The effects of sowing time and depth on germination and seedling percentage of the Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate sowing time and depth in spring for Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich) in Turkey. The effects of sowing time and depth were determined with regard to the germination rate of seedlings’ quality. The seeds were collected from Kapidag-Isparta, in Turkey, in 2003 and 2004. The seeds were sown at 6 different dates and 5 different depths under natural conditions without any pre-treatment in 2004 and 2005. The statistical approach was randomized block design with 3 replications and 100 seeds were sown for each replication. The 1000 seed weights and germination percentages of the seeds were determined under laboratory conditions before sowing in the nursery. According to analysis of variance and Duncan’s test, in locations with appropriate soil conditions, seeds should be sown at 5 mm depth as soon as possible until the second half of February. The germination of 65% can be obtained from seeds sown under these conditions. High quality, bare root and one-year-old seedlings can be grown from approximately 55% of the seeds. Moreover, spring sowing should not take place after March 15th and at depths of more than 20 mm.