[Seed germinating characteristics of endangered plant Magnolia officinalis].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To find out the optimal condition for the germination and cultivation condition on Magnolia officinalis, and offer the basis for standardized culture of M. officinalis. METHOD: The study was carried out with in-door experiment, using light, temperature, soil water content and seed soaking in different water temperature treatments, the effects of different treatments on seed germination percentage of M. officinalis were investigated. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The germination percentage between light and dark treatments was significantly difference, it is indicated that the seed is light-sensitive. M. officinalis can germinate in a wide range of temperature, from 20 degrees C to 35 degrees C, and the suitable temperature was 25-30 degrees C, at which germination percentages were 59.2% and 54.6%. Germination percentage at 20/30 degrees C was 65%. The optimum soil water content was 25% for seed germination, at which germination percentages were 66.7%. The suitable soil water content was 20%-25%. In order to find out optimal temperature for soaking, seeds were soaked in water at the temperatures of 40, 60, 80, 90 degrees C for 10 minutes. The optimum water temperature was 60 degrees C for seed germination, and hard coated seed percentage was reduced. Seed germination rate can be inhibited under too high water temperature. Seed germination percentage was significantly difference in different germinating bed.