GERMINATION OF STRATIFIED SEEDS AND EMERGENCE OF NON-STRATIFIED SEEDS AND FRUITS OF VIBURNUM LANTANA, EUONYMUS EUROPAEUS AND STAPHYLEA PINNATA

This paper presents results of experiments lasting over 3 years (2006 - 2008) to determine the best stratifi cation conditions for overcoming dormancy in the seeds of the wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana), European euonymus (Euonymus europaeus) and European bladdernut (Staphylea pinnata). The experiments compared the effects of different pre-sowing treatments (stratifi cation) on seed germination, specifically different combinations of duration and temperature of warm (10, 15, 20 or 30 degrees C depending on species) and cold (4 degrees C) stratifi cation periods. Total period of stratifi cation ranged from 3 to 6.5 months. The effect of seed soaking in detergent (in 10 ml/l solution for 3 days at 4 degrees C) and removing of the fleshy pulp (aril) before stratifi cation on germination or seedling emergence of Euonymus seeds were also investigated. Germination of stratified seeds sown in spring was compared to field emergence of non-stratified seeds or fruits sown immediately after summer or autumn collection.