Effect of Storage Conditions and Seed Treatment on Germination of Cedrus deodara L OUD. and C. libani A. RICH.

The seeds of Cedrus deodara and C. libani species were stored during the winter at various temperatures. The storage of the seeds (with initial moisture contents of 19.3% and 18.7% respectively) was made in airtight PVC boxes at temperatures of +5°C, ‐10°C and ‐20°C, as well as in a basement at fluctuating temperatures of +10°C/20°C. Cones were also stored during the winter in a basement inside common linen sacks. The following spring, the effect of the storage temperatures as well as the effect of the seed treatment (cold stratification and soaking in water) on germination percentage and germination value were investigated. Storage in airtight boxes and at temperatures range +5°C to ‐10°C, were effective short-term storage methods for both of the species. It must be pointed out that during storage, the seeds became dormant that was successfully broken by cold stratification at +5°C±1°C for 15 days. The common storage conditions (10°C/20°C) as well as temperatures lower than ‐10°C had a negative effect on germination of both species. The cone storage of C. libani during the winter in the basement was the best method of wintering, because the seeds did not become dormant. On the contrary, cone storage of C. deodara in the basement (10°C/20°C) during winter is not recommended. The soaking of the seeds in water for 3 hours and the cold stratification at +5°C±1°C for 15 or 30 days resulted in a higher seed germination value.