Stratification of Abiesamabilis seeds

Abstract

Various factors were examined to determine how they affected germination of stratified Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forbes seeds sown in the laboratory and in the nursery. Seed vigour, chilling method, seed source, collection year, and germination temperature were all found to have significant interactions with stratification. Low vigour seeds were adversely affected by extended stratification and deteriorated during storage at 2 °C. The stratification–redry technique generally increased germination relative to other stratification methods, but the response was influenced by seed source and year of collection. Irrespective of method, stratified A. amabilis seeds germinated slower but more completely under moderate (15:10 °C, day:night) than under warm (30:20 °C, day:night) conditions.