Improvement of Seed Germination of Date-plum (Diospyros lotus L.) by Physical and Chemical Treatments

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is an important subtropical, monoecious, dioeocious and polygamous tree which belongs to Ebenaceae family. Because of low total seed and low viability seed in persimmon, grafting on seedling rootstock is generally used for its propagation. The common rootstock is Diospyros lotus, but its seeds have long dormancy. So, the study was carried out to investigate the effects of stratification (0, 25, 50 and 70 days) at 4-7°C, scarification with (97%) sulphuric acid (0, 2.5, 5 and7.5 minute) and GA3 (0, 250, 500 and 750 mgL-1) on seed germination of D. lotus. Results showed that the most germination rate was observed in GA3 at 250 mgL-1. Stratification for 70 days had the most germination percent. The most germination uniformity was observed in GA3 at 500 mgL-1. In scarification plus stratification, the germination percent was lower than control and stratification.