Effect of different treatments on breaking seed dormancy and stimulate germination in dragonhead (Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss)

The most of medicinal plants seeds have dormancy under normal conditions, therefore, it is necessary to know the affective factors on seed dormancy and creation optimal conditions for their germination to extensive cultivation of medicinal plants. Dracocephalum kotschyi is an important Iranian endemic herbs which is extinting in the Lamiaceae family. This research was conducted in order to find the most effective treatment to break seed dormancy, which is one of the major problems cultivation on a large scale and rehabilitation in the natural areas. Experimental treatments including of scarification with sand paper, 95% sulfuric acid in 3 and 6 min and their combination, gibberellic acid (125, 250 and 500 μg ml-1), nitrate potassium (% 0.2 and %0.4 in 2 times) and also for moist chilling was at (5°C for 24, 48 and 72 hours) as compare to control (watering in 24 and 48 hours). The experiment was done base on the completely randomized design (CRD). The obtained results indicated that, there was a significant difference (p-value< 0.01) between in treatments of scarification with sand paper and 95% sulfuric acid on germination percentage, germination rate, vigor index, fresh and dry weight of the plumule and radicle. The results showed that sulphuric acid treatment in 3 minutes increased significantly seed germination as compare to control and other treatments. Obtained results represents that the presence of seed hard shell and high mucilage is a physical barrier and acts as a limiting factor in the germination of dragonhead by preventing the spread of embryos or by limiting the absorption of water and gas exchange. So, application of some treatments like scarification and hormonal treatment such as gibberellin could be improved the germination of dragonhead.