The effect of seed size and some pre-treatments on the germination of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) seeds

This study aims to determine the effect of seed size and some pre-treatments on the germination of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) seeds. The seeds of Rhus coriaria L. were picked up at Artvin Çoruh University Seyitler campus in Artvin province. After they were separated from fruit flesh, the seeds were conserved at a refrigerator at an average temperature of 4°C. In order to find out the best method to eliminate the germination obstacles resulting from the shell thickness and hardness, which is known to exist in Rhus coriaria L. species, a total of 15 treatments were applied to 3 different seed sizes (5 for each seed size). These are cold treatment- sulfuric acid, cold treatment- gibberellic acid, cold treatment, sulfuric acid and control. The study was carried out in greenhouses and laboratories. Consequently, 90 treatment combinations were created as result of 3 seed sizes x 5 different treatments x 3 repetitions x 2 different environmental conditions. As a pre-treatment, cold treatment was applied to the seeds for 45 days (except control). At the end of this duration, the seeds in this group were kept in H2SO4 (concentrated) ve GA3(2000ppm) for half an hour. After this procedure, the pre-treated seeds were brought to greenhouse and laboratory areas and they were planted on 28th of January, 2016. In the greenhouse, 30 voyols (3x30) were used with three repetitions and two seeds were planted in each hole. In the laboratory area, 45 petri plates (3x1) were used with three repetitions and 30 seeds were planted in each petri plate. The results of the study suggest that the highest germination percentage was achieved with big-size cold treatment- sulfuric acid in greenhouse environment (50,59%).