Improvement of Seed Dehiscence using Plant Growth Regulators and Its Effect on Subsequent Germination and Growth of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

Background: Plant growth regulators are frequently used to improve the dehiscence rate of seeds in Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. However, research on the appropriate type and concentration of treatment is lacking. In addition, there is no information on the effects of plant growth regulator treatments on germination and plant formation before dehiscence.<br/>Methods and Results: Indehiscent seeds were soaked in gibberellic acid (GA₃) and kinetin at concentrations of 10 ㎎/ℓ – 300 ㎎/ℓ for 24 hours. The highest dehiscence rate was observed with the 10 ㎎/ℓ GA₃ treatment. The dehiscence rate was significantly lower than that of the control, and the seed contamination rate significantly increased in the treatments containing 100 ㎎/ℓ or more GA₃.<br/>GA₃ treatment also affected the types of dehiscent seeds and embryo development. However, no differences were observed in the dehiscence rate or embryo development between the kinetin-treated and control groups. GA₃ treatment before warm stratification affected seed germination but did not significantly affect plant development.<br/>Conclusions: In this study, we determined the type and concentration of plant growth regulators suitable for improving dehiscence and forming stable P. ginseng C. A. Meyer plants were presented. These results are expected to contribute to stable ginseng seed production.