Evaluating seed treatment combinations to overcome dormancy in Humulus lupulus
Abstract
Hop seeds require a period of cold stratification to overcome dormancy and can experience inconsistent germination. Previous research has demonstrated chemical methods to enable germination without stratification, albeit at lower germination rates. A trial tested combinations of chemical treatments (gibberellic acid [GA], liquid smoke, and water), physical scarification (120-grit sandpaper, 220-grit sandpaper, or none), and stratification duration (0, 3, or 6 weeks) on hop seed. Additional trials compared treatment efficacy between H. l. var. lupulus and H. l. var. neomexicanus, and optimal GA dosage for germination without stratification. A minimum dosage of 750 ppm gibberellic acid is recommended for both tested hop varieties with or without stratification.