Effect of storage time and pretreatment on seed germination of the threatened coniferous species Fokienia hodginsii

摘要

We report the effects of storage time and pretreatment on seed germination of Fokienia hodginsii. Lower mean germination was observed in seeds stored for 2 years (6.41 +/- 1.23 seeds/replicate) compared with those stored for 1 year (8.52 +/- 1.06 seeds/replicate). Seeds collected from a southern location had statistically higher mean germination (9.67 +/- 1.28 seeds/replicate) than those collected from a northern location (7.99 +/- 1.36 seeds/replicate). Higher mean T-50 was observed in seeds stored for 2 years (37.02 +/- 4.43 days) compared with those stored for 1 year (30.69 +/- 5.06 days). Mean germination of untreated fresh seeds was 9.97 +/- 1.34 seeds/replicate and that of treated fresh seeds in 60 degrees C water was 12.95 +/- 1.24 seeds/replicate. Fresh seeds treated with 50 degrees C and 70 degrees C water had a significantly lower mean germination compared with untreated seeds and seeds treated in 60 degrees C water. Mean T-50 was lowest in seeds treated with 60 degrees C water.