Response of Endogenous Hormones in Radix Glehniae Seeds to Stratification and Their Relationship with Seed Germination

Abstract This study examines the fluctuations in endogenous hormone levels of Radix Glehniae and their relationship to low-temperature stratification and seed germination. Seeds were germinated with weekly sampling, and endogenous hormone levels (GA3, IAA, ABA, CTK, ETH, Br) were measured using ELISA. Results demonstrated that a six week low-temperature stratification alleviated seed dormancy and improved germination rates. Hormone levels of GA3, IAA, CTK, and Br showed varying trends, while ETH levels increased and decreased, and ABA levels initially rose and then fell. Ratios of GA3/ABA, IAA/ABA, CTK/ABA, ETH/ABA, and Br/ABA peaked after germination. A positive correlation was found between seed germination rates and GA3, IAA, CTK, ETH, Br levels, and various hormone ratios, while a negative correlation was observed with ABA levels. In conclusion, a six-week low-temperature stratification effectively reduces seed dormancy and enhances germination rates. Additionally, ABA levels decrease, and GA3, IAA, CTK, and Br levels increase, promoting germination. Higher hormone ratios help break seed dormancy and improve germination rates.