Study on dormancy breakage and germination in three species of Hawthorn (Crataegus aminii, C. persica and C. babakhanloui)

Crataegus from Rosaceae family is a tree that has medical and ornamental applications. Seeds of this genus have germination problem and may not germinate for 2 to 3 years. There are limited information about germination of different species. Therefore, study on germination of three native species of Iran, Crataegus aminii, C. persica and C. babakhanloui is conducted and the most effective treatment was determined. To evaluate the germination and breaking seed dormancy of three species, an experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design with four treatments and three replications. Seeds were imposed under physical stimulator treatment, including, scarification and warmth followed by cold stratification. Results indicated that in all treatments, scarification is effective for permeability to water of seed coat and breakage of seed dormancy. Germination rate in treatment 4 (impose to running water for 24h, then 3 month warmth, followed by 4.5 month cold stratification) had the highest rate. The highest percentage of germination and vigor were in treatment 3 (sowing the seeds outdoors at the beginning of summer). The number of the seeds that have embryo in each fruit is determined. More than 80% of fruits have only one embryo.