Seed Germination of Cyeas revoluta

Cycas revoluta seeds commonly take from a few months to a year or more to germinate and germination percentages are normally quite low. In an effort to improve germination, several seed treatments were tested. Seeds germinated better in dark than in the light. Removal of the pulp from seeds increased percent germination as compared to seeds with the pulp intact. Treatment of seeds or 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2 hr with concentrated sulfuric acid increased seed germination. The application of gibberellic acid at concentrations of 500, 1000 or 5000 ppm did not affect germination as compared to controls. Seeds stored at room temperature for 6 months germinated more readily than seeds planted immediately. It is suggested that seeds stored at room temperature and scarified with concentrated sulfuric acid for 1 hr will exhibit improved germination.