In vitro germination to overcome dormancy in seeds of ‘Red Globe’, ‘Italia’ and ‘Niagara Rosada’ grapes

Abstract Dormancy in grape seeds slows the progress of many breeding programs of the crop, culminating in low uniformity and low germination percentages. Conventional methods used to overcome dormancy are time-consuming. Thus, in vitro seed germination emerges as a promising alternative to ensure the germination of grape seeds. In this study, we examined the in vitro germination and vigor of seedlings originating from seeds of ‘Red Globe’, ‘Italia’ and ‘Niagara Rosada’ grapes in growth media supplemented with five concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) (0, 1.41, 2.83, 4.24 and 5.66 µmol L-1) for 47 days. The use of GA3 increased seed germination percentage and seedling vigor, in the three varieties. Therefore, for the in vitro germination of seeds of ‘Red Globe’ can be used between 1.41 to 4.24 µmol L-1 of GA3. For ‘Italia’ grapes is indicated 1.41 µmol L-1 from GA3 and for ‘Niagara Rosada’ grape is as between 1.41 to 5.66 µmol L-1 from GA3 can be used.