The response characteristics of germination of Prunus mongolica seed to soil moisture and sowing depth in the arid and semi-arid regions

The seed germination rate of Prunus mongolica is up to 96%-98% when soil moisture content varies in between 4%-16%,without significant difference( P 0. 05); when soil moisture content in between 4%-13%,germination index,vigor index,days of average emergence are significantly higher than that of 16%( P 0.01),and the most suitable soil moisture for the seed germination is from 4% to 13%; with increase of soil moisture,the height of seedling will increase,but the root shoot ratio and the sound seedling index will decrease,root length,seedling growth and dry matter accumulation will increase first and then decrease; the most suitable soil moisture content for seedling growth is 7%-16%; seedling drought resistance can be improved by lower soil moisture and be good for nurturing seedlings; with increasing of sowing depth,germination rate will decrease and the average days of emergence will increase and the rate of mergence will slow down; the most suitable sowing depth is 0 to 1 cm for ensuring full stand and 1-3 cm for sound seedling. The germinated seedling is dicotyledonous seedling of hypogeal germination.