| In the present study, the biological characteristics of seed germination were investigated for five typical populations of Juniperus rigida growing in different regions of the Loess Plateau, and their relation with climatic and soil factors were studied. The results showed significant difference in seed size among the five regions, with Wuchuan being the smallest with respect to seed length (6.83 mm), width (3.56 mm), and seed weight (25.89 g). Seed length and ratio of length/width decreased as latitude and soil total phosphorus content increased. Seed weight increased with increased mean temperature in January and July, but decreased with increased organic matter, available phosphorus and total nitrogen of soil. There was a significantly negative correlation between germination and seed size. Seed germination differed among regions, with Wuchuan region being the fastest and highest whereas Fugu the slowest and lowest. Germination rate, germination energy and germination index increased with latitude. Additionally, Wuchuan and Hunyuan are suitable for growing Juniperus rigida. |