EFFECT OF PRE-SOWING TREATMENTS ON SEED GERMINATION OF P. eurycarpa AND P. khinjuk – KURDISTAN REGION

Abstract

In the new global economic botany, seed germination ecology has become a central issue for increasing the number of the edible plants both in natural forest, cultivated field and nurseries. In this context, there has recently been an increasing amount of literature on the important economical value of Pistachio tree species for human livelihood activities and developments. In Kurdistan Region as a part of Zagrosian area and from ethnobotanical standpoint, Pistachio tree species are considered as an important natural resource of income to rural Kurdish people. Nevertheless, the farmers are often confronted to the difficulties of the seed germination of Pistachio tree species and the debate continues about the best pre-treatment for improving their propagation. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to analyze the effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination of two wild Pistachio tree species (Pistacia eurycarpa and Pistacia khinjuk) in Kurdistan Region. These pre-sowing treatments include hot water (for 5, 10 and 15 minutes), sulphuric acid scarification (for 5, 10 and 15 minutes), water soaking (for 1, 2 and 3 days), fruit (seed with exocarp) and untreated seeds (control). The results showed that the best seed germination (35%) was obtained from soaking in chemical scarification for 10 minutes for both pistachio species. While low germination rate (1%) achieved from fruits with exocarp for P. khinjuk with only 1%. On the other hand, the best seed germination for P. eurocarpa was obtained from soaking seeds in H2SO4 for 5 and 10 minutes (as 36%, 42% respectively). Meantime low germination rate was achieved from soaking seed in water for 2 and 3 days as 8% and 6% respectively. This research has been done to provide an alternative method for increasing the cultivation of (Pistacia eurycarpa and Pistacia khinjuk) seed germination in Kurdistan Region. Therefore, this study will serve as a base for future studies and investigations in issue of economic botany and improvement of the rural Kurdish livelihood activities.