The effect of alternating temperature treatment on seed germination of Pulsatilla tongkangensis

The effect of alternating temperature on the germination of Pulsatilla tongkangensis seeds was investigated. Open pollinated seeds were wrapped in a moist paper towel for alternating temperature treatments. Seeds were sown in cells filled with Miracle-Gro Potting Mix and then topped with 0.5 cm of Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix. The number of germinated seeds was counted daily until no further germination was observed for 3 to 4 days. The maximum germination rate (49%) was achieved in 18 days when seeds were treated at 22°C for 7 days followed by 5 °C for 7 days, and germinated at 20°C. The low germination rate could result from the inclusion of empty seeds. Mature P. tongkangensis seeds may not have a shallow physiological dormancy since germination was not improved with 14 days of 5°C.