Changes in phenolic acids and abscisic acid in sugar pine seed coats during stratification

The phenolic acids and abscisic acid (ABA) of sugar pine ( Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) seeds coats, separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography, were analyzed during 90 days stratification of the seeds. Although levels of seed coat phenolic acids and ABA declined significantly during, stratification, this decrease did not appear to be responsible for the loss of dormancy due to stratification. Lack of improved germination following washing, cracking, or removal of the seed coats, plus additional evidence, did not support a significant role for the seed coat in the dormancy of sugar pine seeds.