EFFECTS OF THE WATER PRESOAKING DURATION AND GIBBERELLIC ACID TREATMENTS ON SEED GERMINATION OF Argania spinosa L. UNDER NURSERY CONDITIONS

In this study, the effects of pre-sowing soaking seed treatments and application of different gibberellic acid (GA sub(3)) solutions on the germination of argan (Argania spinosa L.) were studied. Argan seeds were exposed to 24, 48, 72 and 96 h pre-sowing soaking and 0, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg L super(-1) GA sub(3) treatments. The highest germination rate (56.67%) in argan seeds soaked prior to sowing was obtained with soaking in water for 96 h. The germination rate increased by 100% in argan seeds soaked for 96 h than seeds soaked for 24 h. In parallel with the increase in GA sub(3) dose, germination rate of argan seeds increased, as well. The 2000 ppm GA sub(3) was the best treatment (58.34%). Soaking seeds in water for 96 h or 2000 ppm GA sub(3) practices reduced the germination time of argan seeds to reach 50% of germination. The highest germination rate occurred on the 22 super(nd)-24 super(th) days with the soaking practices of seeds prior to sowing, while it took place on the 20 super(th)-22 super(th) days with GA sub(3) practices.