Seed storage and pre-sowing treatment affect germination of the timber tree Prunus arborea

In many countries, the demand for timber from native trees is increasing due to its beauty and durability but timber logging in natural forests has been prohibited for various reasons. Consequently, plantations of native tree species are increasing in area. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of storage and pre-sowing treatment on seed germination in Prunus arborea (Blume) Kalkman, the timber of which is used for furniture and construction. Four storage treatments (S1, clean seeds stored in a cloth bag under room conditions; S2, clean seeds stored in a cloth bag in a refrigerator at 5°C; S3, clean seeds stored in a cloth bag in a refrigerator at -30°C; and S4, clean seeds stored in wet sand at a nursery) and five pre-sowing treatments (PT1, soaked in normal water for 12 hours; PT2, soaked in normal water for 6 hours; PT3, soaked in 40°C–50°C water for 6 hours; PT4, soaked in 70°C–80°C water for 6 hours; and PT5, no pre-sowing treatment as a control) were tested. The results indicated that seeds in the S2 group retained a germination rate of 54% after 9 months of storage, while seeds in the other groups failed to germinate after 1 month of storage for S3, 3 months of storage for S4, and 6 months of storage for S1. Among the pre-sowing treatment groups, the lowest germination rate was found in PT4 (33.1%), which was half of that in PT1 (60.4%), PT2 (63.9%), PT3 (64.6%), and PT5 (62.8%). These findings indicate that seeds of P. arborea should be stored in a refrigerator at 5°C for less than 9 months and should be soaked in 40°C–50°C water for 6 hours before being sown in a wet sand bed.