Effect of growth regulating substances on stratification of wild apricots (Prunus armeniaca) kernels under Kashmir conditions

A field experiment was carried out during 2008–09 to investigate the effect of growth regulators on the stratified and un-stratified kernels of wild apricot. The data on the observations on seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings were recorded. Three growth regulators at 3-different levels each viz., GA₃ @ 250, 500, 750 ppm, thiourea @ 0.2, 0.4, 0.6% and KNO₃ @ 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% were applied to the extracted kernels. The results showed that maximum (76.85%) seed germination was recorded in kernels treated with growth regulators are sown directly in the nursery beds, however, survival rate of 80.13% of the germinated seedlings was recorded maximum when subjected to stratification for a period of two months. Maximum germination of the kernels and survival rate of the seedlings was obtained at GA₃ 500 ppm both under stratified and un-stratified conditions. All of the growth characters of the seedlings were recorded maximum in the stratified kernels, however, proved the essentiality of stratification during the dormancy stage of seeds.