

Mass maturity (end of the seed-filling phase) occurred at about 72 days after flowering (DAF) in developing seeds of Mimusops elengi, at which time seed moisture content had declined to about 55%. The onset of ability to germinate was detected at 56 DAF and seeds showed 98% germination by 84 DAF. Tolerance of desiccation to 10% moisture content was first detected at 70 DAF and was maximal by 84 DAF. Delaying collection by a further 14 days to 98 DAF, when fruits began to be shed, reduced seed viability, particularly for seeds first dried to 10% moisture content. Hence the best time for seed collection appears to be about 14 days before fruits shed. In a separate investigation with six different seed lots, desiccation below about 8–12% moisture content reduced viability (considerably in some lots). The viability of dry seeds (below about 10% moisture content) stored hermetically was reduced at cool temperatures (5 °C and below), and none survived storage at sub-zero temperatures. The results suggest that Mimusops elengi shows intermediate seed storage behaviour and that the optimal hermetic seed storage environment is about 10% moisture content at 10 °C, while short-term, moist, aerated storage at high (40%) moisture content is also feasible.     

Survival and germination of an experimental seed bank population of two species of Lauraceae in a tropical montane forest in Thailand

The survival and germination traits of two tropical species of Lauraceae, Lindera metcalfiana and Litsea cubeba, were investigated in a 2-year burial experiment and subsequent germination tests of sequentially excavated seeds. Fresh seeds extracted from fruit were packed in aluminum mesh bags and buried 5cm deep in a mature montane forest in northern Thailand (1700m altitude). No seed mortality was recorded for Litsea, but Lindera experienced 26%–48% mortality after being buried for 122 days. These seeds did not germinate in the forest soil during the 2-year experimental period. We found that fresh seeds of these two species did not germinate even under open conditions, suggesting that the seeds are initially deeply dormant after dispersal. In contrast, 29%–60% of excavated Lindera seeds germinated under open conditions after being buried for 30–753 days, and excavated Litsea seeds began to germinate after being buried for 408 days. These findings suggest that seeds enter a state of enforced dormancy. The ratio of germinable seeds peaked 184 days after burial in Lindera (33%) and 930 days after burial in Litsea (91%). The longer period of deep dormancy in Litsea prior to enforced dormancy is concordant with the fact that for regeneration Litsea requires larger-scale disturbance than Lindera.     

Seed dormancy in bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.)

The germination of bay laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) seeds wasexamined both in the laboratory and in the field during twoyears. Seeds were collected from a grove in a garden in the townof Drama, Northern Greece, by mid November in the first year andby late November in the second year. The seeds with and withoutpericarp were given a warm-moist (20 °C day/12 °C night) oncold-moist (4±1 °C) treatment in peat or sand. After treatment theseeds were placed in the germinator along with controls. Thegermination of seeds with and without pericarp was alsoinvestigated in the field (late fall sowing). It was found thatthe pericarp caused dormancy. In seeds without pericarp,cold-moist and warm-moist stratification both proved to besuccessful in breaking embryo dormancy (100% and 96% successrespectively). The required stratification duration was 50 daysfor the warm-moist and 60 days for the cold-moist treatments.During the cold-moist stratification no germination was observed.On the other hand, seeds started to germinate during thewarm-moist stratification by about the 50th day. In the fallsowing germination was 20% for seeds with pericarp and 41% for seeds without pericarp. Drying bay laurel seeds caused areduction of the seed germination.     

Effect of natural brassinolide on germination of Ailanthus altissima seeds

The germination capacity of Ailanthus altissima seeds improved after the seeds were soaked with different concentrations of natural brassinolide (NBR). The germination rate and germination energy of the seeds increased by 17.6% and 18.8%, and the mean germination speed (i.e., germination time) of the seeds was shortened by 1.4 d under the optimal concentration (0.4 mg.L⁻¹) treatment, compared with the control. After hypocotyls of A. altissima were treated with NBR, the elongation of the hypocotyls increased. Among different concentrations of the NBR, 0.4 mg·L⁻¹ NBR appeared to be the optimal concentration for the elongation of A. altissima hypocotyls.     

Physical attributes as indicator of seed maturity and germination enhancement in Himalayan Wild Cherry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus cerasoides</Emphasis> D. Don.)

Prunus cerasoides has poor regeneration in its natural habitat due to its hard seed coat. The information about maturity time of fruit/seed is scanty and studies on seed germination enhancement lacking. In the present study, the main focus has been given to the physical fruits/seeds attributes which are reliable indicators of maturity and seed pretreatments which help to enhance germination. The fruits/seeds were collected from low and high elevational sites covering the altitudinal range of the species during the period of fruit/seed development (last week of February–mid April) for two consecutive years (2003–2004). The change in fruit colour from dark green to pale red or red was a useful indicator of seed maturity in P. cerasoides. Fruit moisture content between 46.57 ± 0.45% and 56.81 ± 1.14% and seed moisture content between 29.8 ± 1.35% and 34.13 ± 1.50% coincided with maximum germination (41.11 ± 13.96% and 59.99 ± 12.05%) across sites. The removal of seed coat (mechanical treatment) enhanced the germination of seeds to 70 ± 0% at low elevation and 100 ± 0% at high elevation in comparison of control or untreated seeds (germination range between 5.83 ± 0.83% and 31.68 ± 25.02%). Positive correlation existed between seed size and germination (r = 0.280; P < 0.01).     

果翅、盐分及干旱胁迫对白梭梭种子萌发的影响

从生态学角度研究了果翅、温度、盐分和干旱胁迫等因素对白梭梭种子萌发的影响,结果表明:去除种翅能显著促进种子萌发,无翅种子比有翅种子萌发速率快(P<0.05),提早1 d达最高萌发率。变温条件有利于种子萌发。白梭梭种了萌发率随着NaCl浓度增加而降低,但在0.9 mol.L-1的浓度中仍有2%的种子萌发;将未萌发的种子移至蒸馏水中后,部分种子可以萌发,在较低浓度盐溶液(0.05～0.6 mol.L-1)中培养的种子其萌发恢复率低,而高浓度(0.7～1.0 mol.L-1)中培养的种子其萌发恢复率高。在较低程度的干旱胁迫下,白梭梭种子迅速萌发,而较高程度的干旱胁迫下种子萌发受抑制,在PEG浓度50%时不萌发;同等干旱胁迫程度下,无翅种子比有翅种子萌发率高。     

Cross breeding of Populus and its hybrids for cold resistance

Populus tomentosa was crossed with P. tremuloidis, P. grandidentata, P. alba × P. grandidentata and P. alba × Ulmus pumila in order to maintain its rapid growth and high wood quality and improve its resistance to cold. Two methods were used to increase the germination rate from 1.5% to 41.1% and the remaining rate from 1.7% to 44.2%. Forty crossing combinations were conducted and 2 744 hybrid seedlings were obtained. MX₄ × P. grandidentata (G-1-58), MX₃ × P. tremuloidis (T-44-60), MX₂ × P. tremuloidis (1-13-87-37) and MX₂ × (P. alba × P. grandidentata) were regarded as superior combinations after analysis and selection. Thirty seedlings of these combinations and 11 triploid seedlings identified by counting their chromosomes were selected as super plants. [Supported by the Doctoral Foundation of Ministry of Education (Grant No. 200220022004) and the National “863” Project (Grant No. 2002AA241071)]     

Webbing clothes moth,Tineola bisselliella (Hum.), causing serious feeding damage toLactuca sativa and other plant seeds

The first record of a “field” infestation of stored lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa) byTineola bisselliella (TB) is reported. The pest is able to consume almost the whole kernel ofL. sativa including the shell. The ability od TB to damage selected stored cereal, pulse and oil seeds under laboratory condition was evaluated. In maize and wheat, germ area was damaged preferably and the germination decreased considerably. TB was unable to infest and damage sound seeds of rape and beans ofPhaseolus vulgaris and soya. These findings enabled the development of a vegetarian diet for laboratory rearing of TB. The pest status and hazards resulting from cross-infestation is discassed.     

云南甜龙竹和黄竹种子灭菌条件和萌发特性初步研究

目的]筛选云南甜龙竹和黄竹种子最佳表面灭菌条件,研究其萌发特性。[方法]筛选NaClO(2%、3%、4%)与HgCl_2(0.01%、0.1%)最佳消毒浓度组合;采用流水冲洗时间(6、12、18 h)、2%NaClO浸泡时间(5、10、15 min)和0.1%Hg Cl_2浸泡时间(5、10、15 min),设计正交试验实验,探讨2种竹种最佳表面灭菌处理的时间组合,并对竹种分别在滤纸、MS培养基以及经3 mg·L~(-1)GA_3浸泡后在MS培养基上的发芽率进行了探讨。[结果]NaClO、Hg Cl_2最佳消毒浓度组合为2%NaClO+0.1%HgCl_2;2种竹种最佳表面灭菌时间组合均为:流水冲洗6 h、2%Na Cl O浸泡10min、0.1%HgCl_2浸泡15 min,经此处理后云南甜龙竹和黄竹的发芽率分别为84.4%、72.2%,污染率分别为18.7%、29.6%。不同处理种子萌发率差异t检验结果显示:2种竹子种子是否经过3 mg·L~(-1)GA_3浸泡,对其在MS培养基上的发芽率无显著影响,但种子在MS培养基上的发芽率显著高于滤纸上的发芽率。经相同处理黄竹的发芽率均低于云南甜龙竹。[结论]云南甜龙竹、黄竹最佳表面灭菌组合均为:流水冲洗6 h、2%NaClO浸泡10 min、0.1%HgCl_2浸泡15 min;3 mg·L~(-1)GA_3浸泡处理对云南甜龙竹和黄竹种子在MS培养基上的发芽率无显著影响,但MS培养基上种子的发芽率显著高于其在滤纸上的发芽率。     

“Target moisture content” prechill overcomes the dormancy of temperate conifer seeds

Temperate conifer seeds are often considered to be shallowly dormant because a dormancy breakage treatment such as incubation of moist seeds at 4°C (prechilling) for 3–6 weeks improves germination. However, longer prechill durations can induce germination during the cold phase. Since the delicate radicles of prematurely germinated seeds are easily damaged and killed during sowing, potential benefits of extended prechilling are unknown.Described here for the first time is a target moisture content (TMC) prechill. In this dormancy breakage method the seeds are chilled at moisture contents high enough for removal of dormancy but low enough to produce surface dry, free flowing seeds that do not germinate during chilling. The method is a simple, effective and practical way to restrict the amount of water available to seeds from the start of a prechill treatment. The TMC prechill was applied to three conifer species, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco), Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas), and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bongard) Carrière). All three species benefited from the TMC prechill. Extending the prechill period progressively improved germination by widening the range of temperatures over which germination occurred, raising germination capacity at most temperatures and increasing germination rate at all temperatures. The optimum prechill period combining high germination capacity and low mean germination time was 36 weeks for Douglas fir, from 36 to 76 weeks for Lodgepole pine and 36 or 76 weeks for Sitka spruce depending on incubation temperature. None of the seeds of any of the species germinated during the TMC prechill of up to 76 weeks at 4°C.This work is Crown copyright, reproduced by Kluwer Academic Publishers by permission of the Forestry Commission.     

PEG模拟干旱对毛竹种子萌发及生长生理特性的影响

[目的]通过比较不同程度干旱胁迫对毛竹种子萌发及生长生理的影响,探究毛竹种子萌发期对水分胁迫的耐受机理,为毛竹的水分管理提供科学依据。[方法]以毛竹种子为试验材料,采用培养皿滤纸萌发的方法研究不同浓度(0%、5%、10%、15%、20%、25%) PEG-6000溶液对其种子萌发、生长、渗透调节物质、抗氧化酶活性的影响。并对种子萌发率、胚根和胚芽的生长量与PEG胁迫浓度间进行回归分析。[结果](1)对照组(CK)和5%处理组在第4天开始发芽,其余各处理组的发芽起始时间随处理浓度的升高逐渐延迟,25%处理组不发芽。(2)最终发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数、胚根长度、胚芽长度随PEG浓度的升高呈现先增大后减小的趋势,且均在5%浓度达到最大值。干旱胁迫下毛竹种子发芽率日变化曲线中对照组和5%处理组间存在唯一交叉点。毛竹种子在PEG胁迫下发芽率的临界值和极限值分别为14. 49%和19. 27%。(3)胚根和胚芽最终长度均在5%浓度时达到最大值,其后随着浓度的升高而减小,处理间差异显著(P 0. 05)。对照组和5%处理组的胚根平均长度日变化曲线存在交叉点。PEG胁迫下胚根生长的临界值和极限值分别为20. 43和23. 01%。(4)胚根中SOD、POD、CAT的活性均随PEG浓度的升高呈先上升后下降的趋势,且分别在5%、10%、10%浓度时达到最大值。(5) MDA和可溶性蛋白含量随PEG浓度的升高而持续升高,但低浓度(0%10%)时MDA含量差异不显著。[结论]低浓度干旱胁迫抑制发芽前期毛竹种子萌发以及胚根的形成,但显著提高毛竹种子的最终发芽率并且促进胚根后期的生长;而高浓度PEG干旱胁迫延迟毛竹发芽,抑制整个发芽时期的发芽率以及胚根、胚芽的生长; PEG浓度高于15%的干旱胁迫使毛竹的抗氧化酶系统发生紊乱,并对组织膜系统造成显著伤害。     

In vitro culture of immature embryos from Koelreuteria bipinnata var. integrifoliola

For the mass production of Koelreuteria bipinnata var. integrifoliola with selected, hybrid or genetically engineered genotypes, one potentially desirable propagation strategy is based on embryo culture. The immature embryo development in vitro from K. bipinnata var. integrifoliola was studied under different conditions of embryo age, basic culture media and plant growth regulators. The results show that: 1) germination rate of grade 3 embryos in immature seeds with 0.6–0.8 cm diameter was 98.9%. The germination rate of grade 2 embryos in immature seeds with 0.4–0.6 cm diameter was 77.8% and the germination rate of grade 1 embryos in immature seeds with 0.4 cm diameter was 15.6%. 2) The amounts of macroelements in MS medium had no clear effect on the germination rate of immature grade 3 embryos and had a modest effect on plantlet growth, where the best medium was MS or 1/2 MS. The rates were all greater than 90%. 3) The germination rate of grade 3 embryos was greater than 87% when the medium contained a low concentration of NAA or no plant growth regulators at all and decreased markedly when BAP alone or BAP and NAA together were added to the media. We suggest that in vitro culture of immature embryos from K. bipinnata var. integrifoliola can be enhanced when a small amount of plant growth regulators is added. The addition of BAP has an adverse reaction to the germination and development of immature embryos.