Effects of various seed treatments on the hypogeal germination of immature seeds in Lilium japonicum Thunb

Methods of promoting the germination of immature seeds in Lilium japonicurn Thunb. at various stages of their development were investigated. 1. Although seeds and embryos reached their final sizes 2 months after pollination, they were immature but 80% of them germinated one month later. 2. The germination rate of immature seeds, harvested 3 months after pollination, then exposed to 30degC for 50 days, and then cooled to 15degC for 30 days were unaffected, whereas it increased one month later. 3. The germination rate of immature seeds, 3 months after pollination, improved significantly after 1) removing the seed coat ; 2) scarification ; 3) soaking in NaOH ; and 4) treatment with NaClO.