Overcoming root dormancy and identifying the storage behaviour of Lilium polyphyllum seeds

Lilium polyphyllum is a critically endangered medicinal herb of Himalaya. Seeds have epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy, and in the field a minimum of 34 weeks is required for root emergence. To date, treatments to decrease the time for root protrusion and seed storage behaviour have not been determined. We evaluated the effects of plant growth regulators and nitrogenous compounds and seed scarification on root emergence and determined the storage behaviour of seeds. Root emergence at 20°C was significantly increased by 100 ppm IBA, KNO3 and thiourea and by application of NaOCl solution for 30 min. Mean germination time was decreased significantly by 50 ppm GA3 (28 days) compared to 100 ppm GA3 (36 days). After 12 months of dry storage, viability of seeds (TTC method) at room temperature (10-35°C), 0-4°C and -20±1°C was 95%, 100% and 100%, respectively; thus, seeds have orthodox storage behaviour. Our recommendation for seedling production is to store seeds at room temperature until they can be sown under warm wet conditions. Roots emerge after about 8 weeks, and then seeds should be given a 2-week cold moist treatment to break shoot dormancy. After 2 weeks of cold, transfer seeds to warm (20°C) spring temperatures to promote growth.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author