Seed germination of Allochrusa gypsophiloides(Caryophyllaceae), an endemic species from Central Asia and Kazakhstan

The results of evaluating the laboratory seed germination of endemic Allochrusa gypsophiloides (Turkestan soap root), depending on storage conditions in combination with gibberellic acid treatment (GA 3 ), are presented. In dry storage, control seeds were characterised by a long after-ripening period and a fluctuating germination behaviour upon removal from storage, with a maximum value of 23%. The sensitivity of seeds to GA 3 during dry storage varied significantly, with two germination peaks at 5-7 months, and 12 months (37.5 and 50% germination, respectively). Cold stratification and cryo-preservation accelerated seed after-ripening, promoted germination synchronisation and increased seed sensitivity to GA 3 . The cold stratification of seeds increased germination four months earlier than during dry storage. GA 3 increased germination from 16.7 and 18.3% for the control to 37.5 and 45% for seeds cryopreserved for 5 and 12 months, respectively. We recommend cryopreserving Turkestan soap root seeds to avoid viability loss and to then germinate the seeds after pretreatment with GA 3 .