Effects of gibberellic acid and cold stratification on seed dormancy and seed germination on seeds with and without coat of Cerasus mahaleb (L.) Mill

Cerasus mahaleb is one of the important species of Rosaceae family in Zagros forests. It is used as root stock for sour and sweet cherries. It is also used for gardens decoration. Environmental effects of Cerasus mahaleb is erosion control and shelter pattern. Cerasus mahaleb has long term dormancy. Therefore, removing the dormancy of the species seeds by laboratory methods, would increase its germination rate which is an effective method of improving its establishment and reclamation. Seed collection was performed at Galal site of Paveh, located north-west of Kermanshah, Iran, on 1200-1300 altitude by a random method. The experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 24 replications. Treatments were: control, GA3 in 200, 500, and 1000 ppm concentrations on seeds with and without coat. Results showed that there were significant differences among concentrations of GA3 on seeds with and without coat. Also the results showed that maximum germination happened on seeds without coat in 1000 ppm and minimum germination happened on control, 200, 500 and 1000 ppm on seeds with coat. Maximum germination speed was observed on seeds without coat and maximum germination duration was observed on seeds with coat.