Re: [nafex] Apple seed stratification

[Ed & Pat Fackler <rocmdw@aye.net>]

"Dr. Ethan Natelson" wrote:

>
>      Dr. Leon Atlas, here in Houston, has frequently stratified apple and
> other seeds in the refrigerator in water containing a few drops of Subdue
> fungicide.  The germination percentage is excellent.  His theory is that of
> a group of seeds, obtained and stratified at the same time, perhaps from a
> series of crosses, those that germinate the earliest will be the ones most
> likely to result in a low-chill plant.  Those that germinate late, will be
> unlikely to be low-chill.  For pomologists in the North, this would not be
> of importance.  In the South, if true, this would be a useful screening
> technique.  Does anyone know if there is any scientific basis to this theory
> or if it has been studied?

     My response--------

     Yes, there have been several studies which imply validity of the above.
Unfortunately, until very recently, many seedlings which germinated late were
discarded as being weak growers, non vigorous, etc.
     If folks down south wanted low-chill and high quality, you might think
about crossing Sundowner x GoldRush.
     Just a thought.

Ed