Germination requirements of flameleaf sumac

Abstract

Germination characteristics of flameleaf sumac (Rhus lanceolate) seeds were determined in a controlled environmental growth chamber using a short-day cycle (8 hr light/16 dark). Seeds must be scarified before germination can occur. Heat treatments can scarify flameleaf sumac seeds if temperatures reach 76 degrees C in wet environments or 82 degrees C in dry environments. Once scarified, germination of seeds occurred under a wide range of temperatures (10-25 degrees C) and pH (4-10). However, maximum germination of flameleaf sumac occurred when seeds were subjected to alternating temperatures of 10/20 degrees C with a short-day light cycle. Surrounding medium must have a high osmotic potential (-0.1 megapascal) and a pH of 10 for maximum germination. Fire enhances these conditions thus aiding the establishment of flameleaf sumac following burning. No differences in emergence occurred when seeds were placed 0 to 6 cm in the soil profile.