This study was conducted to determine the dormancy types and optimal germination conditions of Prunus mandshurica seeds. The pericarp of P. mandshurica seeds was presumed to be the reason for their poor water absorption. After the pericarp was removed...
This study was conducted to determine the dormancy types and optimal germination conditions of Prunus mandshurica seeds. The pericarp of P. mandshurica seeds was presumed to be the reason for their poor water absorption. After the pericarp was removed with a razor blade, germination was observed to be less than 20.0% at all temperatures except at 5℃, suggesting the presence of physiological dormancy. Germination gradually increased at 5℃ after the removal of seed coat, reaching a final germination rate of 86.7% at 14 weeks of incubation. Based on these results, P. mandshurica seeds have a physiological dormancy. When seeds with removed pericarp were subjected to cold stratification, the germination percentage (rate) in the control group was low even at 16 weeks; however, the germination percentages in the 4, 8, and 12-week cold stratification groups were notably high with 93.3, 73.3, and 100.0%, respectively. The control group in the GA3 treatment experiment with seed coats removed showed minimal germination, but at 10 weeks, the germination percentage rose to 98.3% when treated with GA<sub>3</sub> at 100 mg/L. Thus, it is necessary to scarify or completely remove the pericarp of P. mandshurica seeds to promote germination. After pericarp removal, it is important to subject the seeds to cold stratification at 5°C for at least 4 weeks or treat them with GA<sub>3</sub> at 100 mg/L.