Studies on Cone Maturation and Pre-sowing Seed Treatment on Germination Behaviour of Chilgoza Pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall.)

Present study deals with the treatment of seeds with growth regulators and chemicals to enhance germinability of seeds of chilgoza pine (Pinus girardiana) which is an endemic but highly endangered species of North-Western Himalaya. The study revealed that significantly higher germination (73.23%), germination capacity (78.45%), germination energy (43.09%) and germination value (3.11) in chilgoza pine seed coincided with 4^th collection date i.e. 4^th October. At this stage the decreased cone specific gravity (0.87) and moisture content (43.09%) was found to have a promotry affect on germination behaviour of the seed. Application of 100ppm GA₃ proved to be the most effective pre-sowing treatment, resulting in highest success in chilgoza pine seed. Similarly, twenty four hour soaking proved to be more effectiveas compared to twelve hours soaking for improving germination parameters in chilgoza seed.