EFFECTS OF COLD STRATIFICATION AND H2SO4 PRETREATMENTS ON GERMINATION OF CHRIST'S THORN (Paliurus spina-christii Miller) SEEDS

This study was conducted to determine methods to overcome seed dormancy in Paliurus spina-christii Miller. The methods applied to remove seed dormancy were submersion in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) (40, 80 or 120 min.) and cold stratification (20, 40 or 60 days). Sowing was carried out in polyethylene pots in a greenhouse and on seedbeds in outdoor conditions. Statistical design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Observations are conducted periodically for 90 days following sowing to determine germination percentage and germination rates. By counting the seedlings at the end of the vegetation period the number of survival rate of seedling was determined for each methods. The methods that yielded the best germination for P. spina-christii are; 40 and 80 min. soaking in H2SO4 in greenhouse conditions. Keywords: Artvin, Paliurus spina-christii Miller, Seed dormancy.