Effect of stratification and scarification treatments on the germination of oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) seeds

Summary Carpinus orientalis is a common species in the semi-mountainous regions of Greece and elsewhere, with significant value for goat nutrition and as a natural flame retardant. Little is known about the germination behaviour of the species. This study describes the effects of various germination treatments on the germination of fresh C. orientalis seeds which were found to have a non-deep physiological dormancy imposed both by the endosperm and the embryo. Different levels of cold and warm stratification were applied, alone and in combination with chemical and mechanical scarification treatments. In addition, an excised embryo test was conducted. Cold stratification for three months at 5°C was found to be adequate to release dormancy and allow germination of almost all viable seeds. Acid scarification reduced germination without damaging the embryo, while mechanical scarification was lethal. Experimental and discussion