Germination and seedling growth of Pinus Gerardiana in nursery: Effect of stratification period and temperature

Abstract

Pinus gerardiana has restricted distribution and has been put in endangered category due to indiscriminate cone/seed collection leading to complete lack of natural regeneration in the species. Owing to poor nursery performance, seeds were subjected to six stratification periods under four stratification temperatures regimes to break dormancy and enhance germination and growth of seedlings in the nursery. 60 days stratification period under 4±1oC temperature significantly improved germination (64.35%) and seedling parameters in the species. The study assumes importance for production of quality planting material for the afforestation programme in the fragile and poor site conditions prevailing in Chilgoza growing zone.