Seed germination criteria and seedling characteristics of Magnolia grandiflora L. trees after cold stratification treatments

A B S T R A C T The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of cold stratification on seed germination and seedling growth of Magnolia grandiflora L. Seeds were subjected to 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days cold stratification at 5 C. After each stratification period, seeds were putted in polyethylene bags under saran greenhouse till the germination ceased. During germination stage, Imbibitions period (IP), total germination period (TGP), germination percentage (G %), germination index (GI), germination value (GV), mean germination time (MGT) and the speed of emergence (SE) were recoded. At the end of the experiment root main length, lateral root number and root fresh weight, shoot height, seedling total length, vigor index, shoot fresh weight and leaves area were measured. Results obtained clearly indicate that increasing cold stratification period enhanced germination parameters as well as seedling characteristics. The most effective stratification period was 90 days of cold stratification followed, in most cases, by 120 days cold stratification treatment. In order to enhance seed germination and seedling growth of Magnolia grandiflora, treating seeds with 90 or 120 days of cold stratification was recommended.