Abstract:In order to understand the influence factors on germination of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) seeds, the seeds were sown on 1/2MS medium for 80 days, the effects of fruit maturity and storage conditions on aseptic germination of seeds were studied. The results showed that germination rate and seedling height had no significant difference for seeds collected at color turning stage or full mature stage for ‘Ruantiaobaisha’, ‘Ninghaibai’, ‘Tangkebaisha’ and ‘Dahongpao’, while germination rate of ‘Oobusa’ seeds collected at full maturity stage were high. The seed germination rate and seedling height of ‘Luoyangqing’ stored under 4℃ for 5 d or 10 d had no significant changes, however, which significantly decreased when the seeds were stored for 20 d or more. The germination rates and seedling heights also varied greatly under different storage temperatures, those of ‘Zaozhong 6’ and ‘Taipingbai’ stored under 15℃ or 4℃ were higher than those under 25℃, and the suitable storage time was no more than 15 d and 30 d, respectively. Therefore, it would maintain the germination ability of loquat seeds by harvesting fruits at color turning stage and appropriate storage.
