Can any of you more experienced hybridizers comment on seed size? Is there any correlation between the size of seeds growing in the same hip and the size and/or vigor of the seedlings? Just curious, since there is often quite a variation in the seed sizes I see in the open-pollinated hips I have harvested.
Marcia
Once I separated the seeds from a cross into two batches, large seeds and small seeds. Both batches germinated well, but the smaller seeds started germinating first, perhaps because the pericarps were thinner on the smaller seeds.
I had the same experience with op rugosa seeds.
Thanks for the information. I might try separating my seeds into two groups if I manage to get that organized.
I did a quick search on seed size and vigor and found that in some grains the size of the seed did make a difference in the vigor and productivity of the plant. Such research may not transfer to roses, however.
Marcia
My brother and I have been hybridizing for several years now and we find no correlation between seed size and germination rate. In my personal experience I will say that seeds from some seed parents tend to produce a higher germination rate than others regardless of seed size. I have noticed no difference in vigor based on seed size. I hope this information helps Marcia.