Effects of cold stratification on seed germination of wild-grown pomegranate population

Generative mode of plant propagation greatly depends on the stratification of seeds. Pomegranate is a drought tolerant tree growing in arid or semiarid zones, and being present in many countries along the Mediterranean basin. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are various wild-grown pomegranates which fruits are mostly used to make pomegranate juice. To gain better understanding of the seed germination of pomegranate (Punicagranatum L.) wild-grown population from Bosnia and Herzegovina, we conducted a study on the impact of stratification duration on seed germination. Studies were carried out in plant nursery, under controlled conditions. Previously, we have collected seeds from bushes in Herzegovina and we kept them at low temperatures for 10-20-30 days. Then, seeds were sown in the substrate on warm tables. Germinated seeds were observed periodically during 60 days to determine germination percentages and germination rates. Interestingly, the shortest stratification time showed highest germination percentage for this pomegranate population.