Effect of different stratification durations on increased germination of Allium ursinum seeds

Abstract

In this study, the optimal stratification duration of wild garlic (Allium ursinum) seeds was examined, in order to shorten the period of physiological dormancy. Collected, cleaned and dried seeds were subjected to the stratification method. Apart of the gathered seeds was placed in Petri dishes on dry filter paper, while the remaining fraction was placed in Petri dishes on wet filter paper. The previously mentioned seed placement had undergone treatments during the stratification period of 0, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 weeks. Each treatment contained four repetitions of hundred seeds respectively. Seeds in Petri dishes on dry filter paper had a higher percentage of germination (52%) in contrast to others, placed in Petri dishes on wet filter paper (31%). During the stratification period of 12 weeks, the highest percentage of germinated seeds was attained, as well as the shortest length of the average germination time, along with the highest synchronicity.