Improvement of Rose Achene Germination by Treatment with Macerating Enzymes

The germination percentage of Rosa multiflora Thunb. achenes was greatly increased when they were treated with 1% Driselase, a macerating enzyme, for 36 hours. The seeds germinated more rapidly when the achenes were treated with the enzyme for a longer period. Treatment with Cellulase Onozuka improved seed germination at a lower concentration than did Driselase. Pure preparations of pectinase and cellulase had effects similar to treatment with the enzymes noted. Treatment with pectinase was more efficient than treatment with cellulase. These enzymes likely loosened the bond between cells along the suture of the pericarp and forced the pericarp to split.