Methods for Improving capar (Capparis spinosa L.) seed germination

Capparis spinosa plays an important role in the ecosystem dynamics of arid and semi-arid regions. The development of cultivation of this plant requires optimal conditions to produce seedlings in simple, practical and inexpensive ways. Low germination percentage is one of the most important barriers to the mass production of Capparis spinosa. In this study, the best strategies for increasing seed germination were investigated using inexpensive and simple scientific methods. For this purpose, after seed collection from local accessions of different areas in Bushehr province, seed preparation treatments were applied for germination. The treatments included scarification with sandpaper, potassium nitrate, hot water, and concentrated sulfuric acid, compared to the control. Seed germination was done by Petri dish in incubator and culture tray in greenhouse. The results showed that potassium nitrate treatment caused the highest germination percentage in Talheh local accession (86.7%) by culture tray method, which showed more than 41% increase compared to control. The highest germination was obtained to be 68.3% in the scarification with sandpaper in the Konari local accession. The germination rate in potassium nitrate treatment in both tray and Petri dish treatments increased significantly compared to other methods. In addition, application of concentrated sulfuric acid and hot water decreased germination percentage and rate compared to the control. Therefore, potassium nitrate solution was the best treatment for increasing the seed germination of the study species.