Effect of various treatments on seed germination of three native hawthorn of Iran (Crataegus babakhanloui,, C. persica, C. assadii)

Crataegus from Rosaceae family is a tree that has medical and ornamental applications. Seeds of this genus have germination problem. There are limited data about germination of different species. Therefore, study on germination of three native species of Iran C. persica, C. assadii and C. babakhanloui is conducted and the best and most effective treatment is determined. To evaluate the germination and breaking seed dormancy of three species, an experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design with twenty two treatment and three replications. Seeds were imposed under physical and chemical stimulator treatment¡ including, scarification and warmth followed by cold stratification, giberlic acid, kno3 & Sulfuric acid. Results indicated that in all treatments scarification is effective for permeability to water of seed coat and breakage of seed dormancy. The highest percentages of germination are in treatments 'sowing the seeds outdoors at the beginning of summer" and 'running water followed by warmth and cold stratification'.