Abstract

Quercus species are major forest forming species and helps in sustaining an ecosystem. Natural regeneration of these species is very poor due to various biological and physical factors. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different pre-sowing treatments (scarification and cold- stratification) on seed germination of two Quercus species, that is, Quercus serrata (deciduous) and Quercus semecarpifolia (evergreen). On the basis of the present study, it was observed that pretreated seeds germinated better in comparison with control, and both species responded differently to the treatments. The deciduous, lower altitude Q. serrata gave better results in comparison with the evergreen, high altitude Q. semecarpifolia in terms of percent germination and time taken for germination. Being a simple and cost effective method, the results of the present study could be used for developing nurseries for commercial purposes.

Key words:  Pre sowing treatments, seed germination, stratification, scarification, Quercus.