Several factors affecting on seed germination of Dracocephalum argunense Fischer ex Link

Dracocephalum argunense Fischer ex Link (Labiatae) is a perennial herbaceous plant used as valuable materials for ornamentals, honey production, and pharmaceutics. Since seed germination of this species was quite difficult, present studies were conducted to improve the germination rate by subjecting the seeds to various environmental conditions (temperature and light) and treatments (scarification, priming and seed coating). Optimum temperature for adequate germination was 20$^{\circ}C$ though it ranged from 15$^{\circ}C$ to 25$^{\circ}C$, and low temperature treatment improved germination rate. Light was required for higher germination rate in this species. The scarification of seeds resulted in much higher germination, especially by the physical treatment with sandpaper or chemical treatment with sulfuric acid for 30 seconds. Various primers with different concentrations were treated on the seeds and it was demonstrated that low temperature enhanced germination rate, regardless of kinds and concentrations of the primers. Three treatment combinations of the primers, 0.5 mM $GA_{3}$ treated for 48 hours, 0.5 mM IAA for 24 hours, and 1.0 mM IAA for 24 hours, increased the seed germination rate profoundly. Soaking treatment of inorganic salts, $KNO_{3}$ and $KH_{3}PO_{4}$, promoted germination when seeds were subjected to low temperature. Water soluble primers such as sucrose at 0.5 and 3% concentration and solid primer talc powder were effective in enhancing germination rate.