Methods to break seed dormancy of Astragalus cyclophyllon

The aim of this study was to enhance the germination rate of Astragalus cyclophyllon seeds which have a very low germination rate under normal conditions. The seeds were soaked for 72 h in 100, 200, 300,400 and 500 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) solution, H2SO4 concentrations (50 and 98%) at two treatment times (5 and 10 min) and 60, 80 and 100ºC hot water at two treatment times (5 and 10 min) beforeplacing in Petri dishes. The fresh seeds (non-stratified) of A. cyclophyllon had 55% germination. Analysis of variance indicated that both GA3 and H2SO4 concentrations had significant effects on seed germination and final germination percentage. The highest germination percentage (81%) was obtained when the seeds were treated with 500 ppm GA3. The results showed that hot water treatments are not useful methods for breaking the seeds dormancy