An evaluation of the potential of low temperature pre‐sowing treatments of tomato seeds as a means of improving germination performance

SUMMARY Low temperature pre‐sowing treatment of tomato seeds substantially enhanced germination rates and was much more effective at improving uniformity of germination than equivalent osmotic treatments. Although radicle emergence was inhibited by the low temperature, imbibition studies showed that seeds were maintained at lag‐phase moisture contents during treatment and some aspects of germinative metabolism began. No evidence was found for improved seedling growth rates per se as a result of pretreatment: in fact, initial axis growth may be temporarily reduced, probably as a consequence of depletion of reserves during the treatment period.