Preliminary Studies on Germination of Birdcherry (<I>Prunus cornuta</I>) Seeds in the Nursery

Abstract

Effect of different presowing treatments and different time of sowing on germination of bird cherry (Prunus cornuta) seeds in the nursery were studied. The results showed that different presowing treatments were not helpful in softening of stony endocarp thus showing no influence on germination. However, results of different sowing time showed highly variable chilling requirements for seeds of within and among families from a single geographical range. Thus, for optimum germination, seed sowing should be undertaken immediately after seed collection so as to ensure proper stratification of seeds in the nursery beds.