SEED PROPAGATION IN BERBERIS-BUXIFOLIA LAM

B. buxifolia is an important source of alkaloids as are other species of the genus. This work describes the requirements and characteristics of seed germination in B. buxifolia. Germination percentage at sixtie th day was affected by both stratification time and light conditions d uring germination. Germination percentage was maximum when the seeds w ere chilled for 3000 h and germinated in darkness (54.8%); 15 days are required to attain 100% germination. Seeds without chilling (in light or darkness) did not germinate. These results indicate that B. buxifo lia seed could have deep dormancy.