Ahmad Ismaili , Hamid Reza Eisvand , Abdollhosein Rezaeinejad , Kamran Sameey , Seyed Mahmod Zabeti ,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (7-2012)
Abstract
Background : Myrtle is a shrub and has a many applications in medicinal industries. Although the myrtle can reproduce by cutting, its reproduction by seed will bring more advantages such as economic advantages and better regeneration in nature or agriculture. Regarding to the difficult seed germination of this plant and also the need for extension the cultivation, this study was conducted for determination of germination inhibitor factors.
Materials and Methods: Mechanical scarifying (by sand paper) and chemical scarifying (by immerging the seeds in 98% sulfuric acid for 2 and 4 minutes and then 3 times rising in distilled water) were used against hardseeness (physical dormancy). Cold treatments (1 and 2 months) were used for physiological dormancy. All mentioned experiments were conducted based on randomized complete design with 3 replications.
Results: Study of healthy seeds showed the existence of a dual dormancy including mainly hardseedness (76%) and physiological dormancy in a part. Percent of seedling establishment was higher in mechanical treatment in compare of chemical ones and acid treatments also had some adverse effects on seedling establishment and increased the abnormality (especially on roots and vigor).
Conclusion: Separating the blank seeds and mechanical scarifying are the suggesting treatments to produce high seed germination and good establishment of seedling.
