title: Effect of pre-germination treatments on seed physiology and germination of central Himalayan oaks?
abstract: The continuous decline in regeneration of two important species of central Himalayan oak, namely Quercus glauca and Q. leucotrichophora, is of great concern. A study was therefore, carried out to improve germination ability of these species using various presoaking treatments. Seeds of both the species lost viability following storage; tetrazolium staining pattern and germination capacity of seeds following different period of storage at 4 °C and 20 °C indicated retainment of viability for a period of 12 months at 4 °C. Of the various physical, chemical and plant growth regulator treatments examined to improve seed germination, only KNO3 1.0 % was found to be effective. Seeds scarified at the chalazal end exhibited significant improvement in germination in both the species (94.4 % compared to 56.7 % in control in Q. glauca and 82.7 % compared to 64.0 % in control in Q. leucotrichophora). The results of this study impart simple methods to improve seed germination for developing nurseries for commercial purposes.
authors.affiliation: G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi, Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand 263 643 India ; High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246 174 India.
authors.forename: Vijay K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Purohit
authors.forename: L M S
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Palni
authors.forename: Shyamal K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Nandi
keywords: Central Himalayan oaks; Germination; Presoaking treatments; Q. leucotrichophora; Quercus glauca; Seeds