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

• Published in: Plant species biology 2015-10, Vol.30 (4), p.291-296
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Duc Quang, Phan, Thi Phuong Hoa, Dao, Van Tan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: conservation; ex situ; Fokienia hodginsii; germination; seeds; Vietnam
• ISSN: 0913-557X; 1442-1984
• DOI: 10.1111/1442-1984.12062

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 T50 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°C water was 12.95 ± 1.24 seeds/replicate. Fresh seeds treated with 50°C and 70°C water had a significantly lower mean germination compared with untreated seeds and seeds treated in 60°C water. Mean T50 was lowest in seeds treated with 60°C water. Effects of storage time and pretreatment conditions on seed germination of the threatened conifer species Fokienia hodginsii were studied. Our results are useful for the future conservation of this species.