Laboratory germination testing of the sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) according to ISTA rules

Sa？etak The paper presents the results of laboratory germination testing and morphological characteristics of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) seedlings. The research samples were collected in the sub-Mediterranean region of Croatia, and the working sample for germination testing was 8×25 seeds. Prior to germination testing, the seeds were stored in a refrigerator for three months at 3°C. The percentage of laboratory germination was established according to the percentage of regular seedlings which germinated normally after 27 days of testing. The testing was carried out in a laboratory under the conditions prescribed by ISTA (International Seed Testing Association). A digital photo camera was used to take photos of all abnormal seedlings, which were then catalogued with their pictures and descriptions. The results of this research are very useful for nursery practice and can be applied in producing plants from seeds, rootstocks for grafting, and further raising of seedlings to be grown in plantations