Stratification conditions determining seed dormancy release of European bladder nut (Staphylea pinnata L.)

European bladder nut has its northern limit in Poland and is legally protected. Climatic conditions, edible seeds attractive for small animals and seed dormancy to a large extent affect its restocking under natural conditions. The aim of this study was to determine conditions for seed dormancy release. Nuts dried after collection to ca 11% of moisture content (fresh weight basis) may be stored without loss of seed viability for over 1 year in a cold store at the temperature of -3oC. For the purpose of seed dormancy release nuts need to be stratified. Seed dormancy release was found highest after the application of warm-followed-by-cold stratification, first for 4-6 weeks at the temperature of 15oC or at cyclically alternating temperature of 10~20oC (24+24 h/cycle), followed by 16-18 weeks at 3oC. Seeds germinate at 3oC with the same rate as at cyclically alternating temperature of 3~15oC (16+8 h/day). Drying of nuts at room temperature to approx. 11% during the warm stratification phase (after 2 or 4 weeks) and further stratification resulted in a significant increase in seed germinability. In some seed lots scarification of nuts (dried during the warm stratification phase) contributes to a further significant increase of seed germinability.