Enhancing the germination of seeds and the seedling growth and development of Pistacia khinjuk stocks via a seed dormancy breaking method

Abstract

The behaviour of individuals with adaptations that will ensure survival is of critical importance for the continuation  of species during periods when environmental factors reach challenging levels for living beings. In seed plants, this behaviour is achieved through dormancy, in which vital functions are reduced to a minimum. Seed dormancy is not germinating of seeds despite favorable  environmental conditions due to internal and external factors. The impermeable and hard seed coat prevents or delays germination in wild Pistacia seeds, causing problems in the production of rootstocks in the desired numbers. In the present study, dormancy-breaking methods including treatment with sulfuric acid, Gibberellic acid (GA3), 6-Furfurylaminopurine (kinetin), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and their combination, were tested on P. khinjuk seeds stored at 4°C and 25°C for 6 months after harvest. The seeds were then allowed to germinate for 45 days in sand-filled seedling trays. The germinated seeds were transferred to pots, and the contents of dry and fresh weight, total soluble sugar and protein, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid of the seedlings were measured after 28 days of the growth and development. It was found that the highest germination rate, dry and fresh weight, total soluble sugar and protein and chlorophyll a,b contents were obtained from seeds that treated with scarification+GA3+BAP and stored at 25°C for 6 months.