Abstract
We studied the effects of cold stratification, light, temperature, pericarp, storage, and burial depth on germination of Glehnia littoralis seeds, and temperature requirements for embryo growth. Radicles emerged from fewer than 2% of fresh seeds regardless of light condition or temperature. After cold stratification, radicles emerged from about 50% of seeds at 10-20℃, more so in the light than in the dark. Seeds stored dry at 5℃ for 12 months retained their germination ability. The pericarp had no effect on radicle emergence. Shoots emerged from about 60% of seeds sown at a depth of 2 or 5 cm. At a depth of 15 cm, shoots emerged from 16% of seeds, 40% of seeds rotted, and 70% of the remaining non-germinated seeds retained the ability to germinate. Embryo length at seed dispersal was 13% of that just before radicle emergence. Embryos grew in spring after snow melt, when temperatures were still relatively cool, then radicles and shoots emerged. These results indicate that seeds of G. littoralis have intermediate complex morphophysiological dormancy. When seeds are sown or seedlings are raised with the aim of restoring populations, the pericarp does not need to be removed, but seeds need cold stratification and should be buried at about 5 cm for optimum germination.
