Seed morphogenesis and effect of pretreatments on seed germination of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.), an endangered medicinal plant

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate seed morphogenesis and effect of pretreatments on seed germination of Persian shallot or mooseer (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.). In a first experiment, seed developmental stages of Persian shallot (Mooseer) were assessed. Results showed that number of ovules varied among locules and flowers. In most cases 3-4 ovules occurred per locule and developed into 1-2 seeds and therefore, a ripe capsule usually contained 3-6 seeds. The seeds were black in color and ranged from 3.73-3.98 mm in length and 2.75-3.16 mm in width, and the average weight of 1,000 seeds varied between 7.80-8.20 grams. In a second experiment four factors, scarification, stratification, potassium nitrate, and GA3, were evaluated for seed germination. Results showed that seed germination was not observed without sandpaper scarification or stratification treatment. It could be concluded that the best treatment for overcoming mooseer seed dormancy and getting the longest seedling length was scarification with sandpaper, GA3 (500 mgX L -1 for 12 hours) application, and moist stratification. The results obtained in the present study revealed that mooseer seed has mechanical dormancy and only cold stratification is needed for endosperm weakening.