The Impact of Magnetic Field and Gibberellin Treatment on the Release of Dormancy and Internal Nutrient Transformation in Tilia miqueliana Maxim. Seeds

The seeds of Tilia miqueliana Maxim. exhibit deep dormancy, which is categorized as combinational dormancy. This study utilized a comprehensive treatment involving magnetic fields, gibberellin (GA(3)), and cold stratification to promote the release of seed physiological dormancy and enhance germination rates. After being soaked in 98% H2SO4 for 15 min, mature seeds of Tilia were exposed to magnetic field treatments (150 MT, 250 MT) for different durations (25 min, 45 min, 65 min, and 85 min), as well as GA(3) solution soaking (concentration: 0 mu mol center dot L-1, 1443 mu mol center dot L-1). Subsequently, cold stratification (0-5 center dot C) was applied to investigate the effects of these treatments on seed dormancy release and nutrient transformation. The results indicated that the comprehensive treatment involving magnetic field, GA(3) solution soaking, and cold stratification effectively released the physiological dormancy of Tilia seeds and improved germination rates. Among the treatments, M(150)T(85)G(1443) (magnetic field intensity: 150 MT, magnetic field treatment time: 85 min, GA(3) soaking concentration: 1433 mu mol center dot L-1) exhibited the most favorable outcome. After 75 days of cold stratification following the comprehensive treatments, the germination rate of M(150)T(85)G(1443) seeds reached 89%. Additionally, the levels of storage substances such as starches and crude fats within the seeds decreased, while the utilization of soluble sugars and soluble proteins increased. The M(150)T(85)G(1443) treatment exhibited the highest degree of variation, leading to gradual increases in metabolic activities of the seeds and a transition from dormancy to germination.