Author : Yahya F. Tasimin

Summary : Pinus merkusii seeds collected from parent tree of various ages (11-15, 16-20, 21-25, and 26-30 years) were exposed to varying light quality, stratification, KNO (subscript 3), GA (subscript 3), and H( subscript 2) O(subscript 2) treatments. Seed germination and seedling growth were observed. Seed germination was significantly higher in seeds collected from parent trees 11-15 and 16-20 years old as compared to seeds collected from the other parent trees. Similarly, seedlings derived from seeds collected from parent trees 11-15 and 16-20 years old gave the best seedling growth in terms of dry weight, height, and diameter. Seed germination was significantly affected by light quality treatments. Normal and red light treatments gave higher seed germination than blue, far-red, and dark treatments. Correspondingly, seedlings exposed to normal and red light exhibits the best growth in terms of dry weight, height, and diameter. Seed germination and seedling growth were not significantly affected by KNO (subscript 3) treatments. However, treatment with GA (subscript 3) significantly improved germination. Highest germination was obtained by seeds treated with 500 ppm GA (subscript 3). Seedling growth was not affected by GA (subscript 3) treatments. H (subscript 2) O (subscript 2) treatments did not significantly improve seed germination. However, seedling growth was significantly improved by seeds treated with 30 percent H (subscript 2) O (subscript 2) in terms of shoot/root ratio and dry weight. Stratification treatment significantly improved seed germination. Highest germination was obtained by seeds placed in moist, sterilized vermiculite in the refrigerator for about two weeks. However, stratification treatments did not significantly affect seedling growth. Finally, the germination of seeds collected from parent trees 11-15 and 16-20 years old, exposed to normal and red light, treated with 500 ppm GA (subscript 3), and placed in moist, sterilized vermiculite for about two weeks improved.