Variations in seed germination of Hippophae salicifolia with different presoaking treatments

Mature seeds of H. salicifolia, collected from five provenances (i.e. Hanuman Chatti, Helang, Lata, Rambara and Janggal Chatti) in west Himalaya, India, were treated with stratification (at 4°C for 15, 30 and 60 days) and in different concentrations of GA3 (5, 10, 20 mM), KNO3 (50, 100, 200 mM) and Thiourea (50, 100, 200 mM) solution to determine the variations in seed germination. Results reveal that the germination rates of seeds from different provenances under different pre-sowing treatments are significantly increased compared to those in control (24%-30%). The seeds treated with Thiourea (100 mM) have highest germination rate (76%-83% for different seed sources), followed by those (63%-71% for different seed sources) pretreated with stratification (4°C, 30 days). GA3 treatment significantly shortens the mean germination time (MGT) and improves seed germination percentage. Considering the practical applicability and cost effectiveness, thiourea (100 mM) and stratification (at 4°C) treatments for seed germination are recommended for mass multiplication through seeds of H. salicifolia in village/forest nurseries of the west Himalaya, India. © 2009 Northeast Forestry University and Springer-Verlag GmbH.