Investigations on ecology and reproduction of Pyrus serikensis A.Güner & H. Duman (Rosaceae)

The purpose of this study is to determine seed germination, seedling growth and survival percentage of Pyrus serikensis, an endemic species in Serik-Antalya region in southern Turkey. To obtain seeds for germination study, mature fruits were collected from natural stands in late December, both in 2009 and 2010. Seeds were first stored under different temperature conditions (20-22 ºC room temperature and 4 ºC refrigerator). The seeds were then germinated under various combinations of two photoperiods (complete dark, and light-dark (18-6 hrs)), three temperature (15, 20, 25 ºC), and two different hormone conditions (1 ppm and 10 ppm). Trials were performed in three replications. To observe seedling growth and survival, 2 year old containerized seedlings were planted in two test sites in 2009 within the distribution range of the species, near Serik. Soil samples were taken from the test sites to determine basic soil properties. Long term climatic data of the region were also obtained. The results showed that seeds collected in 2009 had significantly (p<.0001) higher percentage germination than those in 2010 (% 52 vs % 12). The best combination for seed germination of Pyrus serikensis was observed under 15 °C + light-dark treatment (18 hrs light + 6 hrs dark) in germination cabinet, following seed storage under room temperature. There were no significant differences among hormone treatments of seeds prior to germination test. The soil type in the test sites was loamy, limy, alcali and salt-free. Macro- and micro- nutrient in soil showed no signs of deficiency at the test sites. In the overall field tests, % 85 of seedlings survived at the end of the first growing season. The annual overall average growth of the seedlings was 10.34 cm. No differences were observed in the test sites both in survival and growth traits.KEY WORDS: Pyrus serikensis, Growth, Germination, Light, Temperature, GA3