Growth regulators and propagation of Himalayan wild cherry: the strategic role of gibberellic acid

Propagation efficiency in species of the genus Prunus is crucial for rootstock improvement and the sustainability of fruit production systems; however, it is often constrained by complex seed dormancy, particularly in wild species. In this context, a recent study focused on Prunus cerasoides, a Himalayan wild cherry of ecological and agronomic interest, whose potential as a rootstock is limited by insufficient knowledge of germination mechanisms and optimization techniques.

The study, conducted at the Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry in India, investigated the effects of two plant growth regulators: gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), applied at different concentrations to mechanically scarified seeds.

The results show that GA3 plays a decisive role in improving both the speed and percentage of germination. In particular, the 150 ppm concentration proved optimal, enabling early germination in approximately 10.7 days and achieving a germination rate of 75.33%, markedly higher than the control, which reached only about 31.66% with more than double the emergence time.

This effect is attributed to the role of GA3 in stimulating hydrolytic enzymes such as α-amylase, which promote the mobilization of starch reserves and support embryonic growth, as well as its ability to reduce the mechanical constraints imposed by the endocarp.

Seedling vigor

Beyond germination, GA3 treatment also had significant effects on seedling vigor. Plants obtained with 150 ppm GA3 showed greater height (up to 7.95 cm at 60 days), an increased number of leaves, and overall improved development compared to both the control and IBA treatments. These findings suggest a combined effect of GA3 on cell division and elongation, as well as on hormonal balance regulation.

Moreover, treatment with GA3 at 150 ppm influenced mineral content, leading to a significant increase in leaf nitrogen (1.90%), phosphorus (1.23%), and potassium (1.10%), along with an improved C/N ratio. These results indicate enhanced nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency, likely associated with a more developed root system and higher metabolic activity. Improved nutritional status directly translates into higher-quality seedlings, a key factor for the production of uniform and high-performing rootstocks.

Growth regulators

In contrast, IBA, although well known for its role in root induction, showed less pronounced effects on both germination and early growth, confirming that its application at this stage is less effective than GA3. This highlights the importance of selecting appropriate growth regulators according to the phenological stage and agronomic objectives.

Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating mechanical scarification with growth regulator treatments is an effective strategy to overcome seed dormancy in Prunus cerasoides. The application of GA3 at 150 ppm emerges as a promising practice to accelerate germination, enhance seedling vigor, and optimize nutritional status, thereby contributing to the development of more efficient and reliable propagation protocols.

These findings have important implications not only for the valorization of Himalayan wild cherry but also for improving rootstock production, within a broader framework of innovation and sustainability in the cherry production chain.

Source: Chandra, N., Mani, G., Negi, M., & Purvika. (2026). Effect of plant growth regulators on seed germination of mechanically scarified seeds of Himalayan wild Cherry (Prunus cerasoides d. Don). Vegetos, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-026-01626-6 

Image source: Diy13 Getty Images

Andrea Giovannini
PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science and Technology - Arboriculture and Fruitculture, University of Bologna, IT

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