THE CONTROL OF APRICOT SEED DORMANCY AND GERMINATION BY LOW TEMPERATURE TREATMENTS

Objective: Freshly harvested seeds of “Local” apricot variety were found to be dormant and did not germinate at all. A specific low-temperature stratification treatment was required overcome seed dormancy. The most effective temperature for breaking dormancy, germination, seedling growth 5°C cold (CS). Increased germination percentage recorded when the period prolonged. Seedling developed from stratified had better than those non-stratified seeds.
 Methods: For treatments, with removed endocarp mixed moistened sand. Afterward, they subjected a 5°C. Seeds in pots 30 cm×40 cm. Stratified regularly irrigated once per week. To prevent water loss during upper surface covered by sack. following applied variety: CS 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and15 days 1998 1999 years variety.
 Results: Apricot about 15 reach maximum normal growth. Moreover, prolonged, some chemical constituents increased other decreased. Therefore, it can suggested that dormancy is coincided several changes different seeds. Some these materials (total, reducing non-reducing sugars, total free amino acids, indoles, conjugated phenols) such as phenols which decreased germinations.
 Conclusion: CS.