Effect of cold stratification and dry storage at room temperature on seed germination of four herbaceous species of Zygophyllaceae
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DOI:10.7606/j.issn.1000-7601.2011.04.10
Key Words: Zygophyllaceae  cold stratification  dry storage at room temperature  seed germination  dormancy
Author NameAffiliation
ZHENG Xiufang Institute of Ecology, Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, China 
CHEN Wen Institute of Ecology, Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, China 
WANG Juhong Institute of Ecology, Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, China 
PENG Yujiao School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, China 
ZHANG Yong Institute of Ecology, Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu 734000, China 
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Abstract:
      Germination responses of Peganum nigellastrum, P. harmala, Zygophyllum fabago and Z. mucronatum seeds from Hexi Corridor were examined following storage in the cold room during winter (-5℃, moist), in a refrigerator (4℃, moist) for 65 days, and at room temperature (20°C) for 6 months. The germination percentages of seeds of Z. fabago stored in the cold room during winter and in the refrigerator were 74.5% and 64%, respectively, whereas those stored dry at room temperature 27%, and those non-stored 12%. Seeds of P. harmala stored in the cold room during winter germinated at a higher percentage (70.5%) than those stored in the refrigerator (27%) and those stored dry at room temperature (12%). Seed of P. nigellastrum stored dry at room temperature germinated at a higher percentage (98%) than those stored in the cold room during winter (65%), in the refrigerator (56%) and non stored (8%). Storage conditions had no significant effect on the germination of Z. mucronatum seeds, and the maximum germination under any storage treatment was less than 10%. Thus, cold stratification (-5℃ and 4℃) can be an efficient method to break dormancy of P. nigellastrum, P. harmala, Z. fabago seeds, and dry storage at room temperature can improve greatly seed germination of P. nigellastrum, but not that of Z. mucronatum.