Modeling of Seed Germination of Platycladus orientalis in Response to The Interaction of Temperature and Water Potential

Accessing to the data that could increase our knowledge associated with the response of seed to moisture content and temperature, is very important on exact time of planting decisions making. In this study Hydro-thermal-time modeling of Platycladus orientalis germination, one of the most planted trees in Iran forests, by applying 5 levels of water stress (0.-0.5, -1, -1.5, -2 MPa) and temperature treatments (10, 15, 20, 25, ° C) was performed. The results showed that the optimum temperature (To) for germination is 23.12° C and basic temperature (Tb) for germination is 8.18 ° C. Meanwhile amount of the hydrotime constant (θH) for this species is 0.45. The outcomes indicated that the reduction in water potential and temperature germination is linearly reduced. Interaction of temperature and water potential factors affected significantly on time and percent germination value. A Hydro-thermal-time model was introduced for Platycladus orientalis L. in which its constant value was 105.1 MPa°C.d.