Beneficial effects of cold-moist stratification on seed germination behaviors of Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of GA₃, moist-chilling and temperature on seed germination of Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana from five different provenances. Seeds were soaked in GA₃ (10 mg·L⁻¹) for 24 h, then chilled at 3–5°C for 15 days. Four temperature regimes viz. 10°C, 15°C, 20°C and 25°C were used for stimulating seed germination. Results showed that soaking and chilling significantly increased germination percentage. The germination percentage was highest at 10°C. Overall results showed that soaking seeds in GA₃ (10 mg·L⁻¹) for 24 h, moist chilling for 15 days, and germinating at 10°C produced an effective germination in both the species studied. The statistical analysis of the data proclaimed significant effect of treatment, temperature, provenance and treatment with temperature interactions on seed germination.

Keywords

stratification / provenance / seed germination / GA₃ / silver fir / spruce

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