Journal of Biological Sciences1727-30481812-5719Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jbs.2009.825.828RostamiA.A. ShasavarA. 8200998Present study conducted to evaluate the effects of chemical
and mechanical scarification treatments on percentage and rate of seed
germination of olive cultivars (Arbequina and Koronaiki). Results indicated
that chemical and mechanical scarification treatments followed by an adequate
stratification period can increase seed germination significantly. The
best results obtained by chemical scarification treatments and mechanical
scarification were not as effective. Chemical scarification treatments
removed seed surrounding structure more uniform. The least germination
rate and percentage was observed in control treatments. The highest germination
percentage of cv. Koronaiki obtained after 97% sulfuric acid solution
treatments for 6 h (up to 73%). Treating seeds of this cultivar by 97%
sulfuric acid for longer period resulted in damage to embryo and no seedlings
emerged after these treatments. The best result for cv. Arbequina observed
following 97% sulfuric acid treatment for 9 h (69.5%). Mechanical treatment
had no effect on germination percentage or germination rate of seeds of
this cultivar. Growth of olive seedlings also increased by scarification
treatments significantly. Results suggested that chemical and mechanical
scarification treatments can improve germination percentage and seedling
growth of olive cultivars.]]>Awan, A.A., A. Iqbal and G. Idris,20032881882Bandino, G., P. Sedda and M. Mulas, 19994743535Hartmann, H.T., D.E. Kester, F.T. Davies and R.L. Greeve,20016th Edn.,Lagarda, A., G.C. Martin and D.E. Kester, 198318868869Lagarda, A., G.C. Martin and V.S. Polite,1983108741743Liphschitz, N., R. Gophna, M. Hartman and G. Biger, 1991Olea europaea L.) cultivation in the old world: A reassessment. ]]>18441453Orinos, T.H. and K. Mitrakos, 1991Olea europaea L.) var. Sylvestris (Miller) Lehr, mature zygotic embryos. ]]>27183187Sotomayor-Leon, E.M. and J.M. Cabalero, 1990286113116Voyiatzis, D.G. and I.C. Porlingis, 198762405411Voyiatzis, D.G. and T. Pratisa, 1994356148151Zohary, D. and P. Spiegel-Roy,1975187319327