Effects of cold stratification and sowing time on germination of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) and wild almond (Amygdalus orientalis L.) seeds

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the proper pretreatments on seeds of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) and wild almond (Amygdalus orientalis L.) to overcome their germination obstacles. For this purpose, the seeds were kept in 5000 ppm ashen-water for three days. Experiments were carried out consisting of eight sowing dates (from 1st October to 15th March with 15 days intervals), and 13 different cold stratification periods (at 6 +/- 1 degrees C for 15 to 120 days) in the terms of both in 2004 to 2005 and 2005 to 2006. The seeds were sown in the open field conditions, and statistical approach was completely randomized blocks design with four replications. 100 seeds per replicate were used. Statistical analysis showed that the results from two terms did not vary for both species. Seeds stratified for 60 or fewer days did not show enough germination. As result of the study, it could be concluded that either seeds should be sown after early rainfall in autumn or cold stratification for 75 to 120 days could be applied for seeds of both almonds.