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Germination Conditions For Poison Ivy

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Several scarification and stratification treatments were tested to optimize germination conditions for poison ivy [Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kunst]. Fall-collected seeds soaked for 1 hour in water showed increasing germination with increasing stratification. Scarification with concentrated sulphuric acid for 30 minutes resulted in approximately 65 percent germination, independent of stratification. Increasing the duration of the acid treatment resulted in diminished germination. The seeds with the most natural treatments, those soaked in water for 1 hour, and those collected in February, continued to germinate beyond the standard 4-week observation period for these studies. The prolonged germination resulted in high overall germination rates, especially with longer stratification.

Parent Publication

Citation

Schiff, Nathan M.; Connor, Kristina F.; Devall, Margaret S. 2004. Germination Conditions For Poison Ivy. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 531-532
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/6695