OBJECTIVETo research the mechanism of dormancy and find out the breaking method for the seeds of Epimedium wushanense.

METHODThe water permeability of seed coat was tested by weighing seeds. The germination inhibitor of the seeds were determined with biotic measurement. The development of embryos, germination rate and germination potential were determined after stratification.

RESULTThe water permeability of seed coat was 41.86% after 5 h. The extracts of seeds had strong inhibition effects to the length growth of cabbage seedlings. The growth and development of embryos under the cold stratification (5 degrees C) were better than that under the other conditions. The embryo rate extended from 15.39% to 86.21% after 90 d. Germination rate and germination potential after stratification under 5 degrees C were significantly higher than that under other temperatures.

CONCLUSIONThe results showed that there was no obstacle of water permeability on the test of E. wushanense, after-ripening of embryogenesis and the germination inhibitor of the seed were the main reason for the seed dormancy. The cold stratification would be an effective way for breaking of the dormancy, which could significantly promote the seed embryogenesis and increase germination rate comparing to other methods.