Overcoming seed dormancy and improving germination characteristics in Acer monspessulanum sub turcomanicum

This research aims at finding the best treatment for seed dormancy breaking, improvement of germination and vegetative characteristics of Acer monspessulanum sub turcomanicum. Seeds were collected from Siah Marz Kouh, 18 kilometers from south east of Gorgan city, Golestan province and were treated under cold stratification for 2, 4 and 6 months as well as gibberllic acid (250 and 500 ppm), fungicide (Dyphno Conazol) and pesticide (Imida Cloride). Germination characteristics including germination percent, germination capacity, germination energy, germination value, germination speed, vigor index and vegetative characteristics including root length, shoot length and plant biomass were also measured. Results showed that the seeds need six-month stratification for seed dormancy breaking. Gibberellic acid at 250 ppm concentration increases the germination characteristics after this period. Four-month stratification had no effect even for seeds treated with gibberellic acid that is usually applied to shorten the stratification period.