Seed Characteristics and Germination within the Rosa Genus: History
View Latest Version
Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Contributor:
Roxana L. Stoian-Dod
,
Catalina Dan
,
Irina M. Morar
,
Adriana F. Sestras
,
Alina M. Truta
,
Gabriela Roman
,
Radu E. Sestras

Seed germination is a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants, and understanding the factors influencing germination is essential for successful cultivation, plant breeding, and conservation efforts. The genus Rosa, commonly known as roses, encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants renowned for their beauty and fragrance. Rosa germination is influenced by a variety of factors, including seed dormancy, environmental conditions, and seed treatments. Many Rosa species exhibit different types of seed dormancy, such as physical dormancy caused by hard seed coats and physiological dormancy due to internal mechanisms. Overcoming seed dormancy often requires specific treatments, including cold stratification, scarification, or chemical treatments, to promote germination. Environmental factors, including temperature, moisture, light, and substrate, play vital roles in Rosa germination.

  • Rosa genus
  • seed
  • germination
  • seed coat
  • embryo
  • dormancy

1. Introduction

With more than 200 species spread across the northern Hemisphere, the Rosa genus within the Rosaceae family is one of the most significant ornamental plant genera regarding economic and cultural history [1][2]. The genus is divided into four subgenera according to conventional taxonomy [3], three of which are monotypic: Platyrhodon (Hurst) Rehder, Hulthemia (Dumort.) Focke, and Hesperhodos Cockerell. Approximatively 95% of all species are found in the subgenus Rosa, which is split into 10 sections, one of which is Caninae, the subject of this research. The genus is native to North America, East Asia, and Europe/West Asia (Figure 1).
Horticulturae 09 00914 g001 550
Figure 1. Distribution, uses, and seed germination in the Rosa genus.
Roses are among the most significant and versatile horticultural and industrial products. According to Guimares [4], they can be utilized as cut or garden flowers. Additionally, roses have long been employed in the cosmetics, food, and perfume industries [5]. Strlsjö and Larsen [6][7] stated that fruits (rose hips) are a good source of bioactive substances, such as vitamin C, carotenoids, tocopherol, phenolic acid, bioflavonoids, tannin, pectin, organic acids, amino acids, essential oils, and unsaturated fatty acids. Rose hips are composed of 29% seed and 71% pericarp, and the hues range from red to orange.
The species reproduces through layering, cutting, tissue culture, basal shoots, and the use of its seeds [8]. Due to its resistance to drought stress, it serves as the most significant stock of ornamental roses [9].
Dog roses, which are part of the section Caninae (DC.) Ser. and dominate the territory of Europe and West Asia, are crucial to the development of rootstocks for the breeding of ornamental roses. Due to their distinct meiotic behavior and breeding system, dog roses occupy a special place among plants [9][10].

2. The Factors Influencing Germination within the Rosa Genus

Regarding higher plants’ ability to survive as species, the seed stage is crucial. It is the plant’s dispersal unit that may endure the time between the maturity of the seed and the establishment of the following generation as a seedling once it has germinated. The seed, which is primarily in a dry state for its survival, is well-equipped to withstand prolonged durations under unfavorable conditions. The seed goes into dormancy to maximize germination over time [11]. Additionally, dormancy stops pre-harvest germination. To comprehend how different environmental conditions and applied chemicals regulate germination, numerous investigations have been carried out. However, very little is still known about the process by which the rose embryo emerges from the seed to complete germination and how embryo emergence is blocked in dormant seeds [12]. Seed dormancy has been defined as the incapacity of a viable seed to germinate under favorable conditions [12][13]. In roses, hips typically contain between one and thirty seeds, and hip set and seed germination are frequently less than 50% [14]. In the breeding of cut and garden roses, mature hips are collected in late September and early October, or 3–4 months following pollination. Hips are used to collect and count seeds. After that, seeds are stored for roughly 6–12 weeks at 2–5 °C and a moderate moisture level. Seeds can be sown directly in the germination substrate for vernalization, depending on the environment; otherwise, preservation in a cold chamber is required. A modern cut rose breeding program is thought to get off to a strong start with 120,000 seedlings after germination. Seeds are often sown on germination beds or benches at a density that can range from 150 to 400 seeds per square meter, depending on the available space and the number of seeds to start with. After two months, the vernalization period is deemed to be over [15]. Seeds of the Rosa genus are typically small, irregularly shaped (4.5–6 mm long), and vary in color depending on the species and variety (Figure 2). They are enclosed within a protective seed coat, which can range from smooth to slightly textured. Rosa seeds are generally characterized by their hard seed coat, which contributes to seed dormancy. The pericarp epi-, meso-, and endocarp layers make up a rose achene; the last structure is extremely impervious to water absorption (unpublished data). Therefore, the endocarpic layer may serve as a tegument-type physical barrier to achene germination [16].
Horticulturae 09 00914 g005 550
Figure 2. Rosa canina seeds. The seeds were obtained from fruits collected from the spontaneous flora of Transylvania, northwestern Romania (photo by R.L.S.-D.).
The seed coat protects the embryo but can present problematic challenges for germination. However, Rosa seeds also possess the potential resources for germination and subsequent growth into mature plants when provided with the appropriate environmental conditions and treatments to overcome dormancy [17]. Seed germination within the Rosa genus is a crucial process that determines the successful establishment and propagation of further obtained plants. The germination of Rosa seeds is often influenced by factors such as seed dormancy and is strongly influenced by environmental conditions and seed treatments. Many Rosa species exhibit various types of seed dormancy, including physical dormancy caused by hard seed coats, as well as physiological dormancy due to internal mechanisms [18].
An achene is where rose seeds are created. This dry fruit has a solitary seed that almost completely fills the pericarp. Achenes and seeds are frequently used interchangeably in literature and breeding. Gudin [14] analyzed rose seed propagation from the perspective of generative multiplication, as is the case for the creation of perfume (R. gallica and R. × damascena), for the propagation of rootstocks (Caninae rose), and for landscaping. According to the winter environment in the rose’s native regions, a specific, adapted seed dormancy was established. In species like R. rugosa, R. gallica, R. canina, and R. soulieana, it is known that dormancy can only be broken following intervals of chilling at 1–4 °C. Before germination, some roses require a second winter vernalization [19]. In contrast, the seeds of R. persica, which are adapted to the deserts of the Far East, do not respond to cold but can withstand dehydration. Depending on the rose species, there are differences in the period, kind, and cooling temperatures needed to break dormancy [14].
Overcoming seed dormancy often requires specific treatments, such as cold stratification or scarification, to break the inactivity process until favorable conditions are assured and promote germination. Nevertheless, abiotic factors like temperature, moisture, light, and substrate play important roles in the germination process. Understanding the germination requirements and dormancy mechanisms in the Rosa genus is essential for effective cultivation and conservation strategies for these valuable plants [16]. Roses are one of the most significant commercial crops in the world because of their significance as a decorative plant in landscape gardening, their high regard as a medicinal plant and for human nourishment, and the fact that the species is well adapted to a wide range of habitats [20][21]. Traditionally, stem cutting, layering, budding, grafting, and tissue culture are the primary vegetative methods used to propagate roses [22]. All of these techniques come with a number of issues, including a lack of rootstocks and a longer production period. The breeding of new cultivars, the restoration of native plants, the selection of rootstocks, and, in some varieties, the production of rose hips are all achieved through seed propagation; however, this process is challenging due to the low germination percentage that results from the prolonged seed dormancy [23][24][25].
According to Jackson and Blundell [26], Densmore and Zasada [27], and Bo et al. [25], inhibitors in the pericarp and testa, the hard pericarp, and physiological barriers in the embryo may be the main causes for the dormancy and delayed germination in rose achenes. Although it occasionally limits complete imbibition, the pericarp is permeable [24][25][28]. Some rose achenes experience dormancy as a result of a barrier in the shape of a hard pericarp [29], although this is not the only source of the condition [23][30].
The endocarp thickness in a rose achene pericarp can determine germination, as demonstrated by Gudin et al. [31]. Environmental factors, particularly temperature during achenes’ maturation, and genetic factors, likely through their impact on the rate of embryo growth, regulate its thickness. The pericarpic tissues in their crosses, when only the male parent was different, were of the same maternal origin, whereas the embryos were of distinct hybrid origins; as a result, the endocarp (as the layer that is closest to the embryo), may be a crucial factor in determining an achene’s ability to germinate [16].
High levels of abscisic acid (ABA) have also been found in the testa and pericarp of rose achenes, according to Bo et al. [25], which may prevent germination. The achenes’ embryos have been shown to be fully formed and devoid of any morphological dormancy [25][26]. In addition, cold stratification has been used to get around physiological obstacles to embryo germination in a number of rose species [23][27][30].
Since only a few species of rose achenes have been studied, the process of dormancy in these plants is a complicated issue. Therefore, successful rose seed multiplication would benefit from better knowledge of dormancy in rose achenes. Only when the dormancy is broken can rose seeds have a better germination rate. Current efforts to break the dormancy have centered on two strategies: (a) removing the mechanical barrier known as the pericarp, which limits the embryo’s growth and access to water and air; and (b) shortening the time the embryo must spend after ripening [32].
Achenes have not responded well to treatments that include soaking them in concentrated H2SO4 (sulphuric acid), exposing them to 100% oxygen-rich environments, dry storage, or cold stratification alone [32][33], or to various chemicals (such as GA3). However, combining various therapies, such as H2SO4 scarification and cold stratification [27][28][29] or warm and cold stratification [27][30][33], can significantly enhance germination. To stimulate germination, several pretreatments have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the species [29][33].
To successfully propagate horticultural plants, it is crucial to understand the specific kind of seed dormancy; however, at the moment, the majority of papers on seed dormancy do not specify the type of dormancy that was examined [34]. Researchers may not have looked at the many types of seed dormancy because there is no generally recognized system for defining dormancy. Morphological, physiological, morphophysiological, physical, and combinatorial dormancy are the five categories of dormancy that Baskin and Baskin [35] suggest as a new classification system for seed dormancy.
The definition of these various classes of dormancy is based on a number of characteristics, such as the embryo’s morphology (underdeveloped or fully developed), the permeability of the seed coat to water (impermeable or permeable), and the physiological reactions of whole seeds to temperature or to a sequence of temperatures. With the use of such a classification system for seed dormancy, it is now possible to identify the type of dormancy by examining how different pretreatments affect germination [36].

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/horticulturae9080914

References

  1. Rehder, A. Bibliography of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs: Hardy in the Cooler Temperate Regions of the Northern Hemisphere; Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University: Jamaica Plain, MA, USA, 1949.
  2. Wissemann, V. Conventional taxonomy of wild roses. In Encyclopedia of Rosa Science, 1st ed.; Roberts, A., Debener, T., Gudin, S., Eds.; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2003; pp. 111–117.
  3. Wissemann, V. Hybridization and the evolution of the nrITS spacer region. Plant genome, biodiversity and evolution. Part A Phanerogams 2003, 1, 57–71.
  4. Guimaraes, R.; Barros, L.; Carvalho, A.M.; Ferreira, I.C. Studies on chemical constituents and bioactivity of Rosa micrantha: An alternative antioxidants source for food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2010, 58, 6277–6284.
  5. Chrubasik, C.; Roufogalis, B.D.; Müller-Ladner, U.; Chrubasik, S.A. Systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles. Phytother. Res. 2008, 22, 725–733.
  6. Strålsjö, L.; Alklint, C.; Olsson, M.E.; Sjöholm, I. Total folate content and retention in rosehips (Rosa ssp.) after drying. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2003, 51, 4291–4295.
  7. Larsen, E.; Kharazmi, A.; Christensen, L.P.; Christensen, S.B. An antiinflammatory galactolipid from rose hip (Rosa canina) that inhibits chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro. J. Nat. Prod. 2003, 66, 994–995.
  8. Rahnavard, A.; Asadian, G.; Pourshamsian, K.; Taghavi, M. Assessing genetic variation of dog rose (Rosa canina L.) in Caspian climate. Biosci. Biotechnol. Res. Asia 2014, 10, 119–125.
  9. Grant, V. Plant speciation. New Phytol. 1971, 161, 8–11.
  10. Wissemann, V. Molekulargenetische und morphologisch-anatomische Untersuchungen zur Evolution und Genomzusammensetzung von Wildrosen der Sektion Caninae (DC.) Ser. E. Schweiz. Verlagsbuchhandlung 2000, 122, 357–429.
  11. VonAbrams, G.J.; Hand, M.E. Seed dormancy in Rosa as a function of climate. Am. J. Bot. 1956, 43, 7–12.
  12. Bewley, J.D. Seed germination and dormancy. Plant Cell 1997, 9, 1055–1066.
  13. Finch-Savage, W.E.; Leubner-Metzger, G. Seed dormancy and the control of germination. New Phytol. 2006, 1716, 501–523.
  14. Gudin, S. Seed propagation. In Ornamental Crops; Reference Module in Life Sciences; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2017; pp. 719–767.
  15. Pipino, L.; Scariot, V.; Gaggero, L.; Mansuino, A.; Van Labeke, M.C.; Giovannini, A. Enhancing seed germination in hybrid tea roses. Propag. Ornam. Plants 2011, 11, 111–118.
  16. Gudin, S.; Arene, L.; Chavagnat, A.; Bulart, C. Influence of endocarp thickness on rose achene germination: Genetic and environmental factors. HortScience 1990, 25, 786–788.
  17. Khosh-Khui, M.; Teixeira da Silva, J.A. In vitro culture of the Rosa species. In Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology; Advances and Topical Issues, 1st ed.; Jaime, A., da Silva, T., Eds.; Global Science Books: East Sussex, UK, 2016; Volume 2, pp. 513–526.
  18. Hoşafçı, H.; Arslan, N.; Sarıhan, E.O. Propagation of dog roses (Rosa canina L.) by seed. Acta Hortic. 2004, 690, 159–164.
  19. Werlemark, G.; Carlson-Nilsson, U.; Uggla, M.; Nybom, H. Effects of temperature treatments on seedling emergence in dogroses, Rosa sect. Caninae (L). Acta Agric. Scand. 1995, 45, 278–282.
  20. Hornero-Mendez, D.; Mınguez-Mosquera, M.I. Carotenoid pigments in Rosa mosqueta hips, an alternative carotenoid source for foods. J. Agric. Chem. 2000, 48, 825–828.
  21. Uggla, M. Domestication of Wild Roses for Fruit Production. Ph.D. Thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, UK, 2004.
  22. Pati, P.K.; Rath, S.P.; Sharma, M.; Sood, A.; Ahuja, P.S. In vitro propagation of rose—A review. Biotechnol. Adv. 2006, 24, 94–114.
  23. Tincker, M.A.; Wisley, M.A. Rose seeds: Their after-ripening and germination. J. R. Hortic. Soc. 1935, 60, 399–417.
  24. Xu, B.M.; Zhang, Z.M.; Zhang, H.J. Germination and dormancy of Rosa seed. Seed 1993, 63, 5–9.
  25. Bo, J.; Huiru, D.; Xiaohan, Y. Shortening hybridization breeding cycle of rose—A study on mechanisms controlling achene dormancy. Acta Hortic. 1995, 404, 40–47.
  26. Jackson, G.A.D.; Blundell, J.B. Germination in Rosa. J. Hortic. Sci. 1963, 38, 310–320.
  27. Densmore, R.; Zasada, J.C. Germination requirements of Alaskan Rosa acicularis. Can. Field-Nat. 1977, 91, 58–62.
  28. Svejda, F. Water uptake of rose achenes. Can. J. Plant Sci. 1972, 52, 1043–1047.
  29. Bhanuprakash, K.; Tejaswini, Y.; Yogeesha, H.S.; Naik, L.B. Effect of scarification and gibberellic acid on breaking dormancy of rose seeds. Seed Res. 2004, 32, 105–107.
  30. Svejda, F.J.; Poapst, P.A. Effects of different after-ripening treatments on germination and endogenous growth inhibitors in Rosa rugosa. Can. J. Plant Sci 1972, 52, 1049–1058.
  31. Gudin, S. Breeding/Overview. In Encyclopedia of Rose Science; Roberts, A., Debener, T., Gudin, S., Eds.; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Academic Press: Oxford, UK, 2003.
  32. Stewart, R.N.; Semeniuk, P. The effect of the interaction of temperature with after-ripening requirement and compensating temperature on germination of seed of five species of Rosa. Am. J. Bot. 1965, 52, 755–760.
  33. Semeniuk, P.; Stewart, R.N. Effect of temperature and duration of after-ripening period on germination of Rosa nutkana seeds. Proc. Am. Soc. Hortic. Sci. 1966, 89, 689.
  34. Baskin, C.C.; Baskin, J.M. Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and, Evolution of Dormancy and Germination; Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1998.
  35. Baskin, J.M.; Baskin, C.C. A classification system for seed dormancy. Seed Sci. Res. 2004, 14, 1–6.
  36. Zhou, Z.Q.; Bao, W.K.; Wu, N. Dormancy and germination in Rosa multibracteata Hemsl. EH Wilson. Sci. Hortic. 2009, 119, 434–441.
More
© Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
This entry is offline, you can click here to edit this entry!
Video Production Service
Feedback